Qass t ^ I /i / r.:-!^ -V \^y— i '^ I KND I f l"?^^^^^"^^ e^i^ls:^^ >r^ s>l?> .^1^ ,4^fv;.,^r? (^i I JJECOSTi^ COUNTY, JJICi^. CONTAINING gOr^TI^AITS AND BlOGI^APHIGAL Sl^EiFGHES ppoginent and I^epre^eiifiatiVB ditizeq^ of tlje Countij, TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVER.VORS OF MICHIGAN AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. ALSO CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTOKY OF THE COUNTY, FKOM ITS EAKLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE I'RESUNT TIME. CHICAGO: -/(^•iiAi'M-W i;k() riii:us. 1883. r ' ^ It \ r (1 w^^nw^ ' y,i T , •^ t T7 ■vr f A^ ) * A :<$ V ') c SSI ( ^y// ^ 1 ■^^^€ »^ • o ' ^ <-Il!ir<(lD^>A^ ^ « !• f tff*- ■:^^K ^rT<:Iin:^:iin>:>r-' >*€^sr ^ A >« V > t ■■ '• t 1 _^^,.^^. ^<®f<||^$S'^ TT--) IT ^1 i\i '^ '■ *s 1 f «| /■■- ^ Ji L ~X ^Ns) •>.c \j ISHING to adhere to the time-honored but often unnecessary custom of introdiic- 4 ing books with a preface, we now proceed to thus formally present the Portrait I V;' f A ^ "^f^ ^ ",;§ AN'D Biographical Album of Mecosta County, Michigan. We promise, how- ever, that the introduction shall be brief. In reference to the vahie and import- ance of biography, of which this work is largely composed, we wish to say a word. it® It is conceded, not only by the best philosophical writers, but by intelligent ■ O practical men the world over, that there is nothing which creates an aspiration so noble and laudable within the heart and mind of the young man who is struggling against adversity, poverty, and an humble position in society, as to read how other men have risen to eminent and honored jiositions from the self-same lowly walks of life he now occupies. It is a source of great encouragement to them. It is also a '^ duty that each generation owes to the succeeding ones, to record and preserve the personal history of its leading and active men. There is no better way to preserve the history of a nation than in the lives of the men who make such history. Our forefathers were very largely negligent of this duty to posterity. We now only know the names of our ancestors, and often not even so much has been preserved. We know nothing of their lives, long and useful though they were. ism In the preparation of the jjersonal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treated indifferently in the entire book, and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published. In reference to the history of the county, which is very fully treated, we wish to call the attention of the reader to the extraordinarily rapid growth and development of the county since its first settlement. But a few years ago the primeval forest was ' occupied only by the wild beasts and the Red Man. To-day prosperous cities, busy factories and mills, fine farms, school-houses and churches are to be seen everywhere throughout its borders. Nowhere has the busy activities of our days, the march of progress, the wonderful advance of science and art, contributed more to the rapid and remarkable development of any portion of the Northwest than in the County of Mecosta. As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous repre- sentative citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented in this department; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the ^ gentlemen whose portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the callings and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with those presented, but of course it was impossible for us to give iwr- traits of all the leading men and pioneers of the county. CHAPMAN BROTHERS. (Chicago, Deccmlxi, 1.SS3, ■pf"- •-^ ^ H 1 V* nn; >>-^ -^N?^^ <^ ^^^ •TTV m^i^^^>r m 1 J ViE/ A I -:^>^r^ — ^— ^<:il n :^ Dtl^>^-^ — ^^>^^f^ c ^ $s^ I ~^%trsr ■^m'Mh>rr "ZdHu^-' ■■^:s U l^i 'f I* A V ik^^ 3B I I i A Ackerman, David 4=: Adair, James M ... .421 Adair, Nelson V 241 Ad.ims, John 23 Adams, John Qiiincy 39 Adams, Norman W 261 Aitken, James 555 Albro, Henry T 329 A Id rich. Forest W 4Q0 Andrews, Wm. H 422 .Ariss, Thomas 504 Armstrong, John V 443 Armstrong, Joseph A 284 Arthur, Chester .\ 99 Austin, Robert 455 B Bacon, Barnabas 201 Baglcy, John J 157 Baker, L. S 449 Baldwin, Henry P 153 Bane. Alexander 436 Barnard, Charles F 450 Barnhart, Noah 210 Barnhart, Wm 260 Barry, John S 113 Barstow, Sumner 508 Barto, David W 303 Barto, Joseph B 242 Beebc, Nelson H 303 Bcgole. Josiah W 169 Bell, John A 250 Bell, Wm. A 269 Bellamy. John 346 Hctnis, l.iithcr 341 Benjamin, David M 538 Bennett. A. W 388 Bennett, Hasard 380 Bcnscoter, John W 416 Bcntley, Ora F 380 Benthien, Carl 381 liiiiKham, Kinsley S 137 Bisbcc, Jasper E 539 Btackmar. P 259 Blair. Au-;tin 145 Blanchard, Herbert P ..990 Blossom, John 43S ■A i ^'^•W— <«^ ^^U^J:'=-^•^>-'VA/^^ BIOGl^p^F^iapIJ. - ocrx> 'oOo" Borst, Julius R 319 Koyd, Myron H 182 Uovay , Robert H 467 Brackett, George -363 Brady, George 433 Brander, Wni 374 . Brcakcy, Andrew 503 Briggs, Martin L 331 Brigham, Elisha A 5C2 Bright, John H 422 Brock way, Ass 227 Brockway, Wm 208 Bronson, Gen. Stephen 187 Broonifield, Wm 444 Brown, Dr. Benj. F. >.5'6 Brown, Benson E. 526 Brown, Harrison J 314 Brown, Henry D 272 Brown, Henry R 264 1 Brown, John F 556 Brown, Maria E 52^ Brown, Hon. Michael 197 Brown, Silas 318 Brown, Stephen W 485 Brown, Wm. H 553 Bruce, Valorus W 480 Buchanan, James. . . 75 Buck. James H 555 Buck, Samuel... 219 Buck, Wilbcr H 213 Bullcck, Danifl C 334 Bump, Wm. H 299 Burdick, Eugene F 474 Burkart, Dr. John L 386 Burrison, Jamss 552 c Cahill, Joseph 223 Cahill, Peter.. 350 Cahill, Thorr as 283 Calkins. Charles W 282 Campbell. John R 228 Campbell, John S, 214 Canaan, Asher L 33*> Canaan, James S 339 Cannon, Edwin *7' Capcn. Randall T 43'* Carman, Mahlon 3Q* Carpenter, Charles D 203 Carpenter, Persons T 363 Carr, Elijah. 351 Carr, John 450 Cartwright. Lcroy 455 Caudle, James 459 Cawthorne, James P 430 Chapin. Allen 479 Chipman, Lemuel F 208 Chipman, L. F .224 Chipman. S. S 191 Clark, Henry M 188 Clark, John Q. A ... .^ .190 Clement, Aaron S 278 Clifton, Chas. W.. 290 Clink, John 356 Coatcs, Nathan M 554 Colby, James M 509 Cole, Elijah 193 Cole, M yjron M ,261 Collins, Michael S 260 Collins, Richard 334 Compton^ Bion H 330 Comstock, Chester W 540 Conner, John M 454 Corbctt, Elizabeth 387 Corbet t, William 308 Corey, Benjamin F 332 Corey, Lanson F 320 Corncil, George P 515 Cornell, George W 550 Cota, Henry S - 209 Crandell, Charles D 498 Crandcll, Stephen R 491 Crane, Charles H 496 Crapo, Henry H 149 Creevey, William 453 Crocker, John M 248 Crocker, 'Ihomas R.. 312 Croswell. Charles M i6r Cunninsham, Charles W 516 D Dal/icI, Benjamin 379 Dab id, James 980 Darrah , Charles M 337 Darrah, James M 425 Darrah, Wilson E 440 Davenport, Byron S 351 Davidson, A 37*» <■«— -^^^^ @rK^^D!l>:llI]r>^ Davidson, William 391 Davis, Bartley 344 Davis, Ellis 204 Davis, James 334 Davis. John 243 Decker, Gilbert A 406 l^ecker, James N 317 Decker, John D 344 Decker, Peter S 537 Decker, Richard S 419 Degear, Michael 310 De Long, Joseph A 394 Denney, James M 486 Dcnncy, Nathan 383 Denney, William F 538 Dewey. Elijah F 199 Dixon. James 334 Dopp. Matthew 399 Doyle, Michael ...\ 9io Dubois, J.-»cob M 466 Dumon, Frank 407 Dutcher, Mrs. Mary A 356 Dye, James R 4'» Dye. Morris G 408 E Eaton, John 407 Eaton, Noah 461 Edmonds, 'i'imothy 314 KUlrcdge. A. W 420 Ely. Arnold 443 Erikson, Patrick 377 Escott, Joseph T 519 Evans, John S .277 Evans, Henry C 389 Everharl. Joseph J . . 4^ F Falardo, Joseph 45^ Kairman, Ferdinand 247 Felch. Alphcus 117 Ferguson, Wm. M 4" Ferris, Isaac W sSl Fillmore, Millard 67 Fitzgerald, Edward 34*> Flake, John 406 FoKlesang. Eli W 969 Ford Ira A 3«8 :<•: r I 1 INDEX. ■^•^^ 4^^f^^«' 15^^ % f ) > •^ Foster, John H 302 Frederick, Eli 483 Fredrickson, John, Jr 498 Freiberg, John 323 Fribley, John B 534 Friedel, Adam 239 Frye, Solomon F 202 Fuller. David C 40* Fuller, Hon. C. C 177 Fuller, James W 503 G Gale & Hood 244 Ganong, Albert H 415 Gardner, Theodore C 349 (Jarfield, Jamas A 05 Garling, David L 338 Gates, Dr. S. A 293 Gaunt, Joseph 545 Gay, Charlie 405 Gensman, Edward 222 Gilchrist, Edward 304 Gill, John G 229 Gilmore, Henry R 238 Gingrich, John B 351 Gingrich , Peter B 352 Glidden, Durelle F 472 Glidden, Oliver D 553 Gottshall, George M 268 Grant, Ulysses S 87 Gray, Silvester H 231 Gray, Wm. S 234 Green, George W 270 Greenly, William L 121 Grimme, Father Henry W 486 Grimes, George 466 Griswold, L. S 200 Groner, Dr. F. J 376 Groomt James H 408 Gross, Orsemus 232 Gruber, J. E 191 H A Haggit, George A 340 Haist, George F 203 Hale, George 1 324 Hall, Reuben N 249 Hane, Caleb V 294 Haney, Edward G 380 Hanifan, Thomas 254 Hanson, Andrew 333 Hanson, Henry D 219 Harmon, Edward 309 Harrington, Harvey 346 Harrington, John 239 Harrison, Wm. H 51 Haskill, Sidney 345 Haslcm, Edward 362 Hatfield, George E 322 Hathaway, Eli 491 Hayes, Eli 461 Hayes, Rutherford B gi HeaUl, CIcorge W 323 Hearn, Henry 240 ■'' S Helms, George 302 :^ Hendryx, Wilbur A 465 Henry* Charles H 546 Hickcy, John 556 Hicks. Wm. H 508 ■& Higbee, Nelson 267 Hill, Eli 262 Hinman, Charles 230 Hinton, John 554 Hobart, Mart E 501 Hodskey, Leister C 394 Hood & Gale 244 Hooker. A. S -537 Hopkinson, Wm. D 4»S Horton, Daniel 293 Horton, Edward T 3^3 Horton, Seneca 279 Horton, Thomas G 522 Howd, Waller S 387 Hoynes, Stephen 555 Hudnuit, Edward W 262 Hugh, William 453 Hughes, Rassel B 545 Huling, Jared P 373 Hullinger, James 298 Hummer, J- B 198 Hunt, TheophJtus C 379 Hunter. James T 304 Hunter, John 231 Hurley, Thomas K 533 Hutchinson, L- N 212 Hyatt, Leonard ..... 274 Hyatt, Wm. J 509 Hyde. Hannibal 253 J Jackson, Andrew 43 Jacques, Wm. M. Jr , 485 Jamieson. Robert 460 Jefferson, Thomas 27 Jerome, David H 165 Johnson, Amos 258 Johnson, Andrew 83 Johnson, Charles O 323 Johnson, Christian 274 Johnson, Hugh 426 Johnson, James 474 Jones, Wm- T 297 Joslin, Frederick W 273 Judkins, Capt- James 4^7 K Kassner, Matthias 199 Keegan, Michael 233 Kelley, Barnabas 430 Kelley, Charles W 3c8 Kelley, Darwin B 503 Kelley, Peter 532 Kenrick, Edwin H 495 Kent, Monroe R 416 Kent, Rufus 381 King, Darwin C 460 Kinnee, Jesse 212 Kirvan, John E 183 Knapp, Abel B 513 Knettles, G. M. D 456 Ladner, Herbert 515 Ladncr, Hon. Wm 489 La Douceur, Charles H 214 Ladouccur, Napoleon 394 La Grange, Ephraim 289 Lake, William O 244 Lamb, Munson 434 Langworthy, Edward 284 Lazell, Thomas i8g Le Duke, John 328 Leggett, Dr. I. J 398 Lincoln, Abraham 79 Lincoln, L. C 253 Lockman, .^bram 498 Lonsdale, John 397 Loop, Philer 219 Losie, Leo 271 Loucks, Jacob H 338 Lovejoy, Benjamin T 426 Lovejoy, Charles B 426 Loveless, Loren T 521 Lowe, William 313 Ludington, Charles H ig8 Luther, Fredeiick R 311 M Madison, James 3* Maguire. John 314 Main, Charles 310 Main, Henry 338 Main, John M 340 Malone, George R 343 Mann, James W 454 Mann. John F 528 Manning, Rev. Wm. H 528 Mansfield , Henry -308 Marsh, Edwin J 328 Martiny, John 39^ Martz, John G 184 Mason, Alfred S 540 Mason, Stevens T 105 Maxon, Frank S 540 McArthur, Charles 208 McCamley, Wm. M 264 McClelland, Robert 129 McCombs, Wm. A 420 McConnelt. Asa 218 McCormIck, James 504 McCormick.Malcom 484 McDuffie, Henson 480 McElroy, J. F 502 McFarlan, Walter 546 McFarlane, Andrew 433 McGill, Joseph 220 Mcintosh. Ira 210 McKeon, Patrick 202 McKewen, John 357 McLellan, Duncan 507 McMullen, Dr. B. H 364 McPherson,Wm H 304 Menere. Levi S 264 Mero, Gilbert ai2 Merrill, John B 224 Miller, George 339 Miller, William 49° Mills. Henry 218 Mills, James A 345 Milner, Jonathan 439 Mitchell, James 357 Mitchell, Nathaniel 299 Mitchell, Samuel S 237 Mitchell, Wm. G 549 Monroe, James 35 Montague, Charles H 319 Montonye, Wm. P 486 ^foody, W. D 273 ■^"^y^ <:ii!i^nD;t>^ -^^€^ Moore, Chas. S 220 Moore, Henry H 352 Moore, Robert 402 Morse, Willis 422 Mortensen, Thomas P 264 Morton, John E 194 Mosher, Dewitt C 220 Munn. Park 274 Mynning. Christian F 301 N Nethaway, Lyman 320 Newton, Samuel L 307 Nickens, Spencer 364 Nisbett, Wm. P 552 Northrup, Clarence L 361 o O'Brien, Dominick 283 Olin, Giles 251 O'Neil, James 201 O'NeiU John 183 Orwig, Harry 1 412 Osborn , Nathan igg Osborne, Abel C 269 Osgood, Lucius L 230 Ostrander, Chas 201 Overton, Wm. E 331 p Palmer, Floyd 314 Palmer. Gilbert S 291 ParkiU, James M 462 Parks , Clarence 233 Parks, Robert D 311 Parrott, Jacob 440 Parsons, Andrew 133 Pattison.Dr. lacobW 332 Pearson , Silas 444 Pease, Dr. Jerome F 447 Pease, ZibaW 382 Peck. Whitfield H 222 Peirce, Hon. Edgar 522 Pelton, Lon. A 473 Pemberton.C. O 221 Pfistner. Frederick 367 Phelps. Edgar O 300 Phelps, Hon. Fitch 327 Philleo, Wm. C 454 Phillcy, James E 331 Pierce, Alfred 204 Pierce , Franklin 71 Pierce, Isaac W 248 Pike, JamesH 260 Pike, Lendall I rgo Pitman, Thomas B 540 Poling, Richard W 450 Polk, James K 59 Pordon, John 392 Porter, Frank J 223 Potter, John G 33a Powers, Benj. F 278 Precious Geo. W 289 Preston, Alonzo C Mt Pullman, Chas. W 467 Q Quiglcy, David 183 Quigley, Edward R 200 v^ I i r^■ r-iji^ INDEX. ■v^^^e5C^4^ f A >: ) Quiglcy, Lysantlcr 218 R Ransom. Epaphrolitus 153 Rapcr, JohnM 388 Rathvon, Benj. F 233 Rath%-oii, Chas 33<* Rnw<;on, Myron 38a Rccd,EliasS 193 Reed, G. W 525 Reed. Roland D 355 Reed, Thomas S 527 Reiier John E 250 Remus. William 401 Rcynicr, Julius : 370 Reynolds, Hiram R 5+4 Rice, Frank G 322 Richards, Clifton D 392 Richardson Cyrus F 544 Richardson, Horace F 321 Rierdon, John 368 Risbridger, George 181 Roach, Horace 301 Roben , Douglas 287 Roben. Matthew 357 Robinson, Jay D 539 Roe, Edwin R 35> Rogers, Edward C 369 Rogers, James H 252 Romig Dr. E. A 259 Roof, Geo. A 268 Roosevelt, Sidney H 526 Rose, Frederick 263 Rose, James E 411 Rose, John A 250 Rose. Samuel \V 313 Rowley, Ansel 497 Royce, Calvin 240 Ruger, Daniel H 311 Runyan, John P 292 Russ, Dr. Otto C 402 Russell, Ltiwis 329 Salest Thomas 468 Sanford, David H 321 Schofield, Alanson R 472 Scott, Nicholas 402 Seaton, Henry 201 Seaton, Wm. N 207 Sears, Andrew J 484 Sebastian, Chas. W S3» Sedore, Isaac 223 Shankwilcr, Edward F 510 Sharpe, Thomas J 398 Shaw, Thomas, Sr 462 Shantz, Owen 382 Shields, James 334 Showers, Sidney .386 Shrouds, Bcnj . J 544 Shust, Georiic 4ir Simmons, James 213 Sims, John M 346 Skelton, Thomas 223 Slawson, Hiram H 332 Slawson. Wm. F 551 Smith, Francis 333 Smith, Frank P 214 Smith, Joseph 323 Smith, Joseph 440 Smith. Wilhcrt W 514 Smith, Wm. W 492 Snider, Jacob 292 Snider, Stias 534 Snyder, John R 292 Sours, Lawrence 312 Sparks, George E 510 Sparks. John W 551 Sqiiicr, Wm. H 224 Staab, Gotlleib .,. 358 Stearns, Daniel 510 Stearns, Geo . F 393 Stephens, James 310 Sterling, M urdoch 455 Stewart, D. W 385 Stewart, Selkirk A 288 Stickney, Edmund M 397 Stiffen, Ulrich 207 Strecter, Amos R 436 Strccter, Michael 221 Strong, Edward P 415 Swager.N.J 408 Swarthout, Lewis 300 Sweet, John 318 Swisher, Nathan .294 T Tagg, Ilcnj. tl 368 Tallman, Jacob J 473 Taylor, Zachary 63 Tcachout.CC 484 Telfer, Robert 204 Tenney, Justice W 293 Tcrrill.Dr. F. C 272 Thomas, John W 243 Thompson, Alexander 298 Throp, S. J 345 Thurkow, John E 217 Toan, Lewis 257 I'ompkins, Alexander N 300 Tousey, G. C 209 TrujsclKH. M 242 Tuckcr.W. S 492 Tutlle, Chas. L 429 Tyler. John 55 V Van Alstine. Abraham 533 Van Alstine, Nelson 321 VanBurcn, Mjrtin 47 Vangilder, Alonzo 472 Vandcwatcr, Richard 291 Van Loo, Wm 531 Verity, C A 496 Vincent, Col. Nathan H 477 Vogg, Gottlob 234 Vollmer, A. A 333 Vorce, Geo. P 211 w Wadsworth, Wm. J 227 Wagencr, Chas. H 213 Walch , Frederick .... 302 Waldo. George 238 Wnlker. Wm. H 2:1 WamboKI. Isaac 329 Waid, Luther O. R 263 Waring, Geo. F 435 Warner, Chas E 356 Warren, Chauncey 538 Warren, Geo. W 375 Warren, Wm 283 Washington, George 19 Waterman, A. H 350 Watson. Rev. R.H 370 Weaver, James P 549 Weber. Reuben J 436 Welwter, Simon G 241 Welwtcr, Wm. H 554 Wcidman, John S 471 Welch, D. 1 364 Wells,M. A 954 Wcndling, Joseph 532 Wernettc, C. W 355 West, Joseph 543 Whitheck, Nelson 309 White. Jchr 440 White. Oscar T 368 Whitney. Dr. W. A 413 Whitney, W. S, 374 Wilcox, L. A 462 Wilcox, Stephen S 459 Wilder. Harry M 434 Wilkinson. Chas 31a Willett, Richard L 376 Willctt, Wm 344 Williams, k. E ^26 Williams, Franklin M 290 Williams, Harvey O 381 Williams. Jesse 278 Williamson, Byron B 104 Wilson, D.ivid 261 Wilson, G. F. C 192 Wilson, Martin E 328 Wifcman, John 358 Wisner, Moses 141 Witbcck, Lucas I .521 Wolcott, Benj. L 435 Wolcotl, Henry B 304 Wolcott , S . K 309 Wood, Fred. B 468 Wood, Sanford B 193 Woodbridge, Wm 109 Woodw-ird, .Asa G 374 Wool Icy, Dr. Daniel F 550 Woolworth. Bcnj. F 491 Wright, John H 369 W'right, Silas 228 Wylic, Thomas 4 '6 Zetterstedt, Gust A ( ^ (g)«4''W c % Adams. John 23 Adams, John Quincy 38 Arthur, Chester A..- 98 Baglcy, John J 156 Baldwin, Henry P 152 Barry, John S 113 Begole, Josiah W... 168 §|^VS^«^^ Binghum, Kinsley S 136 Blair, Austin 144 Brockway, Asa 226 Bronson, Stephen 186 Bro\vn . M 196 Buchanan. James 74 Carman. M 390 Corey, L. F 320 Crapo, Henry H 148 Croswell, Charles M i(3o Darrah, C. M 336 Dnrrah. James M 494 Decker. James N 316 Decker. R. S 418 E!y, Arnold 442 Erikson, P. A.. 376 Escolt, J. T 518 Fairman. F 346 Felch, .'\lpheus «i6 FVcderick, Eli 489 Frederick. Mrs. Eli 481 -^'^^^^ -K-^ii!i:^ .>^^^^ ^Mrm^^ INDEX. '?^ i^ iO, u {■() A ^ i Fillmore, Millard 66 Fuller, C. C 176 Gardner, T C 348 Garfield, James A 94 Grant, Ulysses S 86 Gay, Charlie 404 Greenly, William L 120 Harrison, William H 50 Hayes, Rutherford B 90 Hendryx, W. A 464 Higbee, Mrs. C. A 266 Higbee, Nelson 265 Hobart, M. E 500 Hooker, A. S 536 Hopkinson, W. I> 414 Hugh, William 452 Hilling, J. P 372 Hunt, T. C 378 Hutchinson, L. N 212 Jackson, Andrew 42 Jefferson, Thomas 26 Jerome, David H 164 Johnson, Andrew 82 Jones, W. T 296 Kenrick, E. H 494 Knapp, A B .512 Knapp, Mrs. A. B 511 Ladner, William 488 Lincoln, Abraham 78 Madison, James 30 Malone, G. R 342 Mason, Stevens T 104 McClelland, Robert. 128 Mct^arlane, Andrew 432 McLellan, U 506 Milner, J 438 Mitchell, Samnel S 236 Mitchell, Wm. G 548 Monroe, James 34 Newton, Samuel L 306 Northrup, C. L 360 Parsons, Andrew 132 Pease, Jerome F 445 Pease, Mrs. Jerome F 446 Pfistner, F 366 Phelps. Fitch 326 Pierce, Franklin 70 Polk, James K 58 Ranson, Epaphrodltus 124 Reed. G. W 524 Remus, William 400 Roben, Douglas 286 Rogers, J. H 252 Rose, Freeman 409 Rose, Mrs. Sally M 410 Seaton, Wm. N ao6 Stewart, Daniel W 384 Stickney, E. M 396 Taylor, Zachary 62 Thurkow, John E 216 Toan, Lewis 256 Tuttle, Chailes L 428 Tyler, John 54 VanBuren, Martin 46 Van Loo, William 530 Vincent, Nathan H 476 Washington, Cieorge 18 Weidman, John S 470 Wernette, C. W 354 West, Joseph ^42 Wilcox, S. S ^. ^58 Wisner, Moses 140 Woodbridge, William 108 INTRODUCTORY nr,!! VAI>rE OF HISTORY .WI PHYSICAL FEATX'RES 5G2 Geographical and To|mi- gi'aiihii-al •")ij"2 Geology r)63 Botanical i')G4 IXDIANS 565 liulian I/ifo 506 'I'he Indian Dead 567 The Indians" Futnro 5G8 EAKKY SETTLKMKNT 568 lliiu Onr Father-^ Lived 560 Weddings 570 Sliakes 570 First Things 571 ORGAN' IZATIOX 575 OLD SETTLERS 577 Old Settlers ofl hi' Mii-kegon Valley 577 Second Old Settlers" Tarty 578 LEGAL 679 POLITICAL 580 Klei'tion lietnrns 5.S0 MKCOSTA FOR THE INION' 5,s9 First Enlistments 5tl0 Connty Aid 590 Draft 590 Snpplenientary Draft 591 More Recruits 591 The Enil 5!!! The Survivors 591 Soldiers' Reunions 592 ACiRICl'LTIRAL 598 The Fairs 599 Farmers" Institute 600 RAILROADS liOl <;. R. i<: I. R. R. 604 Siiiash-ii|i 604 C. & W. >I. R. R. 605 I)., L. & N. R. R. 606 EDVCATIOXAL 607 THE PRESS cos Rig Rapids Pioneer (Jlag- net ami Independent.) 60S Rig Rapids Regidator 611 Big Rapids fMirrent 611 Big RajiidsIIerald 611 Daily Morning EiitiM-jirise 612 Mecosta Advance 612 LUMBERING INTEREST 612 Life in a Lumber < am]) 613 MISCELLANEOUS 615 Forest Fires 616 Starvation 617 "Hereof Fail Not"" 617 Iron-Clad ^larriage Cere- mony 617 Model Marriage Ceremony IMS Population of Mecosta (,'o. 618 Taxation 619 A'alnation 619 TOWNSHIPS .Etna Austin Big Rapiils Chii)pe\va < 'olfax Deeitield Fork Grant Green Hinton Martiiiv Mecosta Millhrook Morton Sheridan Wheatland CITY OF BIG RAPIDS Schools Business Tioga Manufactviring Co. Business Men's Association Teleiihone Northern Hotel Mercy Hiis]iital Bank Robbery Press ( 'onveiition Orgaiuzations Churches Population 620 C20 622 622 6-28 624 624 625 025 020 028 C2S 029 629 f,30 C:!2 033 034 i;46 647 fl48 (!48 648 648 649 659 650 651 054 054 t 1 i A ( 11 I I ■l^ ) ( V®# '-' ■^^€»^ -K^^DD>:niii>^ K^^^rr: • >-^^< — ^^rv<^nD^niir> «f:i;:.-^ -^^^^^ -^^^^JfsV^' ^ ^ 1 ) 'T* 1(9) ^%X' %^ Hill 'o I^U^^^^ :5*^^>c ^-Jh^,qp^;BP.^>.^,-,^h ^s,^^ ( ^ ^^ -^<^I10»;I1I1^>T■ Tixif-^sr •**e5fA^ i 4 A .<^ ) .^ t <^ a jsi^^ — ^-^r " "^-^- — x^g)5^ f I V :) -<^iin^iin>> FIRST PRESIDENT. •:a«€^«sr -■rr^yy^c^i '9 ^«. -■.^"T'ii-S-c,- tBEOEGE WAS1IIK6T0?J> / 1' '•^'?;;itg-'i' .• j' ; i' .• ■'.. i' , ■. 't ■. 'i ■. 'i •. 'i --4^V' I t HE Fatlier of our Country was born 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 Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augus- tine, the father of Ceorge, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, Oeorge was tiie eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of Cleprge, died in 1743, leaving a large landed i)roperty. 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 neighlxDrliood schools afforded, save for a short time after lie left school, when he received private instruction in mathematics. ^^^^' His spelling was rather defective. Remarkable stories are told of his great physical strength and development at an early age. He was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but througli the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was apjwinted 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 1751, though only 19 years of age, he was apjiointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. Tiiey soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. UiX)n the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- cepted, which others had refused. This was lo pro- ceed to the French [wst near Lake Erie in North- western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between goo and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The '-■J I Vi> .1, .j:u -^^f?^ ^^■'•■i ■■.Va^. 'j^' ^ ' ^ tf^' -^j^^^ e-74:PP>:DIls>r "25^^^fer — '-^I^^ I t i /\ :i«.<§^^ ^ V y ,) i i SECOND PRESIDENT. -^Q^^ r- OHM ADAMS, the second 'resident and the first Vice- ' President of the United States, 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 '''J, sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father was a farmer of limited means, to which he added the bus- iness of shoemaking. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical educa- tion at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purjjose he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profession but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed "the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' of the operations of which he had been a witness in his n.-itive town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- tive jwwers. He gradually gained practice, and in 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his marriage, (t765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- tion turned him from law to ix)litics. He took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the rcsolu- tions he offered on the sul)jet t became very jiopular throughout the Provmce, and were adopted word for word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and prominent advocatesof the [wpular cause, and was chosen a member of the (ieneral Court (the Leg- lislature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself /s by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- ^ vocated the movement for independence against the \-: majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved r^ and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonics 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 e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest cpiestion was decided that ever was debated in .America; and greater, ])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- pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to .Mmighty Cod. It ought to be solemnized wiili jwmp, showS) ^ \ \S^ (?>5f§^— - .^^I^/^'^ifC. '^m':^m> JL. .^^^^^ J.0 24 ^ .^ ^ A :- f games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward for ever. You will think me transix)rted with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Bemjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money from the French Government. This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 1779. In September of the same year he was again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet might be found willing to listen to such pioiX)sels. He sailed for France in November, from there he went to Holland, where he negotiated important loans and formed important commercial treaties. Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. ^Vhile in England, still drooping anddespond- ing, he received dispatches from his own government urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip. February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long re- garded him as a traitor. As England did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. .-Xdams felt that he was accom- plishing but little, he sought permission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John .\dams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again at the second election of Washington as President, Adams was chosen Vice President. Tn 1796, Wash- ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,though not without much opposition. Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point which he was at issue with the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French peoiile in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their jx)wer of self-government, and he utterly abhored the classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French peo[)le. Hence or- iginated the alienation between these distinguished men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England and Jefferson led the other in sympathy with France. The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling had died away, and he had begun to receive that just a])preciation which, to most men, is not accorded till after death. No one could look upon his venerable form, and think of what he had done and suffered, and how he had given up all the prime and strength of his life to the public good, without the deepest emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar good fortune to witness the complete success of the institution which he had been so active in creating and supporting. In 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 pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. Adams had lieen rapidly failiiig, 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 attendants if he knew what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- ious fourth of July — God bless it — Crod bless you all." In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, "Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. The personal appearance and manners of Mr. Adams were not particulady prepossessing. His face, as his iiortrait manifests,was intellectual ard ex])res- 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. V^ C to) ((9 V -sti ^ <^ll!l>^llll>> -^-; M^r^ -^^^^ — ^=r^:Dii^:Dnr>v rr THIRD FRHSIDENT. -4J^§JC(®V|^i 27 ^ '-r ""j^ %ji:^-^' HOMAS JEFFERSON was botn April 2, 1743, at Shad- '« ell, Albermarle county, Va. His parents were Peter and Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, the fomier 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 obodeof fashion a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet lie was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- able in his morals. It is strange, however, under such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- ond year of his college course, moved by some un- explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out of the city and back again. He thus attained very high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished scholar has seldom gone forth from college hails; and there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time he continued in the practice of his profession 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 the American Colonies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- ful, wealthy and highly accomiilislied young widow. Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected (or his new home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 177s 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 ujxjn a number of imixjrtant committees, and was chairman of the one a|)pointed for the draw- ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John /\dams, Henjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. Franklin and .\dains suggested a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that r: < ^^^^ ■^^^y^ — sAC>OD>:Dllr>-V?^ 3^C^^ (5iV("V®^l** TZ^ •V '-' '/ <^dd>:diiv>v -*'%j^ 'f A :^. Y THOMAS JEFFERSON. 1 ■»? I man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of America, was also to publish her to the world, free, soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry, i.s Governor of Virginia. At one time the British ofticer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elafjsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never very good, was much injured by this excitement, and in the summer of 1782 she died. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- tentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- dent, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, and George Clinton, Vice President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the tramiuilily and peace of the Union; this was the con- spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a military expedition into the Spanish territories on our southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This has been generally supposed was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been generally known what his real plans were, there is no doubt that they were of a far more dangerous character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined to retire from political life. For a period of nearly forty years, he had been continually before the pub- lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- voted the best part of his life to the service of his country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining years required, and upon the organization of the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole families came in their coaches with their horses, — fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and nurses, — and remained three and even six months. Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a fashionable watering-place. The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- " ®) sary of the Declaration of American Independence, great preparations were made in every part of the Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invitation. On the second of July, the disease under which he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, entertained no hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the ne.xt day, which was Monday, he asked of those around him, the day of the month, and on being told it was the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stopd forth, the champions of freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding countrymen; for half a century they had labored together for the good of the country; and now hand in hand they depart. In their lives they had been united in the same great cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not divided. In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes were light, his hair originally red, in after life became white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends never recollected to have seen him in a passion. His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is discernable the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiijuity. Ci' t m _:s:;-,3f^^fJtl. ,.L-^ :>r ■>^X' -••3*^ FOURTH J'RFSWENT. 3' 3^rr|ES ni;5Disoi]. 4 AMES MADISON, "Father of the Constitution," and fourth ■f President of the United States, was born March 16, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia, "^ June 28, 1S36. The name of [anies Madison is inseparaljly con- nected with most of the inii)ortant events in that heroic period of our country during which tlie founda-- tions of this great republic were laid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United States to be called to his eternal reward. The Madison family were among the early emigrants to the New World, landing upon the shores of the Chesa- peake l)ut 15 years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine es- tate called "Mont|)elier," ( )rangeCo., Va. The mansion was situated in the midst of scenery highly pictur- esque and romantic, on the west side of South-west Mountain, at the foot of It was but 25 miles from the home of Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustrious men, from their early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to study with the most im- HUie Ridge- prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so seriously impaired that lie never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in 1771, witli a feeble body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning which embellished and gave proficiency to his subse- quent career. Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. This educational course, the spirit of the times in which he lived, and the society with which he asso- ciated, all combined to insiiire 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 be long, he diiected especial atten- tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with almost une■ SJ «! ^ ! ■ .i^-2^ <^0!i:<;niir:>^ m ;4#® ■:a<€^«Kr h> ■^^:Illi:^:i /AMES MADISON. -4^^^C<®V.^ •>,sii -^ 4 A ^ V i intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 1780, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions among them. For three years JMr. Madison continued in Con- gress, one of its most active and influential members. In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- tional government, with no power to form treaties which would be binding, or to enforce law. There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration, that an efficient national government must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to ap|ioint commis- sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The convention, however, issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of that Confederate League. The delegates met at the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island was represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention; and the present Consti- tution of the United States was then and there formed. 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 8r 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 (wwer at home and little respect aliroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- tion to draw up an address to the people of the United States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at 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 becaiiie the avowed leader of the Republican party. While in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a young widow of remarkable jxiwer of fascination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a jx^sition in the very peculiar society whicii 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 England had brought us to the 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, retiring in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- ance he selects any number whom he may please to designate as British subjects ; orders them down the ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the battles of England. This right of search and im- pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce the British cabinet to relinquish. On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approx d; and Mr. Madison, on the 4tli of March, igij, ''as re-elected by a large majority, and entered uj'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- pling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 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. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- burg, upon*Washington. The straggling little city of Washington was thrown into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in tlie White House, with her carriage drawn uj) at the door to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Washington wei^ in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed atGhent. 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 beau- tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- son died July 12, 1849. ^ Si/ ! ^^^^ ^^oa^nn;> .C). y /^^^L. -c^^ FIFTH PRESIDENT. 35 ^ '^ V :) ^ ^ » 2%m^ n]oi]itOE. AMES MdXROE, the fifth I'residcntof The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of nativity. His ancestors had for ,5 many years resided in the prov- ince in which he was born. When, at 17 years of age, in the process b of completing his education at William and Mary College, the Co- lonial Congress assembled at Phila- delphia to deliberate upon the un- just and manifold oppressions of (Jreat Britian, declared the separa- tion of the Colonies, and promul- gated the Declaration of Indepen- dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left school and enlisted among the patriots. He joined the army when everything looked hope- less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased from day to day. The invading armies came pouring in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prosi)ect of con- tending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through difficulty and danger, the United States owe their political emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks, and es|X)used the cause of his injured country, with a firm determination to live or die with her strife f K, /S >: for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was i)ro- moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy- wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed owing to the exhausted condition of the State. l'i)on this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that [jeriod Covernor, and jjursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, iiowever, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782, he was elected from King Ceorge county, a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive ^ 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 0^ and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards • employed with unremitting energy for the public good, «^ y r <^DI]^ V ■■■r^-jm f f JAMES MONROE. "W. A "^^ V o T I he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United States. DeeplyasMr. Monroefelt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, thinking, with many others of the Republican party, that it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member of the United States Senate ; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction be- tween the two great i)arties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- arated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a strict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- bination of their antagonism was needed to create the light 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. ^Vashington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- tween these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we.sliould help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could appreciate such a character, developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three years. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the Province of Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana were added to the L'nited States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- tain from that country some recognition of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- land was unrelenting. He agaui returned to Eng- land on the same mission, .but could receive no redress. He returned to his home and was again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State under Madison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trying times, the duties of the War Department were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Lfpon the return of peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- tinued in tlie office of Secretary of State until the ex- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 18 17, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the United States; the Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' Tliis famous doctrine, since known as the "Monroe doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that time the United States had recognized the independ- ence of the South American states, and did not wish to have European powers longer attempting to sub- due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their sys- tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and "that we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestation by Eurojjean powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the LTnited States." This doctrine immediately affected the course of foreign governments, and has become the approved sentiment of the Uiuted States. At the end of Iiis second term Mr. Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, when he went to New York to live with his son-in- law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. V^ A ^ ( ^ #?»- "K-^D!1>:DI1>>'^ ^'C^^ .^li@=^ I 8 ■m^ Kfk ^y J, oL. JLia/yrx6 7S S/X TH PRESIDENT. 39 'S. ^7M ,.«;*^,:,S*S;S t^is**,is«*^,:. I 3or?i| Qnii]6Y -JWW" OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President of the United 'States, was born in the rural home of his honored father, John Adams, in Qaincy, Mass., on the 1 1 th cf July, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant ab- sence of his father. W'lien but eight years of age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listen- ing to the booming of the great bat- tle on Bunker s Hill, and gazing on uix)n the smoke and flames billow- ing up from the conflagration of Charlestown. When but eleven years old he took a tearful adieu of iiis mother, to sail with his father for Europe, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where his father was associated with Franklin and I.ee as minister pieniix)tentiary. His intelligence attracted i the notice of these distinguished men, and he received !^ from them flattering marks of attention. Mr. John Adams liad scarcely returned to this country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again John ()uincy accompanied his father. At Paris he applied liimself with great diligence, for si.\ months, to study; then accompained his fatlier to Holland, where he entered, first a school in .\msterdam, then the I'niversity at I.eyden. About a year from this time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was selected liy Mr. Dana, our min- ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant labor and of enoiiling culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 'V to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and ^ Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the ( •) winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resinned >^ his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, ^ \ -S '% in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Continent; examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temi)oral themes which can engross the human mind. After a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies to study until May, 17S5, when he returned to .Vnierica. To a brilliant young man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a residence with his father in London, under such cir- cumstances, must have been extremely attractive; but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- ferred to return to America to complete his education in an American college. He wished then to study law, that with an honorable profession, he might be able to obtain an independent support. Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- ing then bvi.t twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- pointed iiy Washington, resident minister at the Netiierlands. Sailing from Boston in Jidy, he reached London in October, where he was immediately admit- ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with Creat Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in London, he proceeded to the Hague. In July, 1797, he left tlie Hague to go to Portugal as minister pteniix)tentiary. On his way to Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting him to remain in London until he should receive his instructions, \\hile waiting he was mairied to an American lady to whom he had been ])rcviously en- gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter of Mr. Joshua Johnson, .^meri(■an consul in London; a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the elevated sphere for which she was destined. >: '2^^ii!iJ^^n0s> JL-:^ s #" _,^%fir'^ -7<>MyM'f>^ — ^7i^&^ »t?^ T J I' % ^ JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; where he remained until July, 1799, when, havingful- . filled all the puriwses of his mission, he solicited his recall. Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years, from the 4tii of March, 1804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- sulting our flag. There was no man in America more familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon these points, and no one more resolved to present a firm resistance. In i8og, 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 Q)llege, he embarked at Boston, in August, 1809. While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- dent. He devoted his attention to the language and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to the climate and astronomical observations ; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. All through life the Bible constituted an important part of his studies. It was his rule to read five chapters every day. On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the iSth of August, he again crossed the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of otifice, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- seven. As there was no choice by the people, the (juestion went to the House of Re|iresentatives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all the disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was an administration more pure in principles, more con- scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- lously and outrageously assailed. Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his own fire and applying himself to work in his library often long before dawn. On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- dent. The slavery question now began to assume IX)rtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was elected representative to Congress. For seventeen years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of "the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the House, he announced that he should hold him- self bound to no party. Probably there never was a member more devoted to his duties. He was usually the first in his place in the morning, and the last to leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, with expulsion from tlie House, with assassination; but no tlireats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. It has been said of President Adams, that when his body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before he slept, the pra)er which his mother taught him in his infant years. On the 2 1 St of February, 1848, he rose on the floor of Congress, with a pajier in his hand, to address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- sis, and was caught in the arms of those around Jiim. For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and said " This is f/ic end of earth .-"then after a moment's pause he added, "I am eon/en/." These were the last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." i I e fr r^: Diivi>A-^ — ^^ip^ p ^>/^v?«^^- I SEVENTH PRESIDENT. ■5&-iJfi^/M;' 43 -veajCfi/©^®-^ iSlaA.S***'®!®'^'^"'^ AiVjpi^j^iVr JA^. V ;^J NDREW JACKSOX, the vi) seventh President of the United States, was born in Waxhaw settlement, N. (J., March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's deatli. His parents were poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their abode in Waxhaw set- tlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, liis form un- gainly; and there was but very little in his character, made visible, which was at- tractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 17X1, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-sfjattered boots. " I am a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- ful gashes, — one on tlie hand and tlie other uixjn the '?^ head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 1 with the same demand. He also refused, and re- ►■'« ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which ipiite t disabled him, and which probably soon after caused his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and I •' were finally stricken with the small-ix)x. Their ^ mother was successful in obtaining their exchange. ^H<'D!1 and took her sick boys home. After a long illness Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon left him entirely friendless. .\ndrew supported himself in various ways, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 17S4, when he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 17S8, lie was a|)i)oinle(l solicitcr for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a i)art. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, . and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish with the Sharp Knife. In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of Ijoth parties, two years later, to find that tlie conditionsof the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. Tiie 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 whicji, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- ially disgraceful. In January, 179(3, tlie Territory of Tennessee then containing neady eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its '^M>^-^ ^<^y^ ( :-o \ r I fJ^^C^^g^' F^ni^ •'^ ^ ''h. ) A >$ s> i) o> sessions, — ^a disiauce of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose second term of ofhce was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been " wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for six years. When the war of 1S12 with Great Britian com- menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who would do credit to a commission if one were con- ferred upon 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 upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid ^\'ilkinson, 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 hail displayed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became tlie 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 lirother of Benton's was engaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering iipon a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at FayettesviUc, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bends of the'i'allapoosa River, near the cen- ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort .Strother. With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of Marcli. 1814. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than (Ien. Jackson could have conducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he was appointed major-general. Late in August, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault. The battle was long and doubtful. .-Xt length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, And 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 (len. Jackson soon began to be men- tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in t824, he was defeated by Mr. .'\dams. He was, however, successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected for a second ternr 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 ])erhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most memorable in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where he died Jtme 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. @) I A r^ ■^^D!l^IlDr>A A. «^ 1^^^ /y^'2/ty^ci^t.^^y3ui^€-c<^ «i ^vOl^^^^^^W :« V > ^ EIGHTH rRESIDENT. ^ 1 ARTIN VAN liUREN, the eighth President of the United States, was born at Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782. He died at the same [ilace, July 24, 1862. His body rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft llfteea feet high, bearing a simple inscription about half way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in tliose incidents which give zest to biography. His an- cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutcli lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. 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 retiuired of him before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After spending si.x years in an office in his native village. he went to the city of \ew York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- lage. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican party was then at its lieight. Mr. Van Huren was from the beginning a [jolitician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefl'erson, and earnestly and eloipiently espoused the cause of St-ate Rights ; though at that time the Fed- eral party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing ruputation led him, after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, constantly gaining strength by contending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumi)- 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 I Si 2, when thirty years of age, he was. chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- pointed .Attorney-General, and the next year moved to Albany, the capital of the State. ^Vilile he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had A ( r i. y- 4;^ -^^€y^ -^)^3^ TZJ^^^ TC:aii>:DDv>T- "^S^si-- ^ :^ V -^ * ..\^ I MARTIN VAN BUREN. the moral courage to avow that true democracy did not require that " universal suffrage" which admits the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of governing the State. In true consistency with his democratic principles, he contended that, while the path leading to the privilege of voting should be open to every man without distinction, no one should be invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue and some property interests in the welfare of the State. In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat in the convention to revise the constitution of his native State. His course in this convention secured the approval of men of all parties. No one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the interests of all classes in the community. In the Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- garded throughout the United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to organize a political army which would, secretly and stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these iwwers it is said that he outv.'itted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which few thought then could be accomplished. When Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately appointed Minister to England, where he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. He was elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred upon him the power to appoint a successor." His administration was filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada, whicli 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 e.xception of being nominated for the Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, and living within his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. His unblemished character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned patriotism, and the distinguished jxisitions 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, 184 1, that Mr. Van Buren retired from the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he still exerted a powerful influence uix)n the politics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old age, probably far more happiness than he had before . experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. \^ r^ i?))(^^(f«- •^<-|l!l>:(lllr:> T"S^ .JSi^fi^ •l>^^K<^ "i. II ^y^M^a-^^i^/'^^r^ 1 <^DD>:(iD>> rJ^s^^ T— 7X :uu .s u u> ;,^^ NINTH PRESIDENT. • *• V > *^ t ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- SON, the nintli President of the United States, was born at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harri- son, was in comparatively o[)- iilcnt circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an intimate friend of George Washington, was early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- rison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of speaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, William Henry, of course enjoyed in childhood all the advantages which wealth and intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- ing received a thorough common-school education, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated witli 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. Uiwn the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- I dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then ai)- pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This Territory was then entitled to but one member in Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that IKDsition. In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called '• Tlie Territory north-west of the Ohio." The western jwriion, 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 ap- ix)inted by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now rapidly increasing white population. The ability and fidelity with which he discharged tliese resjwnsible 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 boundless region, now crowded with cities and resounding with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly opiwsite Ix)uisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About Vs_ A V r 4. -^sv^?'^#^ I t 52 -:^^^ — ^v<^tlli:^:niiv> WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. rs^^i^ ^f^m^^: A V > i the year 1806, two extraordinary niei!, twin brothers, of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet." Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, and had long regarded with dread and with hatred the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was approacliing them in so hostile an attitude. After a short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- campment, he took every precaution against surprise. His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept upon their arms. The troops threw themselves upon the ground for rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his loaded musket by his side, and his bajonet fixed. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all the desperation which superstition and passion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the little army. The savages had l)een amply provided with guns and ammunition by the English. Their war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- fore them, and completely routing the foe. Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British descending from tlieCan- adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madison commander-in- chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but Cjeneral Harrison was found equal to the position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- sponsibilities. He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a valise ; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, his prisoners of war, supped with him after the 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 rejiresent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with force of reason and power of eloiiuence, which arrested the attention of all the members. In 1 819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. In 1836, the friends of (ien. 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 forthe Vice Presidency. The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but his triumph was signal. The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most brilliant with wliich any President had ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after his inauguration as President of the United States, ^ c >: -^'^^^ UL^ ^<^m'Mw^>^ I s^ ■^-€^^ T<^IlIi:r •>^^^ TENTH PRESIDENT. 55 ^^. (© ->- (4, A >« J Dim ^TXEIR ;( OHN TYLER, the tenth ■'jij I'residentof the United States. He was born in Charles-city Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He was the favored child of af- fluence and high social po- sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered \Villiam and Mary College and grad- uated with much honor when but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted him- ^/ &i?k\ ^^'^ ^'''^ great assiduity to the , ^ ^^^ study of law, partly with his father and partly with Edmund Randoli)h, one of the most distin- guished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, ne commenced tlie practice of law. His success was rapid and aston- ishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the dock- et of tlie court in which he was not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of (p\ Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly tlie unanimous vote or his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected ' a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and ably with the Democratic party, opjxising a national bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- i ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- struction of the Constitution, and tlie most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. With a reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his native State. His administration was signally a suc- cessful one. His popularity secured liis re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the United States. A portion of the Democratic party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. In accordance with his professions, upon taking his seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opixjsi- tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- uously opposed all restrictions uiKin slavery, resist- ing all projects of internal imiirovements by the Gen- eral Government, and avowed his symiiathy with Mr. Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his 0|)position to the nuilifiers, had abandoned the ptinci])ies of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record in perfect accordance with the principles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, lie resumed the practice of his profession. There was a split in the Democratic ^A^^«^^" (' t I A ^^: c kL'fl^!^ -^"^^^ <^n!l>:Dili->- ^^•-^ JOHN TYLER. ':> ) V ) party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- ments upon him. He had now attained the age of forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for the better education of his children ; and he again took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disapjxjintmentof the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- thy with the Whig party in the North : 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 that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential chair. This was a new test of the stability of our institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler was at 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 April was inaugurated to the high and responsible office. He was placed in a position of exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been opi)osed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. He had ever been a con- sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.' or, on the other hand, should he turn against the party which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- mony with himself, and which would 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 reccommended a day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and bless us. The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with his veto. He suggested, however, that he would approve of a bill drawn up ujxjn such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- ure by a published letter from tlie Hon. John M. Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely touched the pride of the President. The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- dent into their arms. The party which elected him denounced him bitterly. All the members of his cabinet, e.xcepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued an address to the people of the United States, proclaiming that all political alliance between the Whigs and President Tyler were at an end. Still the President attempted to conciliate. He appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The land was filled witli murmurs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, however, he brought himself into sympathy with his old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, he gave his whole influence to the sui)port 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 unspeakable telief. 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, Charies-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in his manners, richly furnished with niformation from books and experience in the world, and possessing brilliant powers 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 wliich his own principles and policy had helped to introduce. When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the Government over which he had otice presided, he was taken sick and soon died. i 1=3 r yVS' )^^ A <^II!15^II(lr> 4^ -m t ?-7<-nii:*:yp->v ->tr^.. ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. -' ^- ■^^ 59 > ^^ t V •m;%'. .0 A V ^ :/ 'i> (^ ^ was born in -/3 N. C.,Nov. : /^ i I AMES K.POLK, the eleventh ^ii, President of the United States, Mecklenburg Co., 2, 1795. His par- ents were Samuel and Jane (Kno.x) Polk, the former a son of Col. Tiiomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 1735. In the year 1S06, with his wife, and children, and soon after fol- lowed by most of the memliers of the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- grated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich valley of the Duck River. Here in tlie midst of the wilderness, in a region which was subsequently called Mau- ry Co., they reared their log luils, and established their homes. In tlie hard toil of a new farm in the wil- derness, James K. Polk spent the early years of his childhood and youth. His father, adding the pur- suit of a surveyor to thatof a farmer, ' gradually increased in wealth until he became one of the leading men of the region. His mother was a superior woman, of strong common sense and earnest piety. Very early in life, James developed a taste for reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain a liberal education. His mother's training had made him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his •<^ I sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. This was to James a bitter disapiwintnient. fie had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in tliis uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at bis earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half years, in the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never 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, l)oth in mathematics and the classii's. He was then twenty- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity wiiii which he had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance with .Andrew Jackson, who resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few miles from Nashville. They had probably been slightly acquainted before. Mr. Polk's father was a JefTersonian Republican, and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- cal faith. He was a jKjpular public speaker, and was constantly called uix)n to address the meetings of his party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that he was jxjpularly called the Naixjleon of the stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a ^ r '^^t^ m tTfefsff^ ry 'T(^mmh> T ^ « 60 JAMES K. POLK. t> ) courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the jo)s and griefs of others which ever gave ^ him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected I to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his strong influence towards the election of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, ca and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- ^ formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- S tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was pass'ed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of S March, 1839. ^ In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, his term of office expired, and he was again the can- didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. On the 4th of March, iS45,Mr. Polk was inaugur- ated President of the United States. The verdict of the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted its influence upon Congress ; and tlie last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 3(1 of March, apjiroving of the annexation of Texas to the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message. President Polk urged that Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- [^ ceived into tlie Union on the same footing with the ^ Other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent A :) with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundaiy of Texas. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and war was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of " observation," then of " occupation," then of "invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. ' To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right : there were others who thought it all wrong. In the i)rosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- ing, with Mr_^. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth I year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen, V3. I i ^ (1^ r^ (^is/^>5«^t^ -^^^^^ -TT TWELFTH PRESIDENT. -4^^§J(^VM;' ,*f. .^ JSs > •\CHARY TAYLOR, twelfth resident 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 patriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father with his wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, where he settled in the pathless wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In this front- ier home, away from civilization and all its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but few social and educational advan- tages. When six years of age he attended a common ) school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him the commission of lieutenant in the United States army ; and he joined the troops whicii were stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- ness by Gen. Harrison.on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of tlie first points of attack by the Indians, ^ led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Earl) in tlie autumn of i8ij, tiie Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Tiieir approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every ixjssible preparation to meet the antii i- pated assault. On the 4th of .September, a band of forty painted and plumed savages came to the fori, waving a white (lag, and infomied 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 \\\k>x\. their arms. One hour before midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his jiost. 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 whicii ensued. The savages suc- ceeded in setting lire to one of llie liiock-houses- Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. The savages tiieii, baffled at every jKjint, and gnashing their teelli with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defence, was |)romoted 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 tlie depths of the wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on l'"o.\ Kiver, whit h empties into Green I?ay. Here there was but little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours asone best could. There were no books, no society, no in- A ( (^■' I -^*€»^ ^:;||n;Au^ ®))«^# ^s»- -2«€^^ -rr-r<-illD>KllD^:>r- ZACHARY TAYLOR. -^^5C(®V^ ^ A A '^x s> tellectiuil stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on (iradually 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 emi)loynients so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate actpiaintance. In the year 1S36, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, had promised they should do. The services rendered here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- mand of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of such wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the South- west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississijipi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headcpiarters at F"ort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed upon him. In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of major-general by lirevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. His careless habits of dress and his unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, the .w/'/vV/ /(■('/ of "Old Rough and Ready.' The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthuslj'sm over the country. The name of (ien. Taylor was on every one's lii)s. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- noimcement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- claring that he was not at all ipialified for such an office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen who had been long years in the public service found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It Is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- pared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial jMsition, 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 political conflicts in Washington to be far more trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or Indians. In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful description of his character: — " With a good store of common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- quence. The frontiers and small military posts had been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, ' touch with a pair of tongs.' ".\ny allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- worth's spelling-l)ook, on the part of one wearing a sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- saving contempt for learning of eveiy kind." i ^ c ^ «! r^ JSti^^^^ ^ i .) :j;:s*^:::c*^;:s«i^;:s*^;:s*?;;s*=;:;5-*5:;3-*S:^^ MILLflRn FILLMnRE.' iS:&<«^:s4»s:s«*^;s*^:sH^T;:;c'*^:s<*^:s-*^;S'»^;s^^;:j*S;S^«^:&"S^ig*^:s*^:s ■M- ^-Sl. ■Jh- ^^ ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- teenth I'residentof the United ij States, was born at Suninicr }/ Hill, Cayuga Co., X. Y ., on tlie 7th of January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and ow- ing to misfortune, n^ humble cir- cumstances. Of his mother, tlie daughter of Dr. Abiathar ISiillard, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said tliat she [jossessed an intellect of very high order, united with much l)ersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis- lX)sition, graceful manners and ex- quisite sensibilities. She died in 183 1 ; having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished prom- ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high dignity which he finally attained. In conse<|uence of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- vantages for education in his early years. The com- mon schools, which he occasionally attended were very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce anil expensive. There was nothing then in his char- acter to indicate the brilliant career uiwn which he was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 1^ influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, •i- and had laid the foundations of an upright character. -^ When fourteen years of age, his father sent iiiin *P» some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of '\*- Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. ^ Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some A V c enterprising man had commenced the collection ot a village library. This i)roved an inestimable blessing to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate ; and the selections which he made were continually more elevating and instructive. He read history, biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- ^ kindled in his heart a desire to be something more )(>^ than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- ^ coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, educated man. Tile young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter Wood,— who was struck with the ])repossessing a|)- pearance of young Fillmore. He made hisaccpiaint- ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied, that he had no means of his own, no friends to help him and that his previous educa- tion had been very im])erfect. Hut 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 supix)sed to be liber.ally cducateil if he has graduated at some col- lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls '\J and then enters a law office, who is by no means as > .^ i ^iid;>=-^ -^.¥^ >> c^ f l ^' vr 4^^^ MILLARD FILLMORE. % f V ^ 1 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 1S23, 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 practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, his practice of course was limited, and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. His elevation of character, his untiring industrj', his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to enter into partnership under highly advantageous circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the State of New York, as a representative from Erie County. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, and he found himself in a helpless minority in the Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parlies, that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very unusual degrt 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 arena in .some of the most tumultuous hours of our national history. The great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits, was then raging. His term of two years closed ; and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- utation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- rience as a representative gave him strength and confidence. The first term of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- gies were brought to bear u[X)n the public good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled tlie State, and in the year 1847, he was elected Comptroller of the State. Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proclaimed in 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 namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 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 appointed a very able cabinet, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation. The population of the free States was so rapidly in- creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- evitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- more, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, lie was mostly silent. It was generally supjxised that his sympathies were rather with those who were en- deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. C A r ■V®))«^€- ^-^'-T'^/sp: -K-^D!l>:illli>^-^- <^Iin>:il(lv> V FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. !:3 .f. -•.t.t..t.*.t»t«t.4»*»*»+..t-,.+.**.^^^^ RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the Jf* United States, was bom m Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, who, with his own strong ami, hewed out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated mind, and an uncompromis- ing Democrat. The mother of Franklin Pierce was all that a son could desire, — an intelligent, pru- dent, affectionate. Christian wom- Franklin was the sixth of eight children. Franklin was a very l)right and handsome boy, gen- erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old and young. The boys on the play ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Witliout de- veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 'S devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, I in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was ^ one of the most jwpular young men in the college. The ))urity of his moral character, the vinvarying ^ courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- nating yet perilous path of ixjlitical life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four 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 laborious in duly, and ever rising in the estimation of those with wliom he was associatad. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced his administration. He was the youngest member in the Senate. In the year 1S34. lie maaied Miss Jane Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with which her husband was honoied. Of the t a >v- „^-^» ^^^^ -:24 ^ 0\ ^.^ M n ^>r^ :s^^ -*%^ FRANKLIN PIERCE. ^ /) :-<5 V ) 1 1 V three sons who were bom to them, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but the offer was declined, in consei]uence 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 imfwrtant part in this war, proving him- self a brave and true soldier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, very frequently taking an active part in political ques- tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. The compromise measures met cordially with his approval ; and he strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'' The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- quently regarded him as a man whom they could safely trust in office to carry out their plans. On the 1 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 his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all otlicr candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce was therefore inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1853. His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy be- tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its culminating point. It became evident that there was an " irrepressible conflict" between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution of the Union were borne to the North on every South- ern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when President Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- cated those measures of Government which they ap- proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two had died, and his only surviving child had been killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left alone in the world, without wife or child. When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was one of the most genial and social of men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- people were often gladened by his material bounty. ^ / fp' D)«^f|-«»- js^^fit — i^^ ;|| II *^ nn^^v^^' — ^si^/i^ i '".ij- v^> "'ITT'"' w*"*-*'?* **'" H r ^2^7n£i!f ^s/^.>i^:ilIl^>r rs^^isr -^v?)"^ I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT. \ I -*««c- ^• "^'' J-?\3Yf n^^ T311 BTT AT^/^T^I , E -•'i' ; i' ; i' ; ■' ; .' .• i' ; i' ; i' .' i' .' i' .' i' ; i'.' i' .' ^'-^ '■ '< '■ '< '■ '■ •■.'t^tS.'(SJS'>a.'>a^t'-?.wjS't-'S»»g^i •. -> ^y )»» ^ AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- teenth President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridue of tlie AUegha- V(5f .:;.: J^'./ nies, in Franklin Co., I'enn., on ■^ " the 23d of April, 1791. Tlie place (, ■ i where the humble cabin of his ~^ is' .'^1 lather stood was called Stony Batter. It was a wild and ro- mantic si)ot in a gorge of the moun- tains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland ; a 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 respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a clearing with his axe, and settled down tliere to per- form his obscure part in tlie drama of life. In this se- cluded home, where James was born, he remained fur eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual advantages. When James was eight yearsof age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where (^ his son was placed at school, and commenced a ] course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His «-■'-• progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he :. entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- ^ veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among I •,) the first scholars in the institution. His application ^ to study was intense, and yet his native j)owers en- t^^^^^f ^^^^ years were wanting to fill up liis threescore years and \ ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been "• allied in [wlitical principles and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they might rear u[)on the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. \^ In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- ^ >yildered. He could not, with his long-avowed prin- ) >:> ^ ■ '^ -4' I s) ;^)f^#* -;>4:^ ty77di^i^*'^<^<7VH/ r^^ SIXTEENTH FK •SSlDliiYT. "S ) 1^ il>^^<:# < LINCOLN. > |> the the ill 12, BRAHAM LINCOLN, „, sixteentli President of i-#Uiiited States, was born •%] Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. \h 1809. About tlie year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham Liiicohi left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years after tliis emigration, still a young man, while working one day in a field, was stealthily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of .Vbrahain Lincoln, the ' President of the United States whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled with tiie most prominent in the annals of our wodc^. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the ix)orest of the jwor. His home was a wretched log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either read or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- self out, and thus s|)ent the whole of his youth as a laborer in the fields of others. When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. ".Ml ihat I am, or hope to be," e.xclaims the grate- ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. " When he was eight years of age, his father sold his cabin and small Airm, and moved to Indiana. Where two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated community around iiini. He could not have had a better school than this to tcacii him to put thoughts into words. He also became an eager reader. The books he could obtain were few ; but these he read and re-read until they were almost committed to memory. As tlie years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. I'hi'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 friends imagine how bril- liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of education, and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his jjower. He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and became strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- cating liipior to pass his lips. And he had read in Cod's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy Cod in vain;" and a ])rofaiie expression he was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laliorer among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated ihem down the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mi.s sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham coin undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven ■^^^^ ■^m'M^y>^ ■^'>^^ Lin: ^ m it?«»- T25«^^ > A V ') t 80 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. ■^ir^ ^4 ^ ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon his return they placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-otfice was his hat. All the letters he received he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this liis business. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the slavery (luestion, and he took the broad ground of the Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the i6lh of June, i860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- five tliousand. .\n immense building called "The Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- tion. Tliere were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled tlie land, was the most prominent. It was generally su|)posed 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 lie was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him tlie eyes of the whole civilized world, and which would give him ai)lacein the affections of his countrymen, second only, if second, to that of Washington. Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, constitutionally elected President of the United States. The tirade of abuse that was [wured \i[)oi\ this good' and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this higli position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stopping'in all the large cities on his way making speeches. The wliole journey was frought with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassination were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row," and in the confusion to make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- cation on the part ot tlie Secessionists with their Con- federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other prominent opponents before the convention he gave important jxjsitions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to the lot of President Lincohi. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left S[)ringfield, in 1861, however, plans had been made for liis assassination, and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It was announced that they would Le present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- ing, witli liis characteristic kindliness of heart, that it would l)e a disappointment if he should fail them, very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth entered the box where tlie President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died tlie next morning at seven o'clock. Never before, in the history of the world was a nation plunged into such dee|) grief by the death of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a model. His name as tlie savior of his country will live with that of Washington's, its father; hiscountr)-- men being unable to decide which is the greater. V^ ^e$i#* -s^^^^ " •^ <^n!i:«nii>> A-^:^ -"^^^^ -^^^ SS^ I '^J^CI^^fz^ ->^;s^ VA' VENTEENTH PRESIDENT. Z^^&^^ '''if^^is^'^ 83 ^ I !) ^ , n; VY >K){(iNr5a_L^i, V HJ NDRP:W J(^HNS()N, sevcn- ® teenth President of the United If States. The early life of j. jj Andrew Johnson contains but 1^,- • -w^ --^^jT ''^"^ record of poverty, destitu- ^-^>^: S-t/ tion and friendlessness. He !^ / was born December 29, 180S, in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class of the "poor whites " of the South, were in such circumstances, that they could not confer even the slight- est advantages of education uixjn their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supixDrted by the labor of his mother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was ap- prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British states- men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary native ability, became much interested in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to re.ad. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, learned his letters. He then called ui)on the gentle- roan to borrow the book of speeches. The owner. pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the hcwk, but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on- ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the sho]), and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote sucli time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- sessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- ganized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in jxilitical affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. He became a very active member of the legislature, gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to the Presidency, in ojjjwsition to those of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a si)eaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In [841, he was elected Stale Senator; in 1843, he was elected a member of Congress, and by successive elections, held that imiwrtant iwst for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these resj^nsible ix)si- tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abil- :*: D h>^-^ — ^c-:><- y K A ^: V 4>3^->^ ;^>/'^:)«>j«;rr' ^ 84 ^ ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- V:- ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected ', United States Senator. f Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated f). the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- promise measures, the two essential features of which were, that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the free States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slaver)'. Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- em 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 •1 established the most stringent military rule. His \ numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, became President. In a speech two days later he said, "The American people must be taught, if they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished ; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not only to protect, bat to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent ) A 2 ) ^ li^ opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that article so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against him. The change of one vote from the not guilty side would have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- alleled since the days of Washington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- ing the residence of his child the following day, was stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, with every demonstration of respect. T ^ C A ^ ( r^' .'■ )^^ ^*- ■^^''^f^ — -^<-^[ia>:(iii^r>^ .^^I'-z-'K. -*4^(^^-® II :#■ -.J'- ■/ Ik m 1 t *'')«^^'*- EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. >&"-*K '' ^ A i<$ V ') ,^ >< LYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth President of the 5 United States, was born on the 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in a humble ' home, at Point Pleasant, on the banks of the Ohio. Shortly after his father moved to George- town, Brown Co., O. In this re- mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-school edu- cation. At tiie 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 jwsts in the Mis- souri Territory. Two years he i)ast in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. K\ the battle of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that he performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along a route exjxssed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging \\\io\\ one v^ side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- pultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- turned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The discover)' of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. Grant resigned his commission and returned to the States; and having married, entered uiwn the cultiva- tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — "Uncle Sam has educated me for the anny; though 1 have served him through one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and see Uncle Sam through tliis war too." He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, the capital of the 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 V^ i ( ^^^ ^^<^''- -^'•^^^ <^n!l>:niiv>2- ■-^'f>^'' («)$(^nn;^;nor>r tT-7' ULYSSES S. GRANT. -4^^f ^ J A >^ V ^ ^ June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a comraissioii as Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- General and was jilaced in command 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. The rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the stars and stripes were unfurled in its stead. He entered the service with great determination and immediately began active duty. This was the be- ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond, he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by tlie victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately made a Major-General, and the military district of Tennessee was assigned to him. Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how to secure the results of victory. He immediately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of strategic and tactical meas- ures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels were routed with great loss. This won for him un- bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- ary, 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 upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive and involved a series of campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- render of Lee, April 9, 1865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the Presidency, and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 electoral votes. The National Convention of the Republican party which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second 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. It is not too much to say that his modest, courteous, and dignified demeanor in the presence of the most dis- tinguished men in the different nations in the world, reflected honor upon the Republic which he so long and so faithfully served. Tlie country felt a great jnide in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Fran- cisco, Sept. 20, 1879, the city authorities gave him a fine reception. After lingering in the Golden State for a while, he began his tour tlirough the States, which extended North and .'^oulh, evcr)-where mark- ed by great acclamation and splendid ovations. yto; ro- -^^C^j*^ -^>OD$^Dni>^^-^' ^5*^^*c- ^ | > t\X ^ 4>V^'-*'t^'* <>I]ll>:(lIlv> NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. ■^^^^ •-;;4^ 9» »=:-♦ M RUTHKRi:ORD B. HAYES, u. "5jv; Rcf I f^ ^a'g?l^.S^'iSa'S^^'£!>'^^■l'^•|^^;^l^;l^;l^^'l'^;a'ig>M»^^^^ '■ '. 'i •■'t".V't-..'t;^^'r^>'ia.'ti^-'t V.' V I Sjj^g-w- « tTCi ^ UTHERFORD H. 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 father, Rutherford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides, was of the most honorable char- acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chief- tains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfor- tune overtaking the family, Cieorge Hayes left Scot- land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son Cieorge was born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezckiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- turerof scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- grated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industrious, frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a slock- 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 1812, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, was a very serious affair. \ tour of inspection was first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- reavement, found the support she so much needed in her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the household from the day of its departure from Ver- mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the ( :o: \ ^ ^"P^ — irK-Dil:»:Dllj->'-^^ — *^^ RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. -«f. f J! 2 ^ • J' :) ^ subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on familial- 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 President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, stilly 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 dispo- 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 proposed to send him to college. His pre- paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law in the office of Tliomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- mained two years. In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- fession. In 1S49 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi- tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at this period, had a jiowerful influence iqwn his subse- quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Wel>b, of Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- cinnati Literary Club, a l)ody embracing among its members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. others hardly less distinguished marriage was a fortunate one in everybody knows. Not one of all many The Noyes, and in after life. every respect, as the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she toreflect honor upon American woman- hood. The Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high char- acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and modesty. In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired term. In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of the attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up arms for the defense of his country. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1 86 2, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle of South Mountain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration from all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after his election was importuned to resign his commission in the army; but he finally declared, " I shall never come to Washington until 1 can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected (Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a jwpular Democrat. In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a hard long contest was chosen President, and was in augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his full term, not, hcwever, witli satisfaction to his party but his administration was an average one. *ViV-« Vi^ i ^ Cg ^m'mi^ 2i. ■.r^_ —^y:^- *4^^*f«l _j2iJ2L5W»«W~* ttS^fMK^^ifKM^'.- '•TH^iWL "•^v g3K/ L-J^si^t^- V > r<^iOD>;Uyr->r rr- TWENTIETH PRESIDENT. "^^^^Qtr^^ "^^ ' ^ g j ^ -vj) 4,-"i,j»^-'-j^;:g*^;:;j,i.e;:;i4^;:;j<*'-:;:':-«'-=;:s*-:;::r~^;;:;'S';^ I JAMES) A, (lAK FIELD, I ^i'i^ JS' AMES A. (;ARFIELD, iwun- tieth President of tlie United States, was born Nov. 19, 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His par- , eats were Abram and EHza J^ p V -''' V : 4 (Ballon) Garfield, both of New '^ ■'" England ancestry and from fami- lies well known in the early his- '\ tory of that section of our coun- try, but had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- ment. The house in which James A. was born was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. ft was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a J hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields ^ cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. ,^} The household comprised tlic father and mother and their four children — Mehetal)el, Tiiomas, Mary and James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- tracted in helping to i)ut out a forest fire, died. At tills time James was about eighteen montlis old, and Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can tell how much James was indebted 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 in Solon, O., near their birthplace. Tlie early educational advantages young Garfield enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars lo ai)e^^- ^ A •^ V > '^ I JAMES A. GARFIELD. r^^^^'sr ^^1^^ " President Garfield was more than a man of strong moral and religious convictions. His whole history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In my judgment there is no more interesting feature of his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty and noble who are called ' show a similar loyalty to the less stately and cultured Christian communions in which they have been reared. Too often it is true that as they step upward in social and political sig- nificance they step upward from one degree to another in some of the many types of fashionable Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the church of his mother, the church in which he was trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- larian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Rudolpli, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and mourned. To them were born seven children, five of whom are still living, four boys and one girl. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- ings, and became tlie favorite speaker wherever he was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 14,1861, He was immediately put into active ser- vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in acHon, was placed in command of four regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native State the officer (Humphrey M^.rsliall) reputed to be the ablest of those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given to the Reliellioii. This work was bravely and speed- ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its operations around Corinth and its marcli through Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won the stars of the Major-General. Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not witliout a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- tered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re- elections until he was elected President in 1880. Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunel of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- ment on one side stated, in almost every instance better than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield." Ui»n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention. He was elected in the following November, and on March 4, r88i, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- ministration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and every day it grew in favor with the peojjle, and by the first of July lie had completed all the initiatory and pre- liminary work of his administration and was prepar- ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- pany with Secretary ISlaine, a man stepped behind liim, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further 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 liad anything oc- curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people for tlie moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- ten on the briglitest, gladdest day of all his life, and was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty days, all during the hot months of July and August, he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent bearing was teaching tlie country and the world the noblest of human lessons — liow 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 previous. The world wept at his death, as it never had done on the death of any other man who had ever lived u]ion it. The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. (■ ^ (!.' ^ ^-^D n :>: iiD^>A-^=^ — ^^^^!^ 4^^ II ^^I^(i))^ :DDr> K-i.;ii^ v r^^..^ TWENTY.FIRST PRESIDENT. I 99 ~\ '^. ,,<^^ iirv5M' ii^ie ^\. .v\ i^M'Kji \<> q ■ '"fi^ .^^T^^Wk HESTER twentv-first A. ARTHUR, President of the United States, was born in Franklin County, Vermont, on "^ the fifthof October, 1830, and is %.r:;C;,nJ^ the oldest of a family of two '-' sons and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emigrated to this countrj' from the county Antrim, Ireland, in liis 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and successful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. Af- % ter his graduation he taught school &in Vermont for two years, and at - the expiration of that time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver as student. After 1 being admitted to the bar he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henry I). 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, tbut in the end returned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- , ful career almost from the start, (leneral Arthur V« soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon- athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the People, and they won their case, which then went to the Supreme Court of the United States. Charles O'Conor here csjwused the cause of the slave-holders, but l;e too was beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward the emancipation of the black race. Another great service was rendered by General Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies ipiickly *^ A P\ V ^ m\^^^^^-^ -^^^f^ A <-|]ll>:illlsy- X- •> r i '.a V r<^nD^IID^:>T — t:? CHESTER A ARTHUR. »5ai:^ -^^^C(g^x|^ ^ ^ I 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. f General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed huii Enginecr- in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered great service to the Government during the war. At the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac- tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if not indeed one of national extent. He always took a leading part in State and city politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- ceed Tliomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merrill. Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 18S0. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever asseml)led on the continent. It was composed of the leading politicians of the Re- publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their respective candidates that were before the conven- tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur for Vice-President. The campaign which followed was one of the most animated known in the history of our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his party made a valiant fight for his election. Finally the election came and the country's choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- >«ti#- ^^F^ ^-^;i|l]-^;||t];>Z ) r^ ^^ V ) tions were throbbing m unison, longing for the re- *^^^ k- f- ^ 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 ]X)sition in the world was at any moment likely to fall to him. At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- field from further suffering, and the world, as never before in its history over the death of any other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of the Vice President to assume the resix)nsibilities of the high office, and he took the oath in New York, Sept. 20, 1881. The jwsition was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would'do, what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many important measures were to be immediately decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he did not fail to realize under what circumstances he became President, and knew the feelings of many on this point. Under these trying circumstances President Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of affairs, he has happily surprised the Nation, acting so justly, so wisely, so well, that but few have criticised his administration. Should he continue during the remainder of his term to pursue the wise policy he has followed thus far, we believe President Arthur's administration will go down in history as one of the wisest and most satisfactory our country has ever enjoyed. His highest ambition seems to be to do his (q^ duty to the whole Nation, even to tlie sacrifice of his f warmest personal friends. AVith the good of the ^|g people at heart, and guided by the wisdom already m displayed, he will surprise his opponents, gratify his >jf friends, and bless the .Xmerican Republic, during ^', the years he occupies the Presidential chair, ^ 'A ( f XT" .^.i^^ e-r<:llli:v ■>6!€^*^ J; A V ) c^ ( (S si^^ — ^^-K^Da>^nn^>^^— — ^"^^ "•^^^^^^"^ ^^. e-vC>I]tl>>ilID^>r -4^^((®V^: I; vfe ) A X^^ s. ) I ^^3"^ ^X ^< « C- ^ I r^ ■^'^rfi^^'s: '^^-K^B :< I1D^ ^-^-^^ — -^s^s^?*^ •4)^^f®>W. ^ I -^^^^ -r-r<' iD Q :■>: D (ls>r ■>Ki>Sr.. m 1 -^ ,0 A V > r^-^^-Q.^^ ,_ V ^ ) A ••■ '•• -»- y ft ' Jj^ s^n ^ ■^^^^ ^:Il!l^^IlIlr>- ■^^^ r i. i ^* ! :> -^i^^ erT<:l]P:
:>-rr: :^i^^ •I i ) A :« s*- .^-J'f- I A ^ ^ ^ 1 h ^^^^ -^^0 n ^: DD;>ir^— ^«»€^ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 'OS -^ T :;C^^-«, *^-'i> STEPHEN T* MASON. v^'-.s'v'^'-'"' TEPHEN T. MASON, the '■*' first Oovcrnorof Michigan, was a son of Gen. John T. Mason, of Kentucky, but was born in Virginia, in i8 1 2. At the age *=^ of 19 he was apiwinted Secre- tary of Michigan Territory, and served in that capacity during the administration of Gov. George li. Porter. Upon the death of Gov. Porter, which occurred on the 6tii of July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act- ing Governor. In October, 1835, he was elected Governor under the St ate organization, and immediately en- tered u[X)n the performance of the duties of the office, although the State was not yet admitted into the Union. .After the State was admitted into the Union, Governor Mason was re-elected to the position, and served with credit to himself and to the advantage of the Stale. He died Jan. 4, 1843. The principal event during Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from the disputed southern boundary of the State. Michigan claimed for her southern boundary a line running east across the peninsula from the extreme southern [xiint of Lake Michigan, e.xtending 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 i)arties under statutory amendments to the ordinance and laws of Congress — the United States on the one part, and each Territory northwest of the Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the jirior grant, or assignation of boundary, Ohio, on the other liand, claimed that the ordinance had been superseded by the Constitution of the United States, and that Congress had a right to regu- late the boundary. It was also claimed that the Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a different line, and Congress having admitted the State under that Constitution, without mentioning the sub- ject of the line in dispute. Congress had thereby given its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu- tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at some periods of the controversy, but at others she aiw peared to regard the (piestion unsettled, by the fact that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re- gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 18 1 2, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not run till 1818. In 1820, the question in disj)ute underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously urged by her delegation, and as ably opjxjsed liy 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 (piestion 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 liy Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and that claimed by Ohio was known as the" Harris line," A I rM'^^^^ "^^f^ 4^i^%il I f 'i.'T^^^**' ■rrr <^:DD^I10>>v /I" V io6 STEPHEN T. MASON. 4^^5«^g|, A :o 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 possessionof the disputed territory by force. After several conferences with both governors, the connnissioners submitted proposi- tions for their consideration. Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions, and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and declined to compromise the rights of his people by a surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Gov- ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however. Governor Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise. Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line with- out being molested, and ordered the commissioners to proceed with their work. In the meantime. Governor Mason kept a watch- ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent scouts through the woods to watch their movements, and report when operations were commenced. When the surveying party got within the county of Lena- wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a jiortion 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. Tliis 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 Concress was impatiently awaited. Michigan ' y was admitted into the Union on the condition that ^ she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. .^^ c A r >:dDv> i^^ II ^'■^ 1^^ % \ /®):)fec'®<^ 1 > SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN. 'T^Q^'sr ^ Hg^^^ !a» . jai*%.s>»''K^WJr»\~ ^ [a«5""W« 109 -s^ ILLIA.M WOODBRlIKiE, second (Governor of Michigan, was born at Norwich, Conn., Aug. 20, 1780, and died at ' Detroit Oct. 20, i86i. He A was of a family of three brothers and two sisters. His father, I )udley Woodbridge, removed to Marietta, Ohio, al)Out 1790. The life of Wni. Woodbridge, by Chas. Lauman, from which this sketch is largely com piled, mentions noth- ing concerning his early education beyond the fact that it was such as was afforded by the average school of the lime, e.xcept a year with the French colonists at GalliixDlis, 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 subsequently distinguished, but known at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta in 1806. In June, 1806, he married, at Hartford, Con- necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trunibell, a distinguished author and judge ; and author of the I A V < peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of tlic Revolution, wrought such a magic change uiwn the spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes- tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2, 19, 1S60. Our written biographies necessarily speak more fully of men, because of their active participation in public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled the influence of good women upon the history of the world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. How much success and renown in life many men owe to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en- joyed the best means of 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 tyi)e of domestic and social graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that formed the crown of a faultless character. She was a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fme verses, some of which are preserved in a i)rinted memorial essay written upon the occasion of her death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute even in matters of minor imiwrtance, to elevate the reputation and add to the well being of her husband in the various stations he was called ujwn to fill, gave her the highest satisfaction." She was an invalid during the latter [wrtion of her life, but was patient and cheerful to the end. In 1807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the (ieneral Assembly of ( )hio, and in (809 was elected to (*~ the .Senate, continuing a member by re-election until I his removal from the State. He also held, by ap- «l» pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting m Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in "«/ the Legislature, and in i Si 2 drew up a declaration and (.i, resolutions, which passed the two houses unaminously *^ )f^f^ .:5»^^»^ -K^^DI]>:DDi>^ ■^V^''' ;>f^ S-v' •„)«<**»■ ^ ^ I I J >0 V ^ ^ I 10 / / -/L LI A M 1 1 OODBRID GE. and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest and most empiiatic terms, the war measures of Presi- dent Madison. Dining the period from 1804 to 1814 the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had be- come widely separated. Tlie latter was Governor of the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was, in 1814, without solicitation on his part, tendered to Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesita- tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. The office of Secretary involved also the duties of coUectorof customsat the port of Detroit, and during the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof of his duties, also including those of Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for about two years out of the eight years that he held the office of Secretary. Under the administration of "Gov- ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time after their numbers entitled them to a 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 passedin Congress in iSigauthorizingone tobechosen. Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the old French land titles in the Territory according to the terms of the treaty, of peace with (ireat Britain at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the construction of a Government road through the "black swamps" from the ^\Iiami River to Detroit, thus open- ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Micli- igan. He was influential in securing the passage of bills for the construction of Government roads from Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The ex- pedition for the exploration of the country around Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis- sissi[)pi, projected l>y Governor Cass, was set on foot by means of representations made to the head of tlie 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. \V. continued to discharge the duties of Secretary of the Territoiy up to the time its Government passed into the "second grade." \\\ 1824, he was appointed one of a I)oard of commissioners for adjusting private land claims in the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of his profession, having the best law library in the Ter- ritory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the President, J. (^. Adams, to succeed Hon. James VVith- erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven- tionally called thg "Supreme Court" of the Territory. This court was apparently a continuation of the Terri- torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and Judges" system. .Mthough it was supreme in its ju- dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and duties were of a very general character. In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge ex- piring. President Jackson appointed a successor, it is supposed on political grounds, much to the disappoint- ment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terri- tory, and its people began to think of assuming the dignity of a State government. Party lines becom- ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven- tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution. In 1837 he was elected amember of tie Slate Senate. This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career, because it is closely identified with the early his- tory of the State, and the develo]>ment of its (joliti- 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 (jovernor and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Gov- ernor in 1839, under a popular ini|)ression 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 States. His term in the Senate practically closed his polit- ical life, although he was strongly urged by many prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice President in 1848. Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Gov- ernor W. took up his residence on a tract of land which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a sho^t distance below what was then the corporate lim- its of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder of his life. Both in his public papers and private communications, Governor \\'. sliows himself a mas- ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra- tion, logical in arrangement, happy in the choice and treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres- sion. Judge W. was a ('ongregalionalist. I lis 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 tlie more at- tractive because not too often allowed to come to the surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and earnest affection. not only for his ancestral home, but -the home of his adoption and for friends and family. V^' A ^: (. r rVi-:^^#- -<-D!]:>:DDr.>^ ■--^yS- ■^■*>^^*-_- "^ "■.!^ji m ^^ -3S^^*r Tv -5^^., ^m GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. — — ' ;^ -**«« — >— • »))> «^ xJOHN B. BARRY _ •-« w^- I 3^ OHN STEWARD HARRY, Governor of Michigan from ^Jan. 3, 1842, to Jan. 5, 1846, /J and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. '~^^, I, 1852, was lx)rn at Amherst, / N. H., Jan. 29, 1S02. His juir- ^5 ents, John and Ellen (Steward) Harr)', early removed to Rocking- , ham, Vt., where he remained until ^i» he became of age, working on his t ither's farm, and pursuing his -Indies at the same time. He mar- ried Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt., and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt., where he had charge of an academy for two years, meanwhile studying law. He afterward practiced law in that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title of Governors Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period was Captain of a company of Slate militia. In 1831 he removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon, where he engaged in mercantile business with I W Willard. Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con- stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He became Justice of the I'eace 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 ujwn which Michigan was admitted into the Union. He took an imjwrtant and prominent part in the jjroceedings 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 cliosen State Senator, and so favorably were his associates impressed with his abilities at the first session of the Legislature that tliey 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 jKipuIar 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 ujxjn a solid financial basis. During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception f I A >: r I :nfivV- ->^ •■:>-^^v' ®»«^: D Df :>rr- 25^^ — mr< John STEWARD barry. •^^f 1' ^ of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and general progress was everj'where noticeable. In 1842, j the number of pupils reported as attending the public I schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, a State land office was established at Marshall, which was invested with the charge and disposition of all the lands belonging to the State. In 1844, the tax- able property of the State was found to be over twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the income from the railroads was nearly three hundred thousand dollars. At tliis time the University of Michigan had become so prosperous that its income was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ; and the amount of money which the State was able to loan the several progressing railroads was one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were made to increase the efficiency of the common schools with good results In r845, when Gov. Barry's sec- ond term expired, the population of the State was more than three hundred thousand. The constitution of the State forbade more than two consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the position again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind in tlie history of the State. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- atives. During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor- mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board of education consisting of six persons. A new con- stitution for the government of the State was also adopted and the " Great Railway Conspiracy Case " was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts which had been committed upon the [iroperty of the Michigan Central Raihoad Company, along the line of their road, and finally the burning of the de]X3t at Detroit, in 1850. ;^ At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, ^ April 24, 1851, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused })arties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of wliicii Warner AVing was resident judge. The Rail- road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in- cluding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A. Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, .Mex. D. Fraser, Dan- iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were represented by six members of the State bar, led by William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied tfour months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants \[t 249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury ■^ for the prosecution ; William H. Seward for the 1?) defense. ^ The great lawyer was convinced of tlie innocence Sl^\^>>«^#^ ^^"^^ — ^-^•-■iD n ) A of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his clients were the victims of purchased treachery, rather than so many sacrifices to justice. The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock I'. -M., Sept. 25, 1851. (_)n the 26th the prisoners were put forward to receive sentence, when many of them protested their entire innocence, after which the pre- siding judge condemned 12 of the number to the fol- lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within the State's prison, situate in their county : Ammi Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years; Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, eight years; Lyman Chamiilin, five years; Willard W. Champlin, five years; F-rastus Champlin, five years; Erastus Smith, five years. In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Eurojie to obtain information in reference to its culture. He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last public service was that of a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864. He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts bestowed upon him, wliether of a public or a private nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been one of the most efficient and popular (lovernors the Slate has ever had. Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. His opinions, which he reached I)y the most thorough investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con- victions and outspoken lionesty made it impossible for him to take an undefined position when a principle was involved. His attachments and prejudices were strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his administration of public affairs. .\s a speaker he was not remarkable. Solidity, ratlier than brilliancy, char- acterized his oratory, which is described as argument- ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo- quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner rather awkward. Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi- tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public es- teem by his solid worth. His political connections were always wUh the Democratic party, and his opin- ions were usually extreme. Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car- ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He died Jan. 14, 1R70, his wife's death having occurred a year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children. A © (' ^ :^;SPBfek,• ■ \ ■ a£j »l i_V^.i,A»<.»--H D -s^C^^c ^7-r<'^llIl>:mis>v-r' -^^^-^ ) 1 V GC VRRNORS OF MICHIGAN. O t t jis ?tLP l^I^LOIT. 1 Li^.J ®^:^;- ,PHEUS FELCH, the third rnor of Michigan, was )orn in Limerick, Maine, Sep- tember 28, 1806. His grand- father, Ahijah Felch, was a sol- ^■^ dier in tlie Revolution ; and when a young man, having with others ol)tained a grant of land be- tween the Great and Little Ossipee V, Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re- gion when it was yet a wilderness. The father of Mr. Felch embarked in mercantile life at Limerick. He was the first to engage in that business in that section, and continued it until his death. The death of the father, followed within a year by the death of the mother, left the subject of this sketch, then three years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a home with his paternal grandfather, where he re- mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early education in the district school and a neighboring academy. In 1821 he became a student at l'hillii)s Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered IJowdoin College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at once began the study of law and was admitted to practice at Bangor, Me., in 1830. He began the practice of his profession at Houlton, Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity of the climate impaired his health, never very good, and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate. He disix)sed of his library and started to seek a new home. His intention was to join his friend, Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the disease was too great to permit a journey down the river. He therefore determined to come to Michi- gan. He first began to practice in this State at Mon- roe, where he continued until 1S43, when lie removed to Ann .\rbor. He was elected to the State Legisla- ture in 1835, and continued a member of that Iwdy during the years 1836 and 1837. Wliile he held this office, the general banking law of the State was enact- ed, and went into operation. .After mature delibera- tion, he became convinced that the proposed system of banking could not prove beneficial to the public interests ; and that, instead of relieving the people from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were laboring, it would result in still further embarrass- ment. He, therefore, opiX)sed the bill, and ix)inted out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, were sure to follow its passage. 'I'he public mind, however, was so favorably impressed by the measure that no other member, in either branch of the Legisl.i- ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with him in opix)sition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was appxDinted one of the Bank Commissioners of the State, and held that office for more than a year. Dur- ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. Almost every village had its bank. The country was fiooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex- aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re- ^ s A f ^))«^^- ^ <•^DIl:KPD^->T- ■5^" -MS, ALPHEUS FELCH. f \ I •■'A I ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim- inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing of many of their institutions. The duties of the of- fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch re- signed. The chartered right of almost every bank had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State. In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed to the office of Auditor General (if the State; but after holding the office only a few weeks, was com- missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig- nation of Judge Fletcher. In January, 1843, he was elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan, and entered upon his duties at the commencement of the next year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator in Congress for six years; and at once retired from the office of Governor, by resignation, which took effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term com- menced. While a member of the Senate he acted on the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great credit to the State of Michigan. During Governor Felch 's administration the two railroads belonging to the State were sold to private corporations, — the Central for $2,000,000, and the Southern for |j(!5 00,000. The exports of the State amounted in 1846 to l|t;4,647,6oS. The total capacity of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving em- ployment to 18,000 seamen. In 1847, there were 39 counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; and 275 of these townships were supplied with good libra- ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of the Connnissioners to adjust and settle tlie Spanish and Mexican land claims in California, under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress passed for that purpose. He went to California in May, 1853, and was made President of the Commis- sion. The duties of this office were of the most im- portant and delicate character. The interest of the new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, both the native Mexican population and the recent American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to their common lands, and of tlie Catholic Cliurch to the lands of the Missions, — the most valuable of the State, — wereinvolved in the adjudications of this Com- mission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought to a close by the final disposition of all the claims which were presented. Tlie record of their proceed- ings, — the testimony whicli was given in each case, and the decision of the Commissioners tliereon,— consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited in the Department of the Interior at Washington. In June of that year, (lOvernor Felch returned to Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged piinci- pally in legal business. Since his return he has been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen- ator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court, Hut the Democratic party, to which he has always been attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec- tion. In 1873 he witlidrew from the active practice of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Euroi^e, in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home in Ann Arbor. In 1877 the University of Michigan conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan University, and in the sjjring of 1879 was appointed Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Hank 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. I i .0^ r^ ^:dOv>-^-^ — ^^^^^ >!^S5 \iSS}^ •^ ? '$fet:«T^" ^ ) s ) Ct? VERNORS. 121 ^ I 'WIllIAM IL, €iIBEEI^I,¥, I fe^ V. **>->. ti I *"- iti ""^ j:, ■^'■'■^ j,--'"^ j,*-^"^ A'>'"^^h-^^"^^--"'-jjh'-"''"' A^'"" A"'""' A*"'""" ifc'^"'"' A^"'" A 'jI 1 I.LIAM L. GREENLY ^.;gv"ioveruor of Michigan for the year 1847, was born at Hamil- •ton. Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. S;=f]r 18,1813. He graduated at Un- ^s^'/ ion College, Schenectady, in |t|^5«sn I 1831, studied law and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1834. In 1836, having removed to Michi- gan, he settled in Adrian, where he has since resided. The year following his arrival in Michigan he was elected State Senator and served in that capacity until 1839. In 1845 he was elected Lieut. Gov- 'ij'l) emor and became acting Governor ' ■'- by the resignation of Gov. Feli h, who was elected to the United States Senate. ! The war with Mexico was brougin to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's administration. We regret to say that there are only few records e.xtant of the action of Michigan troops in the Mexican war. Tliat many went there and fought well are points conceded ; but their names and nativity are hidden away in United States archives iEX f- -rs^f^-^ and where it is almost impossible to find ihcni. The soldiers of this State deserve much of the credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf The two former of these companies, recruited in this State, were reduced to one-third their original num- ber. In May, 1846, the Governor of -Michigan was noti- fied by the War Department of the United States to enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readi- ness for service whenever demanded. At his sum- mons 13 independent volunteer companies, 11 of infantry and two of cavalry, at 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 tlie 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, §i t A i. I ■^<^Dii:o:i]ll>.>A-c. „.-'4:-.i^^j(<^ '^ L>)«^#' T ■r-^ r^&ssr ^wi^ -4?^((^VI^! fe) f 4i ) A ^ O -I. .^si^^ awS^_;i)j|,$j^,,j|p^^A-.e s^^jr:. ^ (9 4) ^ ^^)C (J I v A ■'^ V ■) v<^DD>:iiDr>T rrz -^^5?^ A4^ c<^ y£jijvojis. -^1 EP^PI?RODITUS PIJSOIII. 1 !^s*^i:r*s;s' HE HON. EPAPHRODI- TUS RANSOM, the Seventh Governor of Michigan, was a native of Massachusetts. In that State he received a col- legiate education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar. Removing to Michigan about the time of its admission to the Union, he took up his residence at Kalamazoo. Mr. Ransom served with marked . ability for a number of years in the State Legislature, and in 1837 he was apix)inted As- sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re- tained until 1845, when he resigned. Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in the building of plank roads in the western portion of the State, and in this business lost the greater portion of the property which he had accumulated by years '^ of toil and industry. I Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of '^ Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one f ' term, jierforming the duties of the office in a truly ^ statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became i'^ President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in ^ which position he displayed the same ability that shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor. He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer- sity several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy in its management. Subsetjuently he was apix)inted receiver of the land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres- ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and where he died before the expiration of his term of office. We sum up the events and affairs of the State un- der Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The .\sylum 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 $81,500. On tiie first of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was com- pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis- patch transmitted on that day. The foUowmg figures show the progress in agriculture : The land refwrted as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 jxiunds; maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cat- tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills amounted to 730. 1847, an act was passed removing the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and temixj- rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im- mediately erected, at a cost of S' 2,450- r ^ A •o: V ^A^^^K^^ ^3,0^ v. <^Dii:^nn^> ^•;ii^ ^■■T'.-J tr-' r<^llll>;$lin^>:^ rr -*^i^ ^% s \^ ) ^ y r (; i ( '. t ^ «% -^t^^^- -^<-^D!l>:DD;>^^r^ — ^"^^^^ -4^^ r.^-'^ ry-7<:Illi:^ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. -^^^ J> V :) >^ V , t p ip. j i yypy : M^>rr: :ii^^^ 4^^5((®V.^ ROBERT McClelland. '•\ f f in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti- tuted one congressional district. The hue Hon. Jacob M. Howard had been elected against Hon. 7\lpheus Felch by a strong majority ; but, in 1S43, so thoroughly had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Con- gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent posi- tion in Congress among the veterans of that body. During his first term he was placed on Committee on Commerce, and org;mi/.ed and carried through what were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued / confidence of his constituency was manifested in his - election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this session he had acquired a National reputation, and so favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep- resentatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W. Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in which position his reports and advocacy of important measures at once attracted public attention. The members of this committee, as an evidence of the es- teem in which they held his services and of their personal regard for him, presented him with a cane which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of his labors in Congress. In 1847, Mr. McClelland was re-elected to Con- gress, and at the opening of the 3olh Congress be- came a member of the Committee on Foreign Rela- tions. While acting in this capacity, what was known as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his spe- cial charge, and his management of the same was such as to command universal approbation. While in Congress, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the 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 temporary expe- diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid- dings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District of Columbia. Mr. McClelland was one of the few Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn- sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot Proviso, ■ with a view to prevent further extension of slavery in new 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 Gen. Cass for President, in 1848, doing valiant service that year for the elec- tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving ■y Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned to the ^ practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a I * convention of the State of Michigan was called to ^ revise the State constitution. He was elected a ;<^ ) member and was regarded therein as among the ablest and most experienced leaders, His clear judgment and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the committee room and on the floor^ in debate. In 1850, he was President of the Democratic State convention which adopted resolutions in sup(X)rt of Henry Clay's famous compromise measures, of which Mr, ^IcClel- 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 r, the new Stats constitution took effect and it was necessary that a Governor should be elected for one year in order to prevent an interregnum, and to bring the State Government into operation under the new constitution Mr. McClelland was elected Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for a term of two years, from Jan i, 1853. His admin- istration was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia- tory, and was as popular as could be expected at a time when party spirit ran high. There was really no opposition, 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 the cabinet by President Pierce, in March, 1853, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in which capacity he served most creditably during four years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly re-organized his department and reduced the expend- itures. He adopted a course with the Indians which relieved them from the impositions and annoyances of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization among them. During his administration there was neither complaint from tlie tribes nor corruption among agents, and he left the department in perfect order and system. In r867, Michigan again called a con- vention to revise the State constitution. Mr. McClel- land was a member and here again his long experi- ence made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and im- pressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective advocate. In speaking before the people on political subjects he was especially forcil)le and happy. In 1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his extensive person.al acquaintance with European dip- lomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than most travelers Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah 'E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had six children, two of whom now survive. Hi)) C A r r■•■^^^^ ^^- -^^s^ erv< id O >1I1 D> •>:— ^ :^^- Go rtmA'OJis OP Michigan. T 2» A V 1 I ANDREW PARSlON^. ■^^ +-S. \3 NDKKW Wi nor of M PARSONS, Govcr- Michigan from March 8, 1853 to Jan. 3, tSss, was born in the town of Hoosick, County of Rensselaer, and State of New York, on the 2 2d Tj^g day of July, 1817, and died June 6, 1855, at the early age of 38" years. He was the son of John Parsons, born at Newbury port, Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the sonof Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary soldier, who was the , i of Phineas Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, a descendant of \Valter Parsons, born in Ireland in 1290. Of this name and family, some one hundred and thirty years ago, Bishop Oilson remarked in his edi- tion of Camden's Britannia: "Tlie honorable family of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross." The following are descendants of these families : Sir John Parsons, born 1 481, was Mayor of Hereford; Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near liridgewater, England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- ford, and w.is a noted writer and defender of the Romish faith. He establisiied an English College at Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, lx)rn in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingliam; Bartholomew Parsons, born in 161 8, was another noted member of the family. In 1 634, Thomas Parsons was knighted by Charles I. Joseph and Benjamin, bntthers, were l)f)rn in Oreal I'orringlon, Ivigland, and accompanied their fatiier and others to New England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salis- bury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in 1730, ordained at Rye, N. H., Nov. 3, 1736, married Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Uostor, Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfatherof Maiy Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set- tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous race of the name are descended, including two Presi- dents of the United States. The Parsons have be- come very numerous and are found throughout New England, and many of the descedants are scattered in all parts of the United States, and especially in the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at tlie age of 17 years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which he was compelled to abandon from ill health He was one of the large number of men of sterling worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom, enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful natural resources, until to-day itraiYks with the proud- est States of the Union. These brave men came to Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conciuest of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong and willing hands. They gloriously con<|uered, how- ever, and to them is due all honor for the labors so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation which they laid of a great Commonwealth. ( ^ ¥ ( r -^^^^ — '^^^^nii: •^^^ „.^.^„>)^'^ i I^e^^ ■^^^7<^llll>:llll^->rrr- ANDREW PARSONS •'^ ^ A '^ Si X ^ In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River Valley in a frail canoe, the whole lengtli of the river, from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia, County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons, also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia- w'asseCount3-,then with Clinton County, andan almost unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized township. In 1837 tliis 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 r846, he was elected to the State Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848, and elected Regent of the University in 185 i, and Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor, in T853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the responsibilities of his office and cares of his business, retired to his farm, where he died soon after. He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well calculated to make friends of his ac(iuautances. 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 lo bear upon him, to induce him to call an e.xtra session of the Legisla- ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words. In other jjlaces the resolutions were of a demanding nature, wliile in others they were threatening beyond measure. Fearing that all tiiese influences might fail to induce jiim to call the e.\tra session, a large simr of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten- dered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of the State and call the extra session, but, immovable, he returned the money and refused to receive any favois, whether from any party who would at- tempt to corrupt him l)y laudations, liberal offers, or by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man could dispute, showing the circumstances were not "extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session. This brought down the wrath of various ])arties upon his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance : "tliough not always coinciding with his views I never doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, with the dictates of his conscience, and the beliests of his oath." The following eulogium from a iwlitcaloj)- ponent is just in its conception and creditable to its author: "Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Dem- ocratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every public and private relation of life. As a politician he was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex- ecutive officer firm, constant and reliable." The highest commendations we can pay the deceased is to give his just record, — that of being an honest man. In the spring of 1S54, during the administration of Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least as a State organization, was first formed in the United States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery men of both the old parties. Great excitement pre- vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of Kansas, and the issue tliereby brought up, whether slavery should exist there. For the jjurposeof 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-Nebraska" men. 'i"he epithets, "Ne- braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temporally em- ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery parties, pending the desoliition of the old Democratic - and Whig parties and the organization of the new Democratic and Republican ])arties of the present. *XV5 v^ i :^* -V^. 4^^5f m -3«t^ GO VERNORS OF MICIIJGAN. .. t •■. ^^.'^•..'^^:.'^^:a'^^::i^^!3an^:a'^^.^lai'^;gi'l^^^^^i^^'^j>'?.^5l»a5>^^^g^^i^ , % KinslaRy S. Binqham. ^ "J ll • ■> • I'.'l' ;l' ••■' • .1. ••.' l^;l^;^^; l^;l'>,Vl^^;'^'^^^^^'l■.^^j|'.^^Xl^>'^a.^;,^Vt;:;,'^^:;,^a,■^^^^ > SLEY S. BINGHAM, overnor of Michigan from ;fy '^55 ''^ '^59' ''"d United ^aj States Senator, was born in Camillus, Onondaga County, N. v., Dec. 1 6, i8o8. His father was a farmer, and his own early life was consequently de- voted to agricultural pursuits, hut notwithstanding the disadvan- tages related to the acquisition of knowledge in the life of a farmer he managed to secure a good aca- demic education in his native State and studied law in the office of Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of I S33, he married an estimable lady ] who had recently arrived from Scot- land, and obeying the impulse of a naturally enterprising disirasiiion, he emigrated to Michigan and purchased a new farm in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on the border of civilization, buried in the i)rimeval for- est, our late student commenced the arduous task of preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put- ting up buildings, etc., at such a rale that the land chosen was soon reduced to a high stale 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 Pro'iate Judge in the county. In the year 1836, when Michigan i-ecame a State, he was elected to the first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and Speaker of the House of Re])resentatives three years. In 1846 lie was elected on the Democratic ticket, Rei)- 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 oijjiosed to tlie introduction of " Wood's Patent Cast Iron Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re- elected to Congress in 1848, during which time he strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the territory of the United States and was committed to and voted for tiie Wilmot Proviso. In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in 1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his administration, and among other profits of his zeal in their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing. In 1859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam- paign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit- A ^«>^*' -=*€^^ ^ <•^D!l^>:DD^>^ r ;r<-«»- ^ii^S^J^ I t ) A '<' J ^ 138 KINSLEY S. BINGHAM. >-; ■'#^5feV: 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 appoplexy and died suddenly at his residence, in Oreen Oak, Oct. 5, 1861. The most noticable event in Governor Bingham s first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the Falls of St. Mary. In 1852, Angust 26, an act of Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich- igan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1 85 3, the Legislature accepted the 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, had to be transported to the site of the canal from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports. The rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall ^3f seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks of solid masonary. In May, 1855, the work was com- pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally delivered to the State authorities. The disbursements on account of the construction of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one million of dollars ; while the lands which were as- signed to the company, and selected through the agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the Government grant. The opening of the canal was an important event in the history of the improvement of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of lake commerce, and particularly important to the interests of the Upper Peninsula. There were several educational, charitable and re- formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Ag- ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision of the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says, " The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, pro- vide for the establishment of an agricultural school." For the purpose of carying into practice this provision, legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act re- (juircd that the school should be within ten miles of Lansing, and that not more than ijlrj 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 1861, it was >mder the control of the State i^oard of Education; since that time it has been under the management of the State Board, of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose. In its essential features, of combining study and labor, and of uniting general and professional studies in its course, the college has remained virtually un- changed from 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 employed. Ex- clusive of the endowment fund ($80,000), the assets of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni- ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, etc., amount to more than $137,000. Hillsdale College was established in 1S55 by the Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept in operation until it was merged into the present Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, beautifully situated on an eminence in the western part of tlie city of Hillsdale. The large and impos- ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire in 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more modern style have been erected. They are of brick, three stories with basement, arranged on three sides of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80, 48 by 7 2, 48 by 7 2, 80 by 60, 5 2 by 7 2, 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 ix)rtion of the city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of- fenders, having about it many of the features of a prison. In 1859 the name was changed to the State Reform School. The government and dicipline, have undergone many and radical changes, until all the prison features have been removed exce|)t 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 emi)loyed. 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. < §)^(^^ -3*^;%e- -2<^iia^tii]^> ^ r-i;^ 141 '>? fiiW- i '• - ■ • ■^-Cf- ■>;.. .. V ) .771 i 4 ^ J OSES VVISNER. Governor of H^Micliigan from 185910 1861, was born in Springport, Cayu- ga Co., N Y., June 3, 181 5. His early education was only what could be obtained at a common school. Agricultural labor and frugality of his parents gave him a jjhysical constitution of unus- ual strength and endurance, which was ever preserved by temperate hab- its. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi- ^{^ gan and ])urchased a farm in Lapeer W County It was new land and he at once set to work to clear it and plant crops. He labored diligently at his task for two years, when he gave up the idea of bemg a farmer, and removed to I'ontiac, Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar and established himself in his new vocation at the village of Lapeer. While there he was ajjppointed by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well and gave promise of thai eminence he afterward at- tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became a member of a firm and entered fully \\[x>n the l)ractice. In iwlitics he was like his talented brother, a Whig of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti- slavery bias. His practice becoming extensive, he '^\? K -^^[iD^^;niiit>-' took little part in politics until after the election of Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a man of great ability, but relied less uiion 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 uiwn 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 elocpience was at once grace- ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most original, tlie most jxjinted illustrations, and his logic became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be- stowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a ix)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 op|)Osed to it in that State, and was a member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, 1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven- tion held in the United States. At this meeting the name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of the new party consisting of .Anti-slavery, Whigs, Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others op- posed Id the extension of slavery and favorable to its expulsion from the Territories and the District of Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to accept the nomination for Attorney General of the V_ \ /\ V r I i 1 ^■■ii--j 142 -^r^>ll D ^ D Il^>7Hc 31^^^^ -4^^^ I 1' MOSES WISNKR. i >: V ^ 1 • ; State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom- inated and at the annual election in November was elected by an average majority of nearly 10,000. Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to its support all his personal influence and talents. In Iiis views he was bold and radical. He believed from the beginning that tlie ix)litical power of the slave- holders would have to be overthrown before ipiiet could be secured to the country. In the Presidential canvass of 1856 lie supiwrted the Fremont, or Re- publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, and as such received a very handsome support. In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the State by the Republican convention that met at De- troit, and at the subsecpient November election was chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of the election he had addressed the people of almost every county and his majority was greater even than that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, 1859, to Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature was an able and statesman-like production, and was read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake to all the interests of the State and set forth an en- lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid settlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel- opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re- sources. It was a dociunent that reflected the highest credit upon the author. His term having expired Jan. i, 1861, lie returned to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his profession. There were those in the State who counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con- ference at Washington, but Mr. VV. was opposed to all such temjxirizing expedients. His counsel was to send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. After Congress had met and passed the necessary legislation he resolved to take part in the war. In the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland County, where he resided. His regiment, the 22d Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to march in September, a regiment whose solid iiuali- ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. Col. Ws. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. Before parting with his family he made his will. His regiment was sent to Kentucky and (piartered 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 liis disci- pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree the spirit of command, and had he lived he would no doubt have distinguished himself as a good officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at being kept in Kentucky where there was so little prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, so different from the one he had been leading, and his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience which was so natural and so general among the vol- unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their influence felt upon his health. He was seized with typhoid fever and removed to a private house near Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him. In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was dis- ciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus- tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush- ing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poig- nant grief was the prospect of not being able to come to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "cliivalry." He was proud of his regimer.t, and felt that if it could find the enemy it would cover itself with glory, — a distinclioii it afterward obtained, but not until C"ol. W. was no more. The malady baflled all medical treat- ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1S63, he breathed his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest l)y 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 sliowed the tenderest regard. Next to his duty tHeir love and welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- erous and l)rave, and like thousands of others he sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. ^' c A '^: -3!injg3>ri. ■^<-^!l!]:o:lIDr.>A:^ ^"^^^ -m^ w 4^n ^' 1 u 1 d V <^DP:^lllir>v Gt> VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. sksffi, SJSisffiiajfc^ — *' *?::i •^Si? miJSTIM BLiLIK* •€€-• .->- aifp?«>">"^' '^ V USTIN liLAIR, C.overnoi- of Michigan from Jan. 2, 1861, to Jan, 4, 1865, and kown as the War Governor, is ^"'^ "-J- ,1 ? and illustration of the henifi- 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, 181 8. His ancestors came from .Scot- land in the time of (ieorge I, and for many generations followed the pursuit of agriculture. His father, George Blair, settled in Tompkins County in 1809, and felled the trees and erected the first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four- score years of his life were spent on that sjwt. He married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him in the soil of the old homestead. The first 17 years of Mr. Blair's life were spent tiiere, rendering his father what aid he could upon the farm. He then spent a year and a half in Cazcnovia Seminary ])re- paring for college; entered Hamilton College, in A>. Clinton, prosecuted his studies until tiie mldille of ■^ the junior year, when, attracted i)y the fame of Dr. A Nott, he changed to Union College, from which lie "% graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col- 3& lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet j , & Davis, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice >v» in 1841, and the same year moved toMichigan, locat- ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerkof Eaton County. At the close of the official term he returned to Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously esjxjused the cause of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen- eral statutes ; also made an able supix)rt in favor of abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec- tive franchise, and at the same session was active in securing the alwlition of capital punishment. In 1848 Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the \\'hig party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil movement, and was a delegate to their convention which nominated Van Buren for President that year. Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson, in 1854, by the coalition of the Wliig 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 tlie incoming Re- publican administration of 1855, and holding the position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He was a delegate to the Mational 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- ■^^"^ — -u-i<:;pg>:nn;->i-^ ^^'J t V^ \ w**;^ & 'lii A USTIN BLAIR. •■^^^ -HfSfe) |7^5f T ) V s ) ^ mentous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov. '^ Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive policy and the administrative ability which charac- terized his gubernatorial career. Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a brighter example been laid down, or a greater sacri- fice been made, than that which distinguished Mich- igan during the civil war. All, from the " War Gov- ernor," down to the poorest citizen of the State, were animated with a patriotic ardor at once raagnificiently 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 a. of the Republic. After a review of the conditions '■^ of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the S relations between the free and slave States of the Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in- terests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We are also citizeas of the United States of America. By this title we are known among the nations of the earth. In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic, the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect 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 jmde 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 tlie Nation and defend its integrity and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para- graph being : " I recommend you at an early day to malce mani- • V v^; fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and the laws and will defend them to the uttermost; and to proffer to the President of the United States, the whole military jxiwer of the State for that purjxDse. 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 88,111 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 Forrieth 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 lie was a strong supporter of reconstrucuon 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 liis retirement from Con- gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied witli his e.\- tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, 1849. Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a law (HS partner of A. J. Gould ; Charles A., a law jjartner with hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home. Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair was nominated for. Justice of the Supreme Court of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated A I M (£>laJ-. 11 w ^ V i GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 3 RXRY HOWLANDCRAPO, Ciovenior of Michigan from '^ 1865 to 1869, was 1)0111 May 24, 1804, at Dartmoutli, Bris- tol Co., Mass., and died at Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869. He was the eldest son of Jesse and Plia-he (Howlaiul) Crapo. His fatiier was of French descent and was very poor, sustaining liis ^family by the cultivation of a farni in Dartmouth township, which yielded I nothing beyond a mere livelihood. His early life was consecjuently 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 mion a compara- tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for ihem in an education. His struggles to secure this end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would have discouraged any but the most courageous and [KTsevering. He became an ardent student and worker from his boyhood, though the means of cany- ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He sorely felt the need of a dictionary, and, neither having money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to cominle one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of the English language, he copied into a book every word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and u|X)P meeting the same word again in the newspapers m and books, which came into his hands, from the context, would then record the definition. Whenever unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word in which he had become interested he would walk from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that [lurpose alone, and after referring to the books at the library and satisfying himself thoroughly as to itsdeunition, 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 ]X)Sses- sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself diligently to its study became familiar with this art, which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was called upon, but had no compass and no money with which to purchase one. A compass, however, he must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shoi) near at hand, \\\)oy\ the forge, with such tools as he could find in the shop, while tiie 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 tlie village school at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un- der the pressure of law, a high s( hool was to be opened, he passed a successful examination for its principalship and received the apixjintment. To do this was no small task. The law reipiired a rigid examination in various subjects, which necessitated days and nights of study, (^ne evening, after con- cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed ^; Si C -<:,*- ■> ^^^ HENRY HOWLAND CRAFO. ■^a€^^ ri?Si^ -4^^5fSV(i^ iigpi ^J T <^) ) '^ a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that lie was qualified, he walked back to his home the same night, highly elated in being possessed of the acciuirements and requirements of a master of the high school. In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc- casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom- ing a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held until the municipal government was changed, — about fifteen years, — when, upon the inauguration of the city government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector of taxes, a position which he held two or three years. He was also Justice of the Peace for many years. He was elected Alderman of New Bedford ; was Chairman of Council Committee on Eclucation, and as such prepared a rejiort upon which was based the order for the establishment of the free Public Library of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if not in the world. The Boston Free Librarj' was es- tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul- ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carr)'ing out his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indica- tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field of labor, it may Ije 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 Pliiladeliihia, in 1869. During his resi- dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart- mouth, of which he was part owner, was named- 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 ('ounty Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of the Bedford (xjmmercial Insurance Company in New Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov- ernmcnthecompiled and published, between the years 1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford Directory, the firs': work of the kind ever i)ul)lished there. Mr. C. removed to Michigan in 1856, having been induced to do so by investments made principally in pine lands, first in tS37 and subseciuently in 1856. He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en- -^^11 a 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 until its consolidation with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been a resident of the place only five cr six years. In 1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 1864 he received the nominati(Jn on the Republican ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected liy 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. ^\'hile serving his last term he was attacked with a disease which terminated his life within one year afterwards. During much of this time he was an in- tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his attention to public matters. A few weeks previous to his death a successful surgical operation was per- formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion in business matters and State affairs suffered a relapse from which there was no rebound, and he died July n-, 1869- In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated with the Whig party in politics, but became an active member of the Rei)ublican 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 \. .'^locum, of Dartmouth. His marriage took ])lace soon after he had attained his majority, and before his struggles with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas- ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great strength of character and possessed of courage, hope- fulness and devotion, (jualities which sustained and encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of his early years. For several years after his marriage he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living with her jiarents at the time, at whose home his two older children were born. Wliilc thus situated he was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see his family, returning on Sundav in order to be ready for school Mon(Lay morning. .Vs the walk for a good part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident that at that period of his life no common obstacles deterred him from performing what he regarded as a duty. His wife was none the less consci- entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities and increasing requirements she labored faithfully in the performance of all her duties. They liad ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an honored Representative to Congress from the First Congressional District of Massachusetts. 9. DQsy-? ^^^?^ — — i I A ■^ C I ?^ -^^^^ ^ ^a^^^ f^'^'-^^m^- J ) A :-^ V s ) 4 GO VKRNORS OF MICHIGAN. ~>tflafl;fS*&'« o-.^»«» i ajtifcSw^SfSWJ?^ mEI^HT F. BALDWIN. ■ ■*«, 4,«> vN«fi£i2;S-i3-^~^«''» ^ ^i^^^'^Y' '=iW*'*T)>«®^SWT2fjr>v-i ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- ernor of Michigan from Jan. 4, 1869, to Jan. I, 1873, is a lineal descendant of Nathan- iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- nghanishire, England, who set- tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639. His father was John Baldwin, a graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege. He died at North Provi- dence, R. I., in 1826. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Moses Baldwin, a graduate of Princeton College, in 1757, and the first who received collegiate hon- ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died at Parma, Mass., in 181 3, where for more than 50 years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. On his mother's side tlovernor B. is descended from Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox- bury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where lor 2 1 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist Church. The subject of this sketch was born at Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New England common-school education until the age of 12 years, when, both his parents having died, he be- came a clerk in a mercantile estal)lishment. He re- mained there, cm])loying his leisure hours in study, until 20 years of age. At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on his own account. He made a visit to the West, in 1S37, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in tlie spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile house which has been successfully conducte4 until the present time. Although he successfully conducted a large business, he has ever taken a dcci) interest in all things affecting the prosperity of the city and State of his adoption. He was for several years a Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's Society, an institution with a large library designed for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. .\n 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 Covernor Baldwin, who gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and also contributed the larger share of the cost of their erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig- ious enterprises whether connected with his own Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few [jublic and social improvements of Detroit during the past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not in some way connected. He was a director in the Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its char- ter, and has been President of the Second National Bank since its organization. In i860, Mr. Baklwin was elected to the State Senate, of Michigan ; during the years of 1861 -'2 he was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations, Chairman of the Select Joint t'ommittee of the two Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart- ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of the letting of the contract for the improvement of Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving from iS69to 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 u|X)n the thing in hand, has been the secret of liie uniform Vi^ A §^^^- ■^*^^^ -^-0!i:o:Diir:>^ if-t-*- ^^M^ I I '^iw^ \ f 154 T^J^^s^r -r<^DIl>:DD^>T- "^-tsiir- HENR V P. BALD WIN. ^'-^' — ^^^ -^^ ■i >v t X. Aoh^a :=-€^ --r<^DIl>:iiOr:>:--^ GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. >^^^^ ^FvP; •57 -N V JDMI^ J, IBA(B]LE1 si^*s*j ®^V'*i-Y ^i'^> e ■% ■>, ■«sp''^®-T»- VIS-i '4 -0» :^ V ^ OHN JUDSON BAdLEY, Governor of Micliigan from icS73 to 1877, was born in Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., ^^vr^ k July 24, 1832. His father, John Bagley, was a native of New Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. Bagley, of Connecticut. He at- tended the district school of Lock- « port, N. Y., until he was eight years old, at which time his father moved to Constantine, Mich., and he at- tended the common schools of that village. His early experience was like that of many country boys whose parents removed from Eastern States to the newer portion of the AVest. His father being in very poor circiim- Ili^fl 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 manufactorj' and remained in this position for alwut five years. In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- surance corjxjrations. 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 tlie Detroit Common Council the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover- nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitian ix)lice force of the city of Detroit, serv- ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and for many years was Chairman of tlie Republican State Central committee. (iovernor 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 thouuhl.from whatever source itmay 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 l)y a firm adherence to a faith or de- nomination. He was married at Dubu(iue, Iowa, Jan. 16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newborr)', a pioneer missionary of Michigan, who took an active part in the early educational mat- ters of the State and in the establishment i.^{ its ex- cellent system of education. It was |)rincipally V V A V V ■■''':» which were his efforts to improve and make popular "■ "^ the educational agencies of the State by increasing the faculty of the University for more thorough in- struction in technical studieSjby strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College upon the public good will and making the general change which has manifested itself in many scattered primary districts. Among others were an almost complete revolution in the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- ers through county agents, which has proved of great good in turning the young back from crime and plac- ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se- curing for the militia the first time in the history of Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- y^ able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. , — r in the earlier part of his administration that the law ,<^J creating the State Board of Health, and also the law ^ creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the S^ State, were passed, both of which have proved of great ^ benefit to the State. The successful representation ) of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- tration. As Governor, he felt that he represented the State — not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- resents his employer, and as the Executive of the State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of the people he so much loved. He was ambitious — ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- ever strong the mind and powerful tlie will, if there be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to the fact tliat the more we have the more is required of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He j had great hopes for his State and his country. He had '*.' his ideas of what they should be. \\'ith a heart as •y broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and ^ cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he ['-' asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to _^ labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. ^:^-i ^,^e^^... ^^^^ — -^<^m JOHN J. BAGLEY. -^4^^f^V( ^ His whole life was a battle for others ; and he entered the conflict eagerly and hopefully. His State papers were models of compact, busi- ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of practical suggestions, and his administrations will long be considered as among the ablest in this or any other State. His noble, generous nature made his innumerable benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- ally, to him it was " more blessed to give than to receive." His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi- ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew the hand that gave. At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- sponse to some charitable request, and said to him : "Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about how much does your charities amount to in a year?" He turned at once and said : " I do not know, sir; I do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more next year than I have this." This exjiresscd liis 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 itiuch time to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life and Woik of John Adams," in ten volumes. In all questions of business or public affairs he seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of the nut in the least possible time. In reading he would spend scarcely more time witii a volume than most persons would devote to a cliapter. After what seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value the book contained. Rarely do we see a business man so familiar with the best English authors. He was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and his elegant home was a study and a pleasure to his many friends, who always found there a hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas eve he gathered his children about him and, taking the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, closing the entertaiiTnient with "The Night Before Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol." V^ A (■ (w >:tiflr.>^ -4^^Jf I ■^ lyiiM (M 1 Clilfi/O %t. [A/tMAveii^. GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. ^-«^ii,*®fa»^i4j» "J^S?^ HARLES M. CROSWELL, Governor of Michigan from Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, 1881, was born at Newburg, Orange County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825. He is the only son of John and Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His father, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction, was a jiaper-maker, and carried on business in New York Chy. His ancestors on his mothers 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 P] President Jefferson, published a pa- '* per called the Balance, and was V^J'jW prosecuted for libeling the President V^W? under the obnoxious Sedition Law. ^W He was defended by the celebrated ' Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- ion of the case establised the important ruling that the truth might be shown in cases of libel, .\nother member of the family was lidwin Croswell, the fam- ous editor of the Albany Argus ; also. Rev. William '^ Croswell, noted as a divine and poet. I When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, ..•% his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson }p 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 T" family, without fortune or means. Ujxjn the death ^Vi^^- -=^^^^ of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. .\t si.xtcen 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 tlie acciuiremenl of knowledge. In 1S46, he began the study of law, and was ap- pointed Deput) Clerk of Lenawee County. The du- ties of tliis office he performed four years, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected in 1852. In 1854, he took part in the first movements for the formation of the Republican party, and was a member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he fomied a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus- tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor. In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney of -Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was chosen to rei>resent Lenawee County in tlie State Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, and again in 1866, during each term filling the ix)si- tions above mentioned. Among various reiXDrts made by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the death penalty, and another against a proposition to pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, whicli then commanded a very large ])remiinn, may be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de- livered an elalx)rate speech in favor of the Proclama- A ■V C I I ^ i^ '■^ CHARLES M. CRO SWELL. t ■) A 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- I ates, was afterwards published. In 1S67, he was - -^elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and chosen its presiding officer. This convention was composed of an able body of men ; and though, in the general distrust of constitutional changes which for some years had been taking possession of ^the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- ^ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- ' tion they proposed had been prepared with great care and skill. In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was elected a Representative to the State Legislature from Lenawee County, and was chosen -Speaker of ij'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 forni- =aally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- .'^sented with a superb collection of their jwrtraits shandsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, ) Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- ion of the charitable and. penal institutions of Michi- gan ; in which position, his propositions for the amel- ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- nevolence of his nature, and the practical character of his mind. '-^ In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their clioice for Governor; and, at the State Convention of the i)arty in August of the same year, he was put in nomination by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At X^ the election in November following, he was chosen to t the high position for which he had been nominated, ..*,, by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. ■y His inaugural message was received with general ^ favor; and his career as Governor was marked with *' the same i|nalities of head and heart that have ever 7" distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. 'i,^ W2 -'^^f^ — ^^y^m 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 Adrain. At the formal opening of the Central School building in that city, on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public Schools." In his private life. Governor Croswell has been as exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, a lady of many amiable and sunny ([ualities. She suddenly died, March 19, 186S, 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 [irofession 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 whicli jiis unfailing pru- dence and sound judgment eminently fit liim. Gov- ernor Croswell is truly i)0[)ular, not only with those of like political faith with himself, but witli those who differ from him in this regard. During Gov. Croswell's administration the public debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap- propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually for the punishment of c orruption and bribrery in elec- tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac wereoi)ened, and the new capital at Lansing was completed and occupied. 'Die first act of his second term was to jire- side al the dedication of this building Tlie great riot at Jackson occured during his administration, and it was only bv his jiromptiiess that great distruction of both life and property was prevented at that time. V^ A $K r^' /. 4 I H ^ X GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. f I. ;» 5 kite ««c ^^.uisaii^i '65 < ^1 I . ■t,.t..-U'..t.t A,A,AA.A:i;, .t,.t .t.-t^-faj-.-t .t. .t +., A hi .i!„%i,Xi. ■t..t..t..t. A,t..t^t. .i.BMi. .t..f..-t..t., •■?! ^^-^^'^ -^^N5^;:¥w»-' ■ « « ( •^^ •^►-« ^»- ' ■^VJTjfl'jrtS \| D A V I D H . J E ROM E, Gover- '.., ir of from Jan. i, 1881, to >ll l^Mrry'il J^'"- '' 1883, was born at De- ife^ M r t'^"' ^''^1^- ^°^-.'7, 1829. His parents emigrated to Michigan from Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, locating at Detroit. His father died March 30, 1831, leaving nine children. He had been twice married, and four of the children living at tlie lime of his death were grown up sons, the off- spring of his first union. Of the five children by his second marriage, David H. was the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his widow moved back to New York and settled in Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained ^ until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife ^!^ continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall \oi 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the Covernor formed those habits of industry and ster- ling integrity that have been so characteristic of tlie man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the district school, and in the ac(iuisition of the funda- >mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity and an application which won for him tlie admiration • jof his teachers, and always placed him at the head * of his classes. In the meantime lie did chores on ^•Mhe farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart • and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. Tlie ^heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 years of age David received his mother's permission to attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following winter performed the same service for James Ogden, also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome moved into the village of St. Clair, for the piirixjseof continuing her son in school. While attending said academy one of his associate students was Sena- tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He completed his education in the fall of his i6th year, and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac. In 1847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. ClairCoun- ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds. David H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining as such during 1848-49, and receiving much jiraise from his cmi)loyers and the people in general for the ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board the lake vessels. In 1849-50, he abandoned olTice work, and for the proper development of his physical system spent several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850, his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the ste.amer "Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" i)ecame her mas- ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged in the passenger and freight traffic between Port Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which *v *- A \. ^^^ .a^^ r I l/)€^#» <^lltl>>CllIl>i>^r- :^^^^ 4^^f5rV^ BA VI£> H. JEROME. ^ vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. 'h Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels .-% from one lake to the other, and put his plan into f operation. Through the influence of practical men, — ■'y among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or / ) 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 the fall of 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, about a year after his departure. During his absence his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black- mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was also ex- tensively engaged in lumbering operations. Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising 1 young man, of strong Democratic principles. Tlic ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was ■;»* elected by a handsome majority. When the Kepub- .p. iican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. J^ Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, s) one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com- missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the -^ six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a feeling of ])atriotic interest in the breasts of many brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d, Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a Iiril- liant record. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was twice renominated and elected both times by in- creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay City, and Dr. Cheseman, of (iratiot 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 carry on the war. He held the same position during his three terms of service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit. He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State Military Board, and served as its President for eight consecutive years. In 1873, he was ajipoinced by Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the Committee on Finance. In 1875, Mr. Jerome was apix)inted a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners. In IS76 he was Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement of all existing difficulties. The commission went to Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River. At the Republican State Convention, convened at Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in the field for nomination, and on the 5 th day of the month received the highest honor the convention could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder- ick M. HoUoway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup- jwrted by the Democratic and Greenback parties. The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, and when the polls were closed on the evening of election day, it was found that David H. Jerome liatl been selected by the voters of tlie Wolverine State to occujjy the highest jiosition within their gift. \A I 1 ?^^ -K^>ii!1:a:iii1v>'-^- .C7^ ^^^ -^-nr^m^Mh^^ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN ^69 "-C JOSIAH W. HEG ^ V .1 I OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the present (1883), (iovernor of ^^Michigan was born in Living- ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1815. His ancestors were of French descent, and settled at an earl)' period in the State of Maiyland. Hisgrandfather,Capt. I Bolles, of that State, was an offi- cer in the American army during II the war of the Revolution. About the beginning of the present cent- ury both his grandparents, having become dissatisfied with the insti- tution of slavery, although slave- holders themselves, emigrated to Livingston County, N. Y., then a new country, taking with them a number of their former slaves, who volunteered to accompany them. His father was an officer in the .\merican army, and served during the war of 1S12. Mr. V>. received his early education in a log school- house, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being tlie 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 aniijitious to bettor his condition in life, he re- solved to seek his fortune in tiie far West, as it was then called. \\\ August, 1836, he left the parental roof to seek a home in tlie Territor) of Michigan then an almost unbroken wilderness. Ho settled in (lonesee County, and aided with his own hands in building some of the early residences in what is now known as the city of Flint. There were but four or five houses where this flourishing city now stands when he selected it as his home. In the spring of 1839 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. Begole ascribes largely his success in life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse- verance and energy, he soon established a good home, and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a well improved farm of five hundred acres. Mr. P.egole being an anti-slavery man, became a member of the Republican party at its organization. He served his townsmen in various offices, and was_ in 1S56, elected County Treasurer, which office he held for eight years. .\t the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The death of his eldest son near .\tlanta, (ia., by .1 Confed- rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. When a few years later he was a member in Congress (5 A ( ^ I g))«^4- -^•:?^j^ <^D!l>:tltl^:> •^•H^ ^ ^^•%s» <^iia>:niir:>r JOSIAH W. BEGOLE. ■^a^^^^ ^ A •:illls> .^t^^jpr:. <,a' m M f >*«%;^fcr f^ ■7:iiDr>v ■>^%^^ V ,0 '^ sSi t) ^ Me CO HicL ICu. -^^af^ i.!^Xi.>^5). > ■^V^^^ -K-^Dii>:(in;>=- ■^"^^^^ v_ ( ^ A C< V i- \ r.:-:^ ^>M Q tr v<^lln^on^>^ 4 V© ) > j« V ) -5 A $JC v/ <, C. 7> ^'^^^ ^^^^myM^y^ rs^^ -7<^Dl]:^iin^>T- -4^^jC(^\M ^ ,t> ^i. «7 "^ , ^ ^ . '■ 'I , ■ S..V/V--S " n rv "l-^it) / ^^S«>^ *P-^ §)~~-^ a-e- T^^t^l ^.^ Hf^S^^U-*^ I (: ^ ^ V/ i.' ^■ -s^^^^^s: ^-^^Il!]/>:DDi>^-^ ^^>^^ #^5fli>g^ <:ll H >: D D v>rr? 3«^^fec- A •a* V ) .:? K^D!15>:ilIli>'-^=' ^*^^«^ -»l>^N V ">frii[ community which he so honors and which so hon- ^ ors him. He comes of sturdy yeoman ancestry in both hues of descent. He is the type of the element which underlies the true greatness of the British people ; no atrophy of aristocracy enfeebles, no taint of sujiersti- tion or ignorance i)oisons the stock of his origin, and in him are combined the best traits of his jirogenitors, fostered under our institutions and developed under the privileges of our country's dower to the humblest of her sons — American citizenship. Judge I'uller is the second son of Edson and Ce- lira (Canfield) Fuller. The father was born at Caze- novia, N. Y., in 1809, and died at Des Moines, la., April 4, 1879. His ancestors were among the early English emigrants to this country, bringing here a name illustrious because unblemished, and which has been handed down to successive generations untarn- ished. The record of Edson Fuller is inseparable from that of Big Rapids and Mecosta County, whither he brought his f;imily in 1859, when the now thriving and beautiful I'Virest City showed only a nucleus of three houses and one small saw-mill. 1 le grew to youth in his native Slate, and in the dawn of his J * 1 •• • % («'', '^MY- ,^ -<^11D>^I111>> MECOSTA COUNTY. :% i) ■K I ) :-« O -^ 1 earliest manhood went to Ohio. He was married there and remained until 1845. In that year he came to Grand Kapids, Mich., then but the hope and promise of its present splendid estate. The journey was accomplished in the manner common to that period, in a prairie schooner, drawn by an ox team, the days passing in slow but sure progress toward the point of destination, the nights in the restful solitude of the camp. Ten years of untiring energy and activity at Grand Rapids brought substantial reward, and in 1855 Mr. Fuller transferred his interests to Mishawaka, Ind., where, in 1857, the accumulations of years were swept away in the financial convulsion which wrecked the hopes and the resources of the business element of this land. From its foundations was the structure of fortune once more to be reared, and Mr. Fuller came to Big Rapids to begin again in a field that seemed to promise a reasonable degree of success. He opened the first store in the county. A description of the miscellaneous character of the merchandise he offered for sale would be as interesting as any otlier possible detail of the pio- neer history of Big Rapids. The stock was drawn from Grand Rapids over roads which the record declares " neither tongue nor pen can describe." The store was located at the corner of Elm .'Street and Michigan Avenue. At the close of his commercial affairs, Mr. Fuller moved to a farm in the township of Green, where his family resided until 1877. In that year they returned to Big Rapids. In April, 1879, while visiting his eld- est son at Des Moins, Mr. Fuller died, ripe in years, leaving a wife and five children, who, individually, without exception, have sustained his name among men and glorified his memor)' in tlieir lives of honor and usefulness. The record of Celira (Canfield) Fuller is one that verifies the law of natural heritage and in the careers of her four sons and surviving daughter, her womanly worth and super-eminent intellectual qualities are perpetuated. Her earliest recorded ancestors were Huguenots, a fact which largely accounts for much of her jjersonal annals. Her family name had its origin in the events which characterized the com- mingled liistoiy of JMigland and I'rance in the 14th century. A Huguenot family of Normandy, named Dephilo, received from the British crown a grant of land lyin^ contiguous to tlie river Cam in England. The bestowal was for meri'orious services, and such was the appreciation of the honor bestowed with it that the event was made memorable by abnegation of the old family cognomen, and the compounding of a new one which should perpetuate the memory of the act of the English Government to the remotest gen- eration. Cam and Dephilo became Camphield, and the orthography remained unchanged until the death of Thomas Camphield, in the i6th century, when the name was spelled Camfield, remaining thus until 1720, when it became Canfield. Matthew Camfield came from England to New Haven, Ct., in 1639. When that province made haste to secure the favor of the British Government in the early days of the restored monarchy, the charter which the "scholarly young Winslow. the best and truest man" in all her borders, carried to King Charles, bore the name ot "Matthew Camfield" as one of the petitioners for a royal patent. Winthrop's tact and sagacity secured for the colony "the most liberal and ample" charter ever granted by an English monarch, and upon the people of Connecticut was conferred power to govern themselves and this without qualification or restric- tion. Under the provisions of this charter "Gold, Sher- man and C'amfield" were appointed judges and vested with power to hold court at Fairfield, opening April r, 1669. Mr. Camfield afterward went with part of his family to Newark, N. J., where he died and where bis name is perpetuated by numerous descendants. The distinction of his name and jxjsition is also marked by the fact that his son Samuel (ist) was a member of the General Assembly of Connecticut in 1669. Samuel Camfield (2d) was born at Norwalk, Ct., in 1672, and ma.ried Abigail Austin, of Stamford, Ct., Aug. I, 1709. Samuel Camfield (3d) was born June 4, 17 10, at New Marlborough, Mass. His estate is yet in the possession of his descendants. Thomas Canfield, son of tlie last named, was born at New Marlborough, and married a lady named Burr. Oliver Canfield, son of 'I'homas, married Sally Sherman in 1782, and of this marriage was born at Tyringham' Mass., July 7, 1810, Celira, the luother of Judge Fuller. Her father died when she was in infancy, and her mother remarried and went to Chardon, Geauga Co., O., where she grew to wonuuiliood. She married Edson Fuller, Feb. 4, 1830. Her home in Oliio was with that of the pioneer element, and she had but little technical education,- as she had the advantage of but ten weeks of si liool in her life. But she was ever a I 4 9 ^ > )(^ ^ | ct^ .:yi^^!>^ -^^n a 5^ m^>^^ — ^m^^ -^~i)^f^ «S£^ .^^t.^^fl* -3*^^^ <^iin»-:nB^>v ^ A 5§ <^ :) ^ 1 V TTV MECOSTA COUNTY. r^^is- 'i^^^^^^^WI sUident The profession of medicine afforded deei) interest to her alert mental organization and within her scope she ijursued its practice both in Indiana and at Big Rapids, being signally successful in her efforts to alleviate suffering and baffle disease. She was ever prominent in educational, moral and relii;ious movements. In 1850, '51 and '52 she was in charge of the primary department of the union school at Grand Rapids, Mich. She organized the first Sunday-school at Big Rapids, whose sessions were held in the old red school-house. In moral avenues her influence was sensibly felt among the pioneers of the village and vicinity and e.xlended through the later years of her life, when Big Rapids had become a city incorjKirate, and her iX)pulalion had increased to thousands. In 1 87 3-4 she experienced a severe attack of ery- sipelas and vacillated for weeks between life antl death. On her recovery she reviewed her situation while suffering under her terrible affliction, express ing her views in metrical language with vivid power and beauty. It is as follows : ■■ Heavy, and licavii'i- <\\U ]\ff'< liMidcn ;;ii'\\. I'litil al la>l my weary t'lit n't'ii^eil To Ix'ar iiic, aiiil I laiil iiii' down in pain. So near tlic biiiik of the dark mysrlc tide That, as the surgiiii;; waves ruslied madly by, Tlii'y dashed their iev spray full in my taee; -Vnd my swollen lealiues, soon so loathsome jjicw Thai e\cn the eye of hivo nin^t turn away. Karth"- liyhl wcnl ont.and niidniuhl darkness rei-fiied While lii|iMd lire seemed eonr>ini;- IliidUiihiny vein>. A dealh-like ehillneo loi'lnred all my hones." Kile and ice. contending t'oitlie victory, Filled in\ whole IVanie w ith mortal ajjoiiy. I prayed tor patience to einhire, and soon 1 thought 1 heard hi-yond the roaiing thxid A voice say. "■< 'oiiie and enter into rest." A momentary fear eanie over me. And liiinhlinicly I askid, Is this the way? This awl'nl door of tort me must 1 ])ass," To reacli my home upon the other sliore? I had for years felt snre that I conid meet The last jcreat Knemy, with trustinj; faitli In Iliin, wh t the tyrant of the race. And all his hosts, in his own dark domain. He seemed a oaptivi". All the i)o\veis of IIill Reveled in mad carnival, nnlil the hour Aiipointed for the vict'ry. TImmi hehohl ! The ;;ales of adamant, the bolted iloors Of J )eath"s dread |)|-isoii opr'ii, and a kini; ! .\ con(|ncMor! (Jloi-iously iiiinn|ihanl 0"ei"Tln> vaminishi'd hosis of death and hell, The < hrisliairs I.oid. the chosen Son of (io;reat I'limson drops I'i'll on the iiarden sod. His t'rieiids aslei'p! Three tiiiK's that pleadini;- V(dce went up lo heaven "Ifil he |)ossible, let 1 his cup pass," Then meekly said, "Thy w ill. not mine, be iloiie." All fear w as i;oni>, ami my y:lad heart set np The full res|ioiise. "Thy will, not mine, be done." I'ailh trium|)hed, .iiid my soni was tilled w ilh peace. The deep, dark Hood that tilliMl me withsmli ilreail \\a- i|niel now. and -eemecl -o narrow, too, 'I'hat I ( Id .-ilniosi reach the hands of those Who beckoned to nii' from the other shore. While w ail in;^. Ihu- w illiiij; to cross the >irc-am. A r.iy of earthly llj;ht came to my eyes Faint as the stailiuht at the moniiii'j dawn. Hilt still enonuli to -how what seemecl to inc- In the nncerlain liu;lit. a i>-uar(l of men Standing- beside my bed. I heard the names Of baby lioys. who lonj;'. lon^' years a,ud Had lain iijion my breast, and heard these men (live answer to these names : anil ihen I knew They were my hoys, now weariiij;- manhooirs crow n. A whispei- breathed on the electric cord Keached the far west where dwelt my eldest son. And he. loo. stood be~iile his In'olhers here. All hand in hand, ^iianliiii;- their mother"s life; .Villi y;irls. — well, call them women if yon w ill. Who w alk life's toil-ome journey w lib mv bii\ -. Were Ihere with loviii;;- hearts. Vailhfiil and true. When the tierce fever linriied. soil hands were laid rpon my forehead: tinijers. soft and cool .\s rose leaves spriiikleil with the dew of .(ime. Were on my throbbing- temples e;ently pressed, .\nd lo my weary senses broiii;hl relief: -\nd one whose earliest life was dniwii frum mine. Who-e veins were tilled with the same purple tide That w amis my own. stayed by nu! during days Of lint^eriiii;, painful, convalescence. And by her walc'hfiil care, cheered the dark way Thioii'ih which my feeble and iinrestfnl feet Mii-I walk a little while. — Cod knows how loni;. He al-ii knows that with a jrratefnl heart I bless His holy name for the lich gilt. The priceless treasure of my chililren's love. And so I lake .inaiii the burden of my lile. With sironyer fa ilh in Him who knows n'ly heai-| Faith thai can Iriisl, in darkness as in light, Failh that can claim the ])roniises He made To hi- disciples. .\nd w hen ihe thick darkness (lalliei- roimd my way, I will re inber Thai He said to all Ihi' liea\y laden. "< onie imto me and 1 will give yon rest." Her religious ideas were in keeping with the situ" plicity and majesty of the Center of the New Testa- ment, and she fashioned them into articles for the press, which were fraught with her own ardor and strength. After the death of her husband she re- sided with her children. In November, i88j, she went to Des Moines to pass the lemainder of her ^ A I 5 m '5))f^gf|— ■^'^^^ ■^m'Mh>^-^ 25^§J«^ ,;usi?!5^^ 1 80 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^i.-'tMS's ^ life, and during its closing months her intellectual ac- tivity seemed to culminate. She commenced the preparation of a series of lay sermons for the Newaygo TrihuiK, the first of which reached its publishers July 9, 1883, and appeared July 25, in the same issue which contained the notice of her death. That event occurred July 1 2, three days after her communi- cation reached its destination. Her five surviving children watched the closing hours of her life and placed her in her pale sleep by the husband at whose side she walked in wifely dignity, in maternal beauty, in Christian consistency, for nearly half a century. In her children her earthly record yet lives; her sons are all in honorable walks of life, and her daughter, Mrs. Elma L. Hutchinson, of Des Moines, is a physi- cian in regular practice and standing, representing the one idiosyncrasy of the mother, as the sons typify the race from which she sprung in sterling merit, honor- able record and inflexible courage. Corydon E. Fuller, eldest son, resides at Des Moines, la., and has held his present responsible incumbency of Treas- urer of the Iowa Loan & Trust Company 12 years. a William D. Fuller, resident at Newaygo, editor and f^^ proprietor of the Newaygo Tribune, is State Swamp t^ Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Greenback State Committee. Orrin T. Fuller, resident at Des Moines, la., is the Interest Clerk in the office of the Iowa Loan is: Trust Company. Ellen J. M. Fuller died at Grand Rapids in 1850, aged sixteen. In her memory, parents, brothers and sister kept youth alive, and the oldest and youngest await the restoration of the household band in its entirety in the realms of perpetual morning. Judge Fuller was in his thirteenth year when his parents went to Grand Rapids, and he attended the union school there until he was 18 years old, when he was sent to Hiram College, where James A. Gar- field was then a student. Between the two boys of 18 and r9 years, a warm regard ensued which never abated. They were room-mates at Hiram, and when the chief honor in the Nation's gift was laid at the feet of him whose tragic fate and heroic endurance chal- lenged the awe and admiration of the world, Judge Fuller hastened to offer his congratulations, and, true to the instincts which molded his matchless man- »i? hood, General Garfield found time, in the midst of ('(») the haste and clamor of the opening campaign, to ^ write a letter to his boyhood's friend, characteristic A V > f in its kindly and grateful remembrance of him. Judge Fuller left Hiram and returned to Grand Rapids. He established himself in mercantile inter- ests with Daniel McConnell, A. G. Smith and Wm. H. McConnell, under the firm style of C. C. Fuller & Co. This connection was of brief duration. Judge Fuller selling out his claim. In the fall of 1856 he went to McGregor, la., organized a company and em- barked in the business of tanning leather, operating with the Daniels patent process. Of this concern Judge Fuller was treasurer and manager, but he closed his relations with it not long after its establish- ment and purchased a half interest in the North Iowa Times, a sheet of rank Democratic tendencies ; but, notwithstanding the variance between the prin- ciples of its proprietors, the journal was conducted with marked harmony and success. In 1858 he re- turned to Grand Rapids and in the winter of 1858-9 once more cast his hopes upon the tide of com- mercial life, forming a partnership with O. R. Wilmarth. In the fall of 1859 he decided in a change in his purposes, and sold his busi- ness interests to enter upon his preparation fur the profession of law. He read under the supervision of Messrs. Ashley & Miller, of Grand Rapids, and in June, i860, was admitted to the bar. In May, i860, he established his home at Big Rapids, where his personal experience forms a link in the pioneer history of the place, which contained then five houses, scattered among the trees of the forest. Judge Fuller bought a tract of land contain- ing four lots lying (now) on the corner of Linden Street and Michigan Avenue, and covered with tim- ber. With his own hands he cleared the land and laid the foundation walls of his residence, the first stone work laid in mortar in the village, said mortar being made from the first lime burned in the county, and which was bought from the producer, John Snyder, of Green Tp. He assisted personally in the erection of the building until its completion. Judge Fuller's i)ublic life commenced in the fall of the same year. He was elected Court Commissioner and held the office until 1868. He was also ap- pointed Postmaster, in which capacity he acted un- til his removal in 1866, which was effected by Andrew Johnson for political pur|KDses. In the fall of 1862, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta County and officiated two years. He was elected Judge of Probate in 1864 and acted in that capacity KPJ (• s' ^ FM^ ^[ ^^r. MECOSTA COUNTY. ■^rf^^J^K- i8i -Os four years. In 1868 he was elected to the State Legislature, and was a member of the Committees on Railroads and Engrossing and Enrolling. He intro- duced several impoitant local bills, also a bill to pro- vide for registration of electors in new townships. While the county was yet new, Judge Fuller bought 240 acres of land in the south [)art of the Fourth Ward of the city of Big Rapids, 40 acres of which was platted as Fuller's Addition. He is still the owner of three acres, l)esides a number of city lots and a splendid residence. In 1873, associated with L. H. Green, he built the Opera block. The mone- tary crisis and shrinkage of values of that year over- whelmed the business interests of Big Rapids, tlie individual loss of Judge Fuller being about $40,000. Judge Fuller is a Republican of no uncertain ten- dency, but his character and record have preserved his ix)pularity with all classes regardless of party is- sues. His [wsition before the people is evinced by the fact of his being successively elected to the best official positions. He was elected to his present po- sition as Judge of the Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuit ^ in 1882, running against (ieorge Luton, of Newaygo, ^ and receiving a majority of 65 1 votes. He is the first = incumbent of the position after the formation of the \J Circuit by the Legislature of Michigan. Judge Fuller was married at Davenport, Iowa, J Nov. 9, 1858, to Frank A., daughter of John Mor- rison, an early settler of that city. Slie was born Aug. 31, 1838, at Galliix)lis, Ohio. Of this marriage were born, at Big Rapids, seven children, six sons and a daughter. Louis M. was born April 24, 1S61, and is telegraph operator and ticket agent in the Big Rapids office of the G. R. & I. R. R. Herbeit C is a telegraph operator, and was born Jan. 24, 1S63. Percy H. was born Feb. 17, 1866, and died Aug. 12 1868; John E. was born Jan. 2, 1868; Ben H., Feb! 27, 1870; Frank M., Jan. 3, 1872; Daisy A., born Nov. 12, 1872. For the life given a life was taken, the mother passing to the spirit world Nov. i 2, 1872. The lonely little one soon sought tlie maternal pres- '^ ence, winging her flight to heaven Aug. 4, 1873. 1 Judge Fuller was a second time married, at Yi)si- 'Ij; lanti, Mich., Jan. 5, 1876, to .Sarah E., daughter of y Isaac H. and Eliza E. Voorhies. She was born at ^ Trumansburg, 'romi)kins Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1849. ^i) Two sons, Charles E., born .April 26, 1877, and Leslie V. L., .\prii 14, 1879, have been born of this marriage. eorge Risbridger, farmer, sec 1, Deerfield Tp., P. O. .Altona, was born in England May 19, 1823. His parents, Isaac and ■^).\nn (Ridley) Risbridger, were natives of Eng- ''' land and lived and died in their native country. Mr. Risbridger had his contest to make in the world single-handed and alone, and his early life in his native land was passed as a farmer. He came to America in 1850 when 27 years of age, reaching New York in the montli of May. He went thence to Portage Co , Ohio, and was there engaged durirg three years in the manufacture of potash and peail- ash. He ne.xt came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., re- moving a year later to Barry County. There he bought 80 acres of unimproved land, built a house and cleared 70 acres, setting out an orchard of 150 trees. .After a residence of 15 years he sold his j)lace and bouglit 200 acres of well improved land in Bed- ford, Calhoun County, where he resided 13 years. Again disposing of his place, he came to Mecosta County and liought 40 acres of partially improved land, where he has since resided. Mr. Risbridger was married March 2, iS5o,in Ei-.g- land, to Sabina, daughter of George and Hannah. Eager, also natives of England. She was born Dec 30, 1832, and died in Deerfield, July 12, 1883, leav- ing seven of ten children born of her marriage to Mr. Risbridger. Following is a record of their births: (reorge I , Dec. 30, 1854; Hannah M.,Oct. 24, 1857; Byron P., Aug. 29, 1859; Ida O., Dec. 4, 1863; Francis H., Oct. 23, 1865; Charles J., Dec. 2, 1867 ; Mary S., Feb. 2, 1869. Fanny, born March 19, 1851, died Sept. 4, 1853; Henry, born Nov. 23, 1852, died Sept. 10, 1853; Wm. W., born .Aug. i, 1861, died Oct. 27, 1863. Mr. Risbridger has been actively interested in edu- cational matters for many years. He is a voracious reader; conversant with the affairs of the day and, mindful of all the circumstances which surrounded and baffled his ambitions in his native land, has ever been ready to lend his aitl and inlluence to all re- formatory measures which promised to correct poi)u- lar evils and improve social grades. In politics he acts independently ; is a prohibitionist in principle and believes in the education of the masses as.a safe- V_ A >: V ^M> >^.> r % J i^^''^^ 182 MECOSTA COUNTY. 4^^f:i^^ii: V '^ guard of the best interests of tlie future. He early identified himself with the Grange movement, and himself and wife, who co-operated with him in his views and efforts, were charter members of Bedford Grange, No. 65, P of H., located in Calhoun County. They were also charter members of Pomona Grange, P. of H., in Calhoun County, and Mr. R. is still active in its interests. He was one of the founders of a co- operative store at Battle Creek and is one of its stock- holders. Both himself and wife were zealous mem- bers of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a Class-leader eight years. yron H. Boyd, farmer, sec. JO' Deer- ^ field 'Pp., was born in .\llegheny Co., Pa., '/fv April 28, 1835. He is a third child of s'i^ViK' Jo'i''' ''"''d Caroline (Bathah) Boyd, both na- tives of New York. His father was a lumber- i"^ man and farmer, and ir, 1849 went to Tioga Co., Penn., where he followed the same pursuits. He died in .\ndover, .\llegheny Co.; the mother died July 13, 1855, in Pennsylvania. Mr Boyd was 14 years of age when he went to the Keystone State with his parents, and with whom he remained until he was 22 years old. His first labor on his own account was as a day hand in a saw-mill, and again at Williamsport in the same capacity. In 1865 he was engaged in reconstructing bridges in the town which were washed out by the flood of that year. •In 1866 became to Deerfield and bought 80 acres of land on sec. 33, where he proceeded to clear the forest preparatory to establishing a home. He obtained the land for S3. 00 per acre, the best timber being re- served. Mr. Boyd has added to his original tract by purchase until he now ow'ns 160 acres on tlie same section, 80 acres (about 37 of whi< h is swam]) land) on sec. 29 and 240 on sec. 22. Tlie swami) land is well stocked with hemlock, cedar and black ash timber. Mr. Boyd was married July 13, 1855, to Hannah A. Dickens, daughter of Alva and Lucy Minerva (Campbell) Dickens, born Dec. 29, 1836, inTioga Co., Penn. The father of Mrs. Boyd was born in Rhode Island, the mother in Pennsylvania. The former died in April, 1863 ; the latter May 18, 1883. Seven of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are living: James C, Robert P., .^ddie V., Fred C, Alma. M., Emma J. and Francis H. Anna Belle is deceased. Mr. Boyd is active in the interests of the Republi- can party and was a member of the State Repulilican Convention in i88r. He has held all the important township offices. In religion he is a liberalise P Andrew Breakley, farmer, on sec. 11, Hin- \, ton Tp., P. O., Altona, was torn at Roches- ^ ^ ^ ter, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1S44. His parents, %W Andrew and Catharine (C'rass) Breakley, were 1|?^ natives respectively of Ireland and Canada j and removed to New York prior to their mar- riage, which look place in that ciiy. Three years after, Andrew Breakley, Sr., moved wilji his family to the city of Rochester, N. Y., where he was employed by the contractors of the Erie Canal as a stone mason. Mr. Breakley, Sr., was employed in his native country in peddling dry goods and linens and early in his life was a companion of A. T. Stewart. Him- self and wife died at Rochester. Until he was 16 years of age, the suliject of this sketch attended the public schools of Rochester. He began to prepare for the business of aboat-calker and was so employed three years. The work was so severe and the manager so e-\acting that the proprie- tor himself remarked that 'that fellow would not stay a week; ' but he persisted and managed to accomplish his business to ihe entire satisfaction of the parties interested. In 1861 he went to Canada on a visit* but concluded to remain there and was in the em- ploy of his brother-in-law for nearly four years. He visited the city of New York and his old home at Rochester, and in the summer of 1866 came to Me- costa, Midi., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land in Hinton Tp) where he built a log house and began his career as a pioneer. Later on he added 40 acres to his original purchase and now owns a fine farm of 80 acres, with 50 acres under first-class improve- ments. He also owns 40 acres in Millbrook Tp. Mr, Breakley has been Constable of Hinton Tp. C" A /^' DD>>^ -^^^f^ "^fr^^:i MECOSTA COUNTY. if-^sr '83 < A :<' V for nine years, School Inspector two years, Highway Commissioner two years, Town Treasurer two years, and in the spring of 18S0 was elected Justice of the Peace, and Supervisor in the siningof 1S.S5, of whic h iwsitions he is the present incumbent. He has lieen School Director six years, and is identified with tlic issues and interests of the Democratic party; him- self and wife were formerly communicants of the English Church. Mr. IJreakley was married in Canada, July 19, 1864, to Matilda, fourth daughter of James N. and Catherine (Flannagan) Decker. The father was a native of the State of New York, the mother of Canada, antl are now residents of Hinton 'I'p. Mr. and Mrs. Breakley liave hiid six ciiikhen — James (i, born Nov. 28, 1867 ; Andrew N , July 15, 1872 ; Edward and Edwin (twins), July 15, 1874; Nellie, Jan. 5. 1880. Ella was born Aug. 9, 1869, and itiedOrt. 1 i, 1870. ^n^ John E. Kirvan, farmer, sec. 34, Morton T] ^^^i'- ''• *^' ^y'vester, was born in Gray Co., fiSVi^^ Province of ()ntario. Can., Aug. 3, 1862. He is a son of Elias and Jane .\nn (IJrcakcy) Kirvan. His paternal grandfather was a [)ioneer of the Dominion, and settled 80 miles from the nearest point of sup|ilies, having to travel that distance in an Indian canoe for necessaries for the family use. The father of Mr. Kirvan was one of II children, five hoys and si.\ girls. He came to Michigan in 1870, bought 160 acres of land and en- gaged in the duties of farming. He sold 80 acres and cleared 60 acres of the remainder. He died Feb. 18, 1879, all his res[)onsibilities devolving on the son. Since the father's death the latter has built a new house and put all the buildings on the place in thorough repair. The farm lies three miles from Sylvester, ^vhich, when the family came here, was the nearest [xjint of neighbors and civilization. The mother is still living in firm healtii and with unim- paired intellectual powers. Mr. Kirvan is still a young man, but the energy and good judgment he displays in the management of his affairs promises extended success in the avenues he has alreaily made |)rosperous. He was married IKc. 24, 1882, to Minnie Adams, of Hinton Tp. Her father is a man of good stand- ing, and has served his people in several official ca- pacities. I^ i I ..<^5=<^^4->-h Jll^^lpohn O'Ncil, fanner on seciion 35, Deer- ■^|(^^[|. field Tp., was born in Ireland, June 10, ^'S?' 1828. His parents, Patrick and Jane 'ii? (Cjanier) O'Ncil, were natives of WicklowCo., 'h^ Ireland, and emigrated to Canada, where they i are still living, in advanced age. Mr. O'Neil was 18 years of age when he accom- panied his parents to Canada. He was a resident of ilie Dominion about 15 years and came to Shia- wassee Co., Mich., buying 40 acres of land, which he afterwards sold, and after a year's labor as a farm hand he again Ijought another (arm, of which he dis- ixjsed and came to Mecosta Co., and bought So acres of unimproved land in Deerfield Tp., wherehe now re- sides ; he has 50 acres under the [ilow. Mr. O'Neil is independent in political action and, with his family belongs to the I'atholic Church. He was married in 1851 to Mary, daugh'er of James and Mary Martin. They have had nine chil- ren, five of whom are now living: Patriik, James, Jolm, Michael and Jane; those ileceaseil were Mary, William, Margaret and .Vnibrose. — BR- avid Quigley is a farmer in sec. 4, Deer- ^ field Tp; P. O. Morley. His parents, ,^^^4" Ceorge and Jane ()uigley, were natives le- pectively of New York and Wales. They j^ Were married in the Dominion of Canada and re- moved thence to Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1854. After a brief residence there they came to Mecosta Co., and located on sec. 4 of Deerfield Tp. They were the first white settlers of town 13 north, of range u r f (4. g; '>^^ «>- -^=^€^^ MW-^>^ f^I^s/®))«§^f|^- -r<^D II >: n DV^ s ' ^'' ' .^^ ^ 4^^((®V# i 184 MECOSTA COUNTY. J s ^ 9 west, now Deerfield, and there took up their resi- tdence in 1859. James Quigley, brother of David, was born in 1859, and was tlie first wliite f child wliose birth occurred in Deerfield. George Quigley was acting Justice of tlie Peace and performed the first marriage ceremony in the town- shi[) in December, 1862 The contracting parties were Isaac Sedore and Elizabeth Smith. Mr. Quigley afterwards ivent to Montcalm County, where he now lives. David Quigley was born in Canada, Feb. 22, 1850, and came to Michigan with his parents when four years of age. His early life was passed amid the pioneer scenes of this section of the Peninsular State. He has spent all his life on a farm. At the age of 23 he bought, in Deerfield I'p., 58 acres of land, with some improvements, but took possession in 1876 and was there resident until 1S83, when he rented a farm containing 60 acres. He was married in Montcalm Co., in the winter of 1875, to Laviiia, daughter of Robert and Jane Pi.xley. They have two cliildren: Bertie, born July 31,1877, S and Karl R., Seiit. 18, 1882. The imrentsof Mrs. «>v' Quigley were both born in New York. Mr. Quigley 1= is a Republican; himself and wife are members of O the Methodist Church. rS ^ pohn G. Martz, Jr., president of the Big Rapids Manufacturing Comiiany, was born at Newville, Adams Co., Ind., June 26, 1848. His father was a native of Baden, Ger- many, and his mother, Mary (Sauer) Mart/., was born in Switzerland. They accompanied their parents from the "fatherland" to .\merica and settled with a German colony in Adams County, at a date so early that the primeval forests, with their concomitants of wild game, were in their original state. Mr. Martz is one of a family of eleven children, ten of whom yet survive; the l)rothers and sisters are Annie, Benjamin, David, Christian, Mary, Daniel, Katie E., Susan and Sarah. Edward G is deceased. John G is second child and eldest son. When about three years of age his father removed with his family to Fairfield Center, DeKalb Co., Ind., and purchased a farm containing about 600 acres of land, in an un- cultivated state, and in heavy timber. It has been converted into one of the finest ])laces in tliat section of country. Mr. Martz obtained his elementary education at the common schools of DeKalb County, and at tlie age of 14 was sent for a year of study to the graded school of Fort \Vayne. .\fter a year at home he went back to Fort Wayne and became a clerk in a grocery and provision store, where he remained a twelve-month and returned to the farm. In 1870 he came to Big Rapids and entered the establisliment of Thos. D. Stimson as clerk, and the following summer assisted his brother-in-law, F. E. .Mirens, (since de- teased) in erecting th» Big kai)ids Furniture build- ing. In 1872 a y.tock com[)any was organized, under the title and style of the Big Rapids Furniture Manufacturing Company, which purchased the fac- tory. The 'Mme year Mr. Martz bought a lot on Micliigan Avenue and aided in putting up a building, which was rented to A. Levi. The latter opened a gentleman's furnishing store, and three days later the structure was blown down by tlie wind, entailing a loss of $1,000. It was immediately reconstructed and has since been occupied by its primal lessee, Mr. Levi. In 1873 Mr. Martz commenced business as a retail furniture dealer on Michigan Avenue, where he oper- ated until the fall of 1874, when he bouglit his pres- ent place of business. At the same time he formed a co-partnership with H M. .'\verill and added up- holstering. Soon after he became sole owner by pur- chase and later sold his entire stock. He made a considerable investment in the stock of the Big Rap- ids Furniture Manufacturing Company, and in the spring of 1876 oiiened a liakery, which is the leading institution of the kind in tlie cily. In 1880, Mr. Martz became a Director of the Furniture C'ompany, was elected N'ice President in 1882, and in the spring of 1882 was cliosen to his present position as tliiel official. He is also a Director of the Big Rapids National Bank. Prosperity has attended every busi- ness venture of Mr. Mnrtz. The various periods of stringency in general financial affairs have aflfected him to some degree, but by shrewd tact and careful W: C' W*g(S«^ .x:^^ •Hmm^<>^ x:^ -«|^^^ • Wg^ ' ^u^t/U^yt-' ^^yir -rrT<^|]Il>:BIl>:>r- .MECOSTA COUNTY. yM^ \2f±,< >**». ' ^ ^^ T A V I management tlirougli times of peril, lie has been enabled to conduct his affairs safely. He was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., May lo, 1S76, to Mary Faling; she died in October, 187.S. Mr. -Martz was again married, at .Vubiirn, Ind., Sept. I, 1 880, to Elizabeth Mader. Their two sons are named J. ^V., Theodore, and John .\ithiir. eneral Stephen Bronson, Mayor of Big Rapids, (1883) is the son of Stephen and >JiJImj^"'k Polly (I'age) Bronson, and was born in ?M9^ Broome Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, 1817. He was an ambitious, active boy, eager to join in the I world's pursuits, and seek advancement througl-. his own efforts. He was reared as a farmer's son and gave some attention to carpentry. At the age of si.xteen he was sent to the Oxford Academy, near his home, and after two years study went to Mon- trose, Susipiehannah Co., I'enn., and taught a term of school, and the following winter was similarly engaged at home. In 1840 the family removed to Du Page Co., 111., (Naperville), where both father and son bought farms, that of the latter including 150 acres of land. The next ten years he passed in the varied pursuits of farming, teaching and working as a builder. He sold his farm and went to Chicago, engaging in mercantile affairs, banking and real es- tate for a period of twelve years and was rewarded for his efforts by a satisfactory degree of profit. He next went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was in- terested in the lumber trade. At the end of a year he sold his mill there and in 1859, in company witii several others, he crossed the i)lains of Colorado and took up a mining claim at (now) Central City; he also staked a claim in the "Ciregory" and sold two weeks later for $10,000. He then went to Oolden City, where he engaged one summer in lumbering He returned to Illinois for the winter and went back to Denver in the spring with Jose[)h Cliadwick. They erected a large store building during the summer, and returned to Illinois in the fall. The following s|)ring they sold their store located at Denver and also some mining claims, when the) took a Hnalleave of Colorado. In the fall of i8()i,\vlien llie tide of war and dis- union swept the country, Mr. Hrorson enlisted as a private in Company C, 12th Illinois Cavalry, serving in that capacity until Feb. 28, 1862, when he was commissioned Captain and went into active service at the front. He was promoted to the rank of Major, holding his post vuitil the rnusteringout of the regiment in the winter of 1863. He at once pro- ceeded to raise another company and was elected Captain of Company F, 141st Illinois Volunteer In- fantry. The regiment rendezvoused at Elgin, 111., and Captain Bronson wasapi)ointed Colonel by Cov. Yates. -Vfter a service of 100 days he returned to Chicago and was nuirtered out. He proceeded to organize the 153rd 111. Vol. Inf., and was soon after apjiointed Bre- vet Brigadier General by President Lincoln. His ap- jjoinlment was confirmed by the Senate and he was assigned to the command of the First Brigade of the Division of Western Tennessee, with head-quar- ters at Mem[)his, and was in active service until the close of the war. He was mustered out Oct. i, 1S65, at Springfield, 111., after about four and a half years of service. He was in action at Harper's Ferrv, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancelloisville, Dumfries and a large number of other engagements. During tliis period of service he received five commissions. On leaving the United States service he was the re cii)ient of many flattering proofs of appreciation from the Department and his fellow officers. General C)glesby, of Illinois, made a personal appeal to the President for a lucrative and resiwnsible [losition for meritorious service, but General Bronson made no personal exertion to secure any place at the hands of the already overburdened and struggling Government. .'\fter the war closed he went to 'i'exas and bought a large herd of beef cattle, which were driven to the Chicago market and it proved a profitable venture. In the spring of 1867 he came to Big Rapids, and, in partnership with Sumner Stickney, established exten- sive business interests, including trade in lumber and real estate and banking operations. 'I'heir invest- ments were profitable and their affairs in promising condition when the financial disturbance of 1873 overwhelmed them and their prujierty sunk lo a mininiinn value. About the same time their saw- ^)«^<|^ mill was destroyed by fire and Mr. Bronson proceeded A. VL :< r % 1 88 MECOSTA COUNTY. i!!S7 ^ ^ 10 begin at the foundation once more. His early ex- A) perience as a carpenter became his best working 3» capital, and with the assistance of a boy lie rebuilt T the mill of Bronson & Stickney, and they proceeded with their lumber business. About one and a half years after they lost their dam by a "wash out," sold their site and built where they are now operating, putting in steam power. (len, lironson, in addition to his other public rela- tions, has been active in political life. In Colorado, in 1859, he was elected Representative from Golden City District, and officiated as Speaker of tlie House during a part of the session. In 1868 he was elected Treasurer of Mecosta County, and held the post two years He has been .Supervisor several years and Chairman of the Board ; has been a member of the .School Board 1 2 years, member of the Common Council four years, and, at the municipal election of , -\ Big Rapids in the spring of 1882, failed as candidate for its cliief office by only three votes. In tlie fall yC of that year his name was usedby the Fusion element ^ as candidate for Congress. The District was Repub- lican by 5,000 votes, and Gen. Bronson was defeated by only about 2,600 in the general count ; lie car- ried the ciiy by a majority of 46 votes. In the s;)ring of 1883, lie was elected Mayor of Big Rapids on the Union ticket by a majority of 45 votes, run- ning against M. P. Gale, e.x-Representative. Gen. Bronson was married at Napcrville, DuPage Co., Ill , Nov. 7, 1 84 1, to Amelia Barker. Of their eight children but four survive, following are their names: Amasa (dec); Charles 1)., of Big Rapids, (deik for A. S. Hobart); Sarah (dec); Lucy(Mrs. H. M. Hobart, of Big Rapids); Stephen (dec); Allie (wife of A. A. S. Hobart) ; Carrie (wife of Frank Beard, merchant at Morley) ; Jessie (dec) During the ab- sence of General Bronson in Colorado his family re- sided in Wheaton, III., with tlie exception of his son Charles, who spent two and a half years wilii his father at Denver. Mrs. Bronson died Sej)!. 5, 1S64, while her husband was in llie Union army. He con- tracted marriage a second time at Wheaton, 111., Feb. 14, 1867, with I\.ate M. Brown, a native of Vermont, born Nov. 23, 1830. Their children are Mollie, Kate and Harry. The last died March 25, 1878. It is but just to General P>ronson to add that in the community of which he is a member his cliaracter is thoroughly api)reciated. He is conscientious and m i -^ discerning in his opinions, trusted by all parties and believes with all his might in the strengtli and supremacy of the Government he so zealously de- fended in the time of her peril. Big Rapids is hon- ored by iiis splendid military career, and his connec- tion with the politics of the city has been of the same type. His first candidacy for Mayor, notwith- standing his defeat, was one of the most marked triumphs on the records of local elections, his nom- ination taking place in special caucus Saturday night preceding Monday's election. The testimonials above referred to comprise a let- ter, signed by several individuals of acknowledged position, addressed to Governor Yates, and the letter of Richard J. Oglesby, the War Governor of Illinois, and now on file in the Department at Washington, D. C; also a private letter from Governor Oglesby accompanying his Commission as Brigadier General, United States Volunteers by Brevet. The latter in closing says: "It is a suitable recognition of your valuable services in the late war against Treason and Rebellion and in favor of Liberty and Union. " The recommendations in the letters referred to were based on the desire of General Bronson to remain connected with the military service of the United States and urged his claims on the grounds of his meritorious conduct in Ijehalf of the integrity of the Union. Vr.Va..:,tf £enry M. Clark, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield p., P. O. Morley, was born in "York" gjl^r-'''* State, June 13, 1843. His parents, Henry ^ M. and Susan A. (Wilcox) Clark, were liorn in the Empire State .ind removed thence to Mont- I calm Co., Mich., in 185. (. The father died June 13, 1861; the mother is living in Greenville, Mich. Mr. Claik grew to manhood on his father's farm and at 18 went to work for his uncle, where he spent one year. iVt 19 years of age, inspired liy the enthu- siasm to which the entire North was aroused by the outbreak of the .Southern Rebellion, he enlisted in the One Hundred Thirty-sixth Reg. N .Y. Vol. Inf, for three years, receiving honorable discharge June 13, i86'5, at Washington, D. C. His war record exhibits ^^sf P^gSS S. MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ ) 1 > :) ^ I ^ the deathless names of Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville and Gettysl)iiri^. His regiment was transferred to the Army of the C'lnuberland where Mr. Clark was under fire at Ixwkout Mountain and Missionary Kidge, and was in the historic " Marcli to the Sea " witii Sherman. Throughout tlie e.xtent of his service Mr. Clark was constantly on duty, excejiting lo days, when he was on "sick leave " with ague. On being mustered out lie came to Montcalm C'ounty, and, in company with his brother, bought the old family homestead, containing 120 acres of land. About the year 1 868 he sold out to his brother and bought another farm in the same county, where he stayed three years. On selling the last named prop- erty he went to Greenville and until 1879 was inter- ested in the lumber trade. In that year he came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of unimproved land, and now has 16 acres under the |)low. Mr. Clark is a Democrat. He was married in Greenville, Mich., May i, 1868, to Letitia, daughter of James and Rhoda (Reynolds) Swarihout. Mrs Clark was born in the State of New York Aug. 27, 1843. Mr. Clark's family includes three ciiildren, born as follows : H. M., July 6, 1 875 ; George, June 11, 1878, and Maud, May 27, 1880. Two children have gone to the land of the unknown: Frank was born March 23, 1S70, and died Aug. 27, 1870; Lewis, born March 9, 1872, died Aug. 25, 1872. phomas Jjazell, Police Magistrate of Hig Rapitls, anil resident of that city since i860, was born Dec 30, 1821, in the village of Cliff, Kent Co, Englanil. His [tarents were Thomas and l.ydia (Drake) F.a/ell, the latter a lineal descendant of Sir I'Vancis Drake, .\d. miral of the British Navy in the reign of (^ueen Elizabeth. The family history on the mother's side is peculiarly significant and valuable, from the connec'ion of Admiral Drake with the earliest his- tory of this continent. He was the first Hiilish ex- plorer of the Eastern Pacific, and beitowed the first English nanie. New Albion, on the western coasts of North and -Siuth .America. This was about the year 1578; and the ambitious and successful navigation of V^ ■^^C^^ <^n!i the high seas a few years later touching the Atlantic seaboard, while returning from his career in the West, ruined the initiatory colonization scheme of Sir Walter Raleigh, by 'carrying the disheartened and desjxjnding colonists back to England. This act retarded the settlement of this continent for more than a (piarter of a century, and it is imixjssible to estimate the ex- tent of the changes made thereby on the Colonial period of the history of the United States. Mr. Lazell's father was a mason and builder by profession, and supervised the training of his son in the details of the craft, until the latter was sixteen years old, when he was sent to Gravesend to acquire the ipialificalions of an architect. After two years he became assistant architect of the House of Lords (Parliament buildings) and served in that capacity about one year, when he connected himself witli the English navy. During the contest waged by the British Government with China, Mr. Lazell went out with the Nankin expedition in 1842 and ^' tarried in the Celestial kingdom until 1844, when he was transferred to the scpiadron of the Mediterranean, where he was on duty nearly four years, first being engaged in the suppression of the rebellion in I'ortu- gal, at Lisbon, in the year of 1847, afterwards being detailed for coast service on the west of Africa ; and here Mr. Lazell underwent the unicjue experience of a genuine shipwreck. At the expiratio'i of ten months / , he proceeded to the C'ape of tJood Hoi)e, where the flotilla was stationed about five years, and on the out- break of the C'affre war he went to the coast of South- eastern .'\frica. In 1853 Mr. Lazell retraced his way to England, left the naval service and at once set out for .America. In June of the same year he found himself in Grand Rapids, where he remained until fall, going thence to Chicago, where he made but a brief stay and came to Grand Haven. Here he fomid ample scope for the pursuit of his vocation, and he operated as a builder until i860. In that year he decided upon Big Rap- ids as his final tlestination, and he proceeded hither, 7'ni Ionia, walking from that point to Big Rapids. He f^ was among the pioneer mechanics of this city, and on his arrival built the house he still occupies on Michigan .Avenue. In thesjiringof 1S65 he erected a steam saw-mill north of State Street, the first steam power in tiie county, and impiuted a planing machine from Massachusetts. He sold this property ^/ A I >■ 190 T<^DO^tlO^>r >S»^i<»r'^ %^^^(v5> MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ and built a store on Michigan Avenue, and embarked '^ in the grocery and [)iovision trade. ^ Mr. Lazell, in addition to his other business ven- T tures, lias operated in real estate to some extent, and (•j. is now in possession of 30 acres of land in tlie third ward of Ilig Rapids, and several small tracts of land in various parts of tlie county. He was apixiinted Postmaster during the administration of President (Irant, for a period of si.x years, and in April, 1882, was elected Police Magistrate, a f>ost to which he was re-elected in 1883. He is deservedly popular for the able and impartial method in which he dis- charges the duties of his incumbency. Mr. Lazell was married in London, England, Marcli 19, 1853, to Mary Ann Styles, a native of Chatham, Kent Co. Site joined her husband in this county in 1862. Their son and only child, Harvey G. Lazell, mail agent on the G. R. iV. I. R. R., was born at Grand Haven, and was tlie first male child baptized in the Presbyterian Church in that city; lie married Emma McNutt, and they have one child, George. A -^ "1 fohn Q. A. Clark, farmer, resident on sec. 25, Morton 'Pp., was born March 5, 1829, in Allegany Co , N. V. He is the son of Elijah and Sabra (Philips) Clark. At the age of 13 he left the paternal roof to enter upon his work in life. He found employment on farms, which he pursued in the laboring seasons and "worked for his board" while securing the benefits of several terms of winter school. On reaching manhood he learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked diligently i 2 years. Mr. Clark came to Michigan and settled in 'Pus- cola County, where lie entered a claim of 160 acres of Government land, and there he lived and pros- pered fairly until the memorable fall of 1 87 i, when that section of the Lower Peninsula of .Michigan was devastated by fire, following so closely upon that of Chicago, that both are inseparably connected in the memories of men. 'I'he devouring llames swept away everything in and about the place, and as soon as practicable Mr. Clark removed himself from all associations with that period of horror and loss. He came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of tim- bered land. The situation of his farm is* fine ; it is level and lies somewhat higher than the adjacent country, and is proportionately dry and tillable. He has 15 acres cleared and under cultivation. Mr. Clark was married .Sept. 4, 1862, to Betsy Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have two children, the elder a daughter, Florella M., now wife of John E. Bristol, and living at Lake View. The younger, Homer, a boy of 13, resides vvith his parents. ./v«iiCI2'©i3^— ^{| g|§{— «^SfSWr5jrav (*'.^, m~. .. , .^i_ ^ endall I. Pike, retired farmer, residing >j[(r^|:j at Morley, was born in Concord, N. Y., ,ri ^^^^'5 -^pri' 3t 1817. His parents, James and fiV^ Sarah (Hay) Pike, were natives of New Hamp- jN sliire and settled in Erie County, N. Y. The I father left his wife and children in Concord and ^ pushed forward to Michigan, then known as ' way out ^Vest." He located in Fcntonville, Oak- land Co., built a grist-mill and was influential in or- ganizing and building u[) the town. He contracted yellow fev'jr, from which he died. His wife was an invalid from lameness 15 years. The family remained in the State of New York, where the niotherdied. Mr. Pike, of this sketch, was apiirenticed at the age of 12 years to spend the remainder of his mi- nority in learning the trade of cloth manufacturer, which he pursued as a journeyman three years after he became of age, and then went to Canada, follow- ing his business about 20 years at Pickering, Ontario Co., where he built a woolen mill and had a prosper- ous trade. He was also engaged some years in the manufacture of bells at London, Can., in which he also met with success. Finally he encountered dis- aster in his transactions and his fine estate was swept away. In the fall of 1855 he came to Michigan and rented a farm in Ionia County, which he managed , five years, and tlien bought 80 acres of unimproved land in sec. 28 of the Townshi[) of Deerfield, Me- 1 Si^fi. '^m'^M->> ^..u^ -CS^^^ ^^/^^))e^^^^- ■>*^^*c- MECOSTA COUNTY. 191 costa Co. He cleared it and erected buildings, put- ting the i)lace in first-class rank among the farms of the county. He lost his barn by fire in the fall of 1880. He has now placed ihe farm in charge of a tenant and is passing the sunset time of life in retirement. Mr. Pike was married to Mary, daughter of Asher and Susan (Stotts) Wilson, a native of Pickering, Ontario Co., Can. They have had seven children, — James H., Sophia, Sarah S., Charles H., Lina and .\nna E.; Margaret is deceased. The children are all married with one exception. The family are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. Mr. Pike is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. i^^ ill > ) p^amuel S. Chipman, farmer on sec. 25, Deer- W field Tp., was born in denesee Co., N. Y., iM.S'^ July 21, 1814. His [larents, Fitch^ and ^ /jifC Sarah (Spafibid) Chi[nnan, were natives of '^— '*^ Vermont. His father was a farmer and re- sided in Cenesee Co. until 1836, when he came y to Michigan and rem.Tiiied in I,i\ingston Co. until 1844. He tlu-n went back to the State of New York and in 1S54 again located in Livingston Co., Mich., where he resided mitilhis death, Jan. 15, 1864. 'l"he mother died in Unadilln, Livingston Co., Dec. 26 'S59 Mr. Chipman obtained a good education at the public school and at Wyoming Academy, remaining with his father until his twenty-second year, when he began farming on his own account in Livingston Co. He operated there about 20 years and in 1853 went to California, where he remained one year, and he returned to his farm. In 1S54 he located in Everett, Newaygo Co.; March 14, 1S60, he came to Mecosta County, and settled on the river near where Mor- ky now stands, removing a year and a half later to $ the farm where he now resides, consisting of 240 ,| acres, 125 of which is finely improved. He was "Y* elected Supervisor of Deerfield Tp. in i86r, serving fnine successive years; later he was again elected and held the position three years; has also officiated as 'I'reasurer two years. Politically he adheres to the principles promulgated by the Republican party. — -^^ — -^<-^nti ^ Mr. Chipman was married Feb. 28, 1836, to Aha H. Sutherland. Slie was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Aug. 5, 1816, and died July 15, 1856, leaving four children, — Henry C, Lemuel F., .\nn Eliza and Francis J. The second marriage of Mr. Chipman occurred May 28, 1864, to Mary Eckert, a native of Cermany, and born April 2, 1844. Three children of this union are living and three are deceased ; the lat- ter were named Maud, May and Eddie. 'I'he former are Frank L., Samuel S. and Oscar M. PE. Gruber, M. D., [jhysician and surgeon at Altona, was born in Clarion Co., Penn., Jan. 25, 1844. He is a son of Peter ^ V A V ^^Vl.^5e^*- and Lydia (Mohney) Cruber, both natives of ^IP" Pennsylvania, where the niotlier died March 7, "'^ 1853. The fallier came to Miciiigan in the fall of 1866 and located in Isabella County, engaging in ^ mercantile business and farming, and where he is yet y!"; resident. ^ Dr. Cruber was a pufjil at tiie common schools until lie was 15 years of age, when he entered Rim- ersburg .Academy, Clarion Co., Penn. He was there one year and then entered (Made Run .'\cadeniy, Armstrong Co., Penn., and studied two and one-half years. When he was between the ages of iS and 19 the war broke out, and, yielding to the patriotic influences which swayed the entire North, he enlisted in Com- pany B, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and remained in the service one year. After his enrollment he was detailed from the regiment and sent West under General Custer as a scout. On the expiration of his period of enlistment he was honorably discharged and went home, where he remained two years and then set out on a somewhat extended tour of travel going through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and .\rkansas. At Little Rock he entered the ser- vice of the Government as a scout, and was stationed at Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory. He had head- ([uarters there for about one year, when he left the emi)loy of the United States, and came North through Kansas, Missouri and Iowa to Michigan, j where he was a i)artner with his fither in meicaniile >, ., >KtlDv>-2— ^C-::^ Kr->5f •>^ r X /!* '92 MECOSTA COUNTY. m A >J V business, located at Salt River, Isabella Co. This re- lation existed about three years and closed by sale. Dr. Gruber then went to Clare, Clare Co., Mich., and continued to prosecute his medical studies, which he had done as opportunity offered for a long period. On the ist of July, 1874, he went to Es- tella, Gratiot Co , and began the practice of his profession with his brother-in-law, Dr. F. S. Marvin. He operated there until the following April. At that date he carried out a long settled plan to make a per- manent location, which he did by fixing upon .\ltona as a field for future operations, and there began his career as a local practitioner, June i, 1875. In 1880 he went to Chicago and entered the Rush Medical College and attended lectures with the class of '80 and '81. In October of that year he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and there attended the Medical College, receiving his diploma, March 2, 1882. Dr. Gruber has an enviable reputation as a practitioner, and enjoys the confidence of a large cir- cle of patrons and friends. His skill and attention to business has secured for him a satisfactory and in- creasing practice, and his devotion to his duties is such that he is sure to rise in his profession. Dr. Gruber was married at Salt River, Isabella Co., Mich., June 2, 1870, to Sarah M., only daughter of David K. and Elizabeth (Fordyce) Frey. Their four children were born as follows: Edgar E., Jan. 26, 1872; Lillian M., June 24, 1875; Gertrude, March 22, 1878, and John F., Dec. 25, 1880. Dr. Gruber has held the office of Town Clerk two years. He was Postmaster under (Srant, Hayi's and Garfield, and resigned the post in the fall of 18S2. He was Democratic candidate for the office of Probate Judge in 1875, but was defeated by a small majority. In connection with his practice, Dr. Gruber owns and manages a drug store. F. C. Wilson, of the firm of Ratson I't Wilson, marble dealers, Big Rapids, was ^lMp«^ l)orn in Sullivan Co., Mo., Aug. 27, 1855. ^W^ He is thes on of ftenjamin and Mary (Manley) Wilson. His parents came to Michigan in the year 1861 and settled at Grand Rapids, where they remained till 1S66, when they went to Ionia. At this place his father engaged in the marble business. At 15 he went into the shop and there continued under his father's instructions until 18 years of age. The senior Wilson then disposed of his business in- terests and the son went to work for N. H. Batson in Ionia, Mich., where he operated as a journeyman until the spring of 1879. At that date he came to Big Rapids and opened marble works in company with Wm. Batson. They fixed their business at -its present stand Jan. i, 1883, and their stock includes all varieties of foreign and American marble and gran- ite. One of the special lines of the firm is the gran- ite from South Ryegate, Vt. They have the monop- oly of their business in this city and compete with dealers at Grand Rapids, Adrian, Muskegon, Reed City and other places. Their stock is usually worth about $4,000, and they sell about $8,000 value of marble and granite yearly. The finest monuments in the city cemetery make a fair exhibit of the style and character of their work. Mr. Wilson is the local manager of the business interests of the house, Mr. Batson representing the firm on the road. Mr. Wilson was married at Big Rapids, Nov. 3, 1881, to Alice M., daughter of Robert and Nancy Bate. She was born at Hudson, Mich., July 30, T855. -W^^^ 5«o,4t ;?vrv ■ • fTFT)- lias S. Heed, farmer on sec. 7, ^^ina Tp., i Gt' ' ^'^^ horn in Oxford Co., Ban., Nov. 24, ;V rr ■■« 1828. His father, Israel Reed, was born '^^ in Massachusetts, and his mother, Fanny (Lane) ^ Reed, was a native of New Jersey. The [ parents both died within the same week at their home in Canada, aged 68 and 54 years, respectively. They had 13 children, five of whom yet live. Mr. Reed remained with his parents until their death, and spent another year on the old homestead going to school a year, after whicli he apprenticed himself to a Mr. Smith, a harness-maker, at St. Cath- erines, where he ac:nn>->r MECOSTA COUNTY. I .) A Yi V til July 4, 1849, returning at the close of tlie war to Ciiicago. After a l)ricf stay lie proceeded to Elk Horn, and Nov. 3, 1849, he enlisted in tlie regular army of the United States, going to Newport (Ken- tucky) Barracks, and there stayed until April 5, 1850, when he was transferred to Jefferson Barracks and thence to Leavenworth, Kan., setting out four weeks later across the plains to Sante Fe, New Mexico. His next removal was to Adonana, a post on the Rio Grande, where he joined the Third Reg., United States Army. He served in this five years, and then ran a Government train six months, after which he returned to Canada and took possession of the farm left him by his father's will. After farming two years he let the place and went to Stratford, where he entered u|)on the management of the Northwestern Hotel, and embarked in the livery business, keeping 22 horses. He had also a carriage shop, employing eight wagon-makers and a blacksmith. His business flourished about three years, when he found his misplaced confidence had destroyed his resources, and in r85g he sold out his interests and came to Michigan, and was em- ployed several years in tlie lumber woods. In rSyg he purchased 83 acres of land, where he now resides. The family attend the M. K. Church. Mr. Reed is independent in jx)litical views. He was married .\pril ri, 1856, to Elizabeth M., daughter of Thomas and Catharine Gaffney, natives of West Main, Ireland. The parents came to New York and thence to Canada, where the daughter was Ijorn, May 7, r837, and was married when she was 19 years old. .\Ir. and Mrs. Reed have had eight children — Mary J., born K\W\\ rr, 1857; Kitty C, Aug. rr, t859;Geo. W., May 7, 1861 ; Johnny, Feb. 29, r863; Addie, June 30, r86s ; Elizabeth, Oct. i, r867; Wm. J., Nov. rr, 1869. .\ son was born and died in r872. % m anford B. Wood, liveryman at Big R.ipids, '' was born in Greenfield, Saratoga Co., N. ^"•*''* Y., Feb. 12, t822, two and one-half miles 5 r from Saratoga Springs. His parents, Benj. K. '^ and Phoebe (Hanford) \\'ood, removed to Hills- dale Co., Mich., when the son was r4 years of age. He spent his early youth on the farm of his father, and at 18 bought a team and set out in life to make his way alone. He engaged in breaking land and was thus occupied two years. He then purchased 60 acres of land in l,it<:hfield Tp., Hillsdale Co., and proceeded to establish a home. In t862 he moved into Litchfield to take charge of the business of a deceased brother, and in '63 opened a livery stable, which he transferred in 1870 to Big Rapids, and soon after exchanged his property for a sash, door and shingle mill, and associated with Simeon Pomeroy in business. The latter took charge of the mill which went into operation in April, 187 i, and blew up in October following. It was put in full repair and Mr. Wood gave the business his personal attention until the total destruction of tiie property by fire, which occurred in June, 1877 : loss, $t3,ooo, and no insurance. In rS78 Mr. Wood again embarked in the livery business, starting with four horses and no carriages. His trade has been successful and is now established on a permanent basis, with 22 hoi'ses, carriages and all the eiiuii)nients of a fii'st-class establishment. .Mr. Wood owns his stables and two lots. He was married at Mayville, Chautau(iua Co., N. Y., Feb 4, r844, to Jane, daughter of Elijah Moore. She was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., .\pril 29, r82r. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had three children, of whom two are living. Phebe, eldest daughter, is the wife of Harvey B. Eggleston, a farmer in Litchfield, Hillsdale Co., Mich.; Lucy, youngest child, married Charles B. Ix)vejoy, a book-keeper at Big Rapids. Marcellus, second child and only son, was killed by the kick of a horse when in his sixteenth year. -~vvS^S? K^ lijah Cole, farmer on sec. 23, Hinton Ti>., was born in New York, Feb. t8, r832. He is son of George and Catherine (Westbrook) Cole. The parents were both natives of New York, where the mother died. The father came to Morley, Mich., in r877. Mr. Cole passed his early life under the pater- nal roof, and until r 6 was sent to school. He entered the employ of his uncle and was engaged two years in lumbering; going thence to Pennsylvania, he was A C« I \^y-^ — '^^r^ ^ "M ^^ ' ) V %. MECOSTA COUNTY. there engaged in the same occupation ten years. Two years thereafter he was variously occu])ied, and in July, 1862, he enlisted in the 107th N. Y. Vol. Inf., serving three years lacking 16 days. .\t the battle of Antietam he was shot through the ankle. Eleven months after he was transferred to the Veteran Corps, there remaining until he received honorable discharge. In August, 1865, he came to Michigan and joined his family in Hinton Tp. .Shortly after he went to Isa- bella County, and bought 249 acres of land and honiesteaded 80 acres, making a farm of 329 acres. He built a log house, and cleared 20 acres of land and resided there until 1875, when he exchanged his property for a farm in Mecosta County, containing 80 acres of partly improved land, the place being known as the David Moulton Farm. This he sold in 1880 and purchased 40 acres of land styled the George Campbell Farm, now in his possession and to which he has added 80 acres. Our suiiject is a Republican in political belief and action, and is a niemljer of tjie Prohiljition element. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, Town- ship Treasurer. Highway Commissioner and was Constable while resident in Isabella County. He was married in Chemung Co., N. Y., Feb. 2, 1857, to Betsey, daughter of David and Sally (Ben- nett) Moulton. The father of Mrs. Cole died in Mecosta County, and the mother lives with her chil- dren. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have nine children, born as follows : Laura J., July 24, 1858; Alvina C, Jan. 18, 1861 ; Elijah B., Oct 30, 1862; James H. T., Feb. 16, 1867; George E. E., June 12, 1869; Annie M., Feb. 13, 1S71 ; Hattie B., Dec. 9, 1875 ; Mabel M., Aug. 14, 1877; Ernest F, April 27, 1879. The family circle is intact, and long may it be before a single earthly tie is sundered. -iri^l ^t^^i^-j^ i!&yron B. Williamson, farmer on sec. §28, Deerfield Tp., P. O. MorL-y, was born in St. Joseph Co., Mich., Sept. 15, 1874. 5f&f^ Britton Williamston, his father, was a native '^ of Massachusetts and died in St. Joseph Coiuity; Mary (Smith) \\'illiamson, his mother, was born in Michigan, where she died. They were pioneers of St. Josei)h C^ounty. Mr. Williamson lived in the county where he was born 28 years, and in the spring of 1875 became the possessor by i)urchase of 80 acres of wild land in Deerfield Tp. He has made fair progress in the process of reclamation, and has a good farm house and 55 acres of land in tillage. Responsive to his country's call for aid, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, enrolling in the Eleventh Mich. Inf , and served about two years, receiving honorable discharge at the end of the war He is a zealous Republican. The family are attendants at the M. E. Church. Mr. Williamson was married at Coldwater, Mich., March 9, 1870, to Amanda, daughter of David and Huldah (Wells) Hazzard, born in St. Joseph County, June 18, 185 I. One child died in infancy. Estella was born Jan. 24, 187 i. «\aii£fl;®|S-' «^~swrozrjv • -5^1 '{' °hn E. Morton, farmer on sec. 36, Morton ^i^,L Tp., was born in Nova Scotia, Nov. 5, 1S20. rf^ He is son of Holmes and Christian (Web- ster) Morton. ¥ Mr. Morton is,/(V .?<■, the leading citizen of the ,"' township of Morton. His interest in and unflag- ging efforts for its founding, growth and progress, are recognized and perpetuated by the fact of its bearing his name. He came to Mecosta County in 1869, and in 1 87 1 bought 160 acres of land in what is now Mor- ton Tp., then attached to Wheatland for judical pur- poses and local management Observing the rapid strides of civilization in adjoining townships and m the County, and the benefits accruing to the com- munities therein, he felt impelled to put forth all possible effort to secure for his own township the ad- vantages of organization and local government. He framed and circulated a petition, securing the re- quired number of names thereunto, and sent the same to the Board of Supervisors in the fall of 1876, suggesting that the township be named Hayes, in honor of the Presidential candidate then before the people. The Democratic voice in the lioard defeated the proposition, but, in recognition of the services of Mr. Morton, the township received his name, wliich certainly was very appro|iriate and just. 1 0) ;( m •^» MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^«®V*i 'I'he first township meeting was held in the River School-lioiise, district Xo. 3, and the following officers ■'-^ were elected: J. K. Morton, Supervisor, Enoch I Hartlett, Clerk, and Isaac Welister, Commissioner of (^ Highways. Mr. Morton was Supervisor of Wheatland one year previous to this. He is, and has been for eight years, Justice of the I'eace. He belongs to the Order of Masonry. Mr. Morton was reared to tlie calling whicli ho lias made the pursuit of his life. He was an inmate of the paternal home until August, 1843, when he went to St. Francis, N. S., to engage in lumbering and agriculture. Five years later he moved to Aroostook Co., Me., and rented a farm, and also mill property, and operated in lumber, chiefly manufacturing short siding, shingles, etc. The mill was of double utility, and tlie business in milting products — flo\ir feed, etc., ' ) — was considerable. A f, After a period of 19 years he came, in October, 1867, to Newaygo Co., Mich., settling in Mecosta a County in 1.S69, and commenced operating extenr ^ sively in lumbering, buying pine and putting logs a into the East Branch of the Muskegon River, making SV his sales there. He was thus engaged four years, '> and in 187 i bought his farm of 160 acres on sec. 36. ^ ) He has 35 acres cleared, with good house, barn and orchard, besides numerous minor improvements. The premises include 1 20 acres, he having disposed of 40 acres. He was married in Aroostook Co., Maine, to Eli/.a- beth, daughter of John and Sopliia Uaker, born at Bakerbrook, N. B. Her I'ather was an old settl<*r in the province and the stream was named for him. Of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morton six are living: Amanda, wife of Charles I'laid, farmer in Mor- ton Tp.; Holmes (deceased); Christina (wife of Enoch Hrumley, a farmer near Areola, Mo.); Alice •(Mrs. Charles Heald, of Hinton Tp., and died in March, 1883); John E.; Clara (wife of Alfred Young, hardware merchant at .Salt River, Is.ibetla Co.); Adaline and Susannah. The l)est jwssible tribute to offer to a man's cliar- -y acter is to name his services to the age and generation 'N to which he belongs. In the lapse of years Mr. ^ Morton's influence will never diminish; the good he ^- has acconii)iished is stable, and his efforts have ^ ], -f, been exerted for the benefit of the future of Morton Tp., of which lie will ever be a part. v,«jeae/©^-^— ^J^^^^^g§l— -^.swrajrav ^,^on. Michael Brown, of Big Rapids, has been connected with the judiciary of Me- ^^ costa County since the year 1S6S, and has V^ a long and honorable record in the munici- pal history of Big Rapids, and as attorney for the business concerns of whose legal intersts he is guardian and manager. His parents, Ira and .Sophia (I'.low) Brown, were of Dutch e.xtraclion. He was born in Indian deck Tp., Pulaski Co., Ind., April 20, 1841. He was reared on a farm, and attended winter terms of school until 16 years of age, when he was sent to the college at Franklin, Ind , and subsequently to that at Crawfordsville, Ind. (The latter institution, in 1876, conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.) One month after he attained his majority he en- listed at Indianaix)lis in Co. B, 2d Ind. Cav., Capt., John B. Edwards. He was in the Union service three years, and was under fire at Stone River, Chick- amauga. Mission Ridge, Siege of Knoxville, Mossy C'reek, Dandridge, and May 9, 1864, was taken pris- oner at Dalton, Ga., and confined at Andersonville in the stockade prison, whose unmitigated atrocities he suffered five months. He weighed 90 pounds when transferred to the prison-pens of l''loience, where (and at Charleston) he spent four more dreary months under rebel surveillance. He was mustered out at the expiration of his term of enlistment at Nash- ville, Tcnn. In 1866 he came to Michigan, and in October entered the Law Deiiartment of the L'niversity at Ann .Vrbor, where he was graduated in .March, 1868. He settled at Big Raiiids in September of the same year and commenced practice as an attorney, estab- lishing his desk in the office of John F. Brown iV Co., lumber dealers. In the spring of 1869 he was elected C'ounty Sui>erintendent of Schools, serving one term. In 1873 he was elected Mayor of the city of Big Rapids, holding iiis incumbency one year. 'I"he Com- mon Council of the city apjiointed him to revise the municii>al charter, which he did in 1S75, and on the^ :o:ili|v:>v^^ — ^"^^^ >: r^' ^ t J^ c^ ) MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^C(®vS. submission of the instrument to the State Legislature it was passed without change. The Hon. A. H. Giddings, Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, died Dec. 10, i- Jf^gi^has. H. Ludington, farmer, sec. 3-1, Deer- ^fficld Tp., I'. ( )., Morley, w;is born in Dryden, ^ 1 ^^ Tompkins Co., N. Y., Aug. 31, 1845 His father, Stephen Ludington, died in his native *ll? State in 186 1. Emily (Stalhoon) Ludington, his mother, died in 1849, when her son was placed in charge of his grandparents, remaining in their care for si,\ months, after which he was "bound out " to serve his minority. At the age of 17 he came to Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich., and engaged four years as a lumberman. At the age of 2 1 he came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land, built a log house, cut down the forest and im[)roved his land for the pur- pose of tillage. Five years later he added as much more to his estate, and now has 70 acres in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Ludington is a Republican in politics, and lias been .Assessor of his scliool dis- trict eight years. Our subject was married Nov. 20, 1866, lo Chiva E., eldest daughter of Horace and Clarissa Hill, nee Smith, natives of New York and Rhode Island, re- spectively, who went at an early date to 'Jioga Co , Penn., where they were farmers and passed the re- mainder of tlieir lives; the father died June 14, 1848, the mother, May 17, '80. Mrs. Ludington was born Oct. 27, 1843, and taught school four years previous to her marriage in her native county. The only child, Sarah E., was born Dec. 22, '67. The [jarents belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. Ludington is Siewavd of tlie society at Morley. ;B. Hummer, farmer, sec. 25, Morton Tp. (P. ir.'" O., Mecosta), was born in New York, July ^. [O, 1844. He is a son of (leorge and Eliz- '^ JJ abeth (Swezey) Hummer, then resident m Che- "^ nning Co., N. Y., near Elmira. The family ^ circumstances were such that Mr. Hummer re- r= ceived but a limited education. When he "^ was but 17 years of age he enlisted at Elmira in Co. ^a B, F"irst Reg. N. Y. Cavalry, which was atttached to y^ the connnand of Gen. Phil Slieridan. Mr. Hummer •< ^ was in action in 26 engagements, the last being at (^ ) Cedar Creek. The father was also a soldier for the Union and was in the service one year, belonging to Co. D, 107th Reg. N. Y. Vol. inf He was in two battles, South Mountain and Antielam ; lie now re- sides on a farm adjoining his sou's and is c rectinga new frame house. In 1874 Mr Hummer left the state of his nativity, came to Michigan and purchased 80 acres of un- broken forest, made a small clearing and establislied his home. He now has 20 acres under the plow. Mr. Hummer recently sold a part of his place with the intention of buying to belter advantage. He is at present sexton of Greenwood cemetery, which lies adjoining his farm on the northwest; has been School Director four years, but recently resigned. He was married Dec. 2, 187 i, to Lydia, daughter of Isaac and Mary Wood, of Bradford Co., Penn. They have had but one child — Owen, who died with diphtheria when eight years old. The pangs of their loss are still as keen as in its first freshness, and the memory of their only son will ever be cherished )S^(|» ■^<^D!l^!]tli>^ ^. Wk^^ in the home made bright by his short life, and which is rendered more dear because he was for a brief period its light and joy. ^rs-- MECOSTA COUNTY. ^t%¥^ ) I' A > ) jg athan Osborn, farmer, sec.36, 1 )eerfield Ti)., P. (). Rustford, is a son of Stephen and Rachel (Ramsey) Osborn, natives and resi- dents of New York. Mr. Osborn was born Pec. 19, 1844, in the State of his ancestors, and remained iip.der tiic guid- ance of his father until about 17 years old, when hu enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. 15, 35th N. V. Vol. Infantry. After serving a period of 18 montlis he received his discharge for disability. During this time he was in action at the battle of Rappahannock Station, Va. On his recovery he re-enlisted in tlie 179th N. Y. Reg. Vol. Inf , Co. H, and served until the end of the contest. He was under fire at Peters- burg, Va., where he was captured by the rebels and for three months endured the oft recited horrors of the prison pens of the South. He was confined at Libby and at Danville, Va. On being taken ill he was sent to .Vnnapolis under parole and one montli later was exchanged and rejoined his regiment, then stationed in front of Petersburg. Previous to the surrender of Lee's army he was in action in several important battles, .\fler the "Grand Review" at Washington he returned to Ivlmira, .N. Y., wiih his regiment and was mustered out June 21, 1865. He came to Miciiigan in tiie fall of that year and Iwught 80 acres of land in Montcalm County, which he sold, and in 1869 [)urchased 80 a<;res in Mecosta County, under partial improveuieiUs. In 1874 he sold 40 acres, went to Texas and "took uii" 160 acres of land, and remained thereon three years, when he made sale of ii, and was occupied in lumijering two years. He returned to Mecosta County in the fall of 1879 and settled wliere he now resides. He was married in this county to Nancy A., daugh- ter of Alanson and ICsther A. (Hedges) Rickar. Her parents came to Mecosta County from the I"-mpire State in the winter of 1865, and in the sjjringof h88i moved to llieir [)rescnt location in Missaukee County- Mrs. Osborn was born in New York, Sept. 10, 1846. The five children born of this marriage are Ethelyn born Oct. 13, 1866; Floyd, .Aug. 10, 1870; Laura, Feb. 2, 1874; Jessie M., .April 17, 1878; Kal|)h, Sept. 26, 1882. Mr. Osborn has been Justice of the Peace three years, and in iK)litics is independent in thought and action. ► V -.<^^^S34.>.._J. I athias Kassner, deceased, was a native of (iermaiiy, born .Aug. 22, 1822. Ilis J !- [jarents were also natives of (iermany and fe'*^"\ there passed their lives. '1* Mr. Kassner came to America in 1S47 and located in Canada, where he resided 15 years. In 1862 he came hither with his family and, under the Homestead Act, made a claim of 160 acres of land, of which he cleared 30 acres. He died May 10, 1878. Mrs. Magdalene (Neuswangei) Kassner, the wife of tlie subject of this sketcli, was born in (ier- many, Dec. I, 1817. Three of the six children of this marriage yet survive : Veronica, born F'eb. 25, 1850; Amanda, Feb. 25, 1852, and John E., June 20, i860. The deceysetl are Christian, David and Benjamin. The family still reside on tlie farm. .-gfa^OTOT*"- \WMM^ lijah F. Dewey, attorney al law and Justice r?'fe^^L' "^ ''^"^ Peace, Big Rapids, was born at r3'-'i^^ Ovid, .Seneca Co., N. Y., May 1,1837. ^^ His father was a millwright and cari)enler. X Mr. Dewey wasbvoughi upon a farm anil at- I tended the common schools until he was 19 years of age, when he became a student at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, his un< le being a Professor at that institution. Here he pursued a full literary and classical course of study, graihiating in June, 1 860. His first engagement was as Assistant Principal A r -^^€^ 'K^'D!]:<^D^.>^-^^ — 3,^^ f^M^ ®^^^* rJ^^ enj<^Il D S M^>t^ :2j;^;^^ ^f^^C^^: MECOSTA COUNTY. A 1 > I ft of the High School at Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich. Uixjn the expiration of this engagement he went to Chicago as reporter on the Times. A year after, in company with A. C. Wheeler, he started a literary paper in Chicago, — -The Spirit of the West, — which he ran a few months, and subsequently accepted an en- gagement in the office of the Provost Marshal at Pontiac, Mich., meanwhile studying law with his brother. Judge J. S. Dewey. He was admitted to the bar in 1866 and engaged in practice. He came to Big Rapids in the winter of 1868 and at once entered upon the practice of his profession. He served as Circuit Court Commissioner in 1870- '71. During the year 1870 he was Recorder at Big Rapids. He was first elected Justice of the Peace in 1869, and has occupied the position most of the time since. His business as attorney and magistrate is successful and steady. He also operates to some extent in real estate. Mr. Dewey was married at Pontiac in December, 1867, to .Sarah L , daughter of the late Hon. Rufus and Sarah (Chamberlain) Hosmer. Her father was a prominent politician, and was for some years the editor of the old Detroit Advertiser, and was afier- ward editor and one of the proprietors of the Lan- sing /i?t////V/Vrt//. In 186 1 he was appointed by Presi- dent Lincoln Consul General to Frankfort-on-the- Main, (lermany, and died while making preparations to assume the duties of the api)ointment. Mrs. Dewey was born in Pontiac, Mich. The family in- cludes four children — Harry S., Josejihitje H., Mary L. and Ruius H. -«= I dward R. Quigley, farmer, sec. 2, Deer- field Tp., P. O., .-Vltona, is a son of George and Jane Quigley, the former a native of the latter of Wales. They were married in Canada, where their son was born ^ Dec. 19, 1845. When he was seven years of age his parents came to Newaygo Co., Mich., after- ward settling in Mecosta County, where they were the first white settlers of the township of Dccrfield. (See sketch of David Quigley.) Mr. Quigley passed the years of his early life in acquiring an education, and as assistant on his father's farm. At 17 he engaged in lumbering, and pursued that branch of business until 1881, when he began to devote his attention exclusively to farming. In 1876 he bought 56 acres of forest land, built a house, and now has 25 acres under cultivation. Mr. Quigley is an adherent to the Democratic political tenets, and is zealous in the interests of the party. He was married in Muskegon County, Sept. 3, 1863, to Fannie Barnliart. Her parents settled in Mecosta County in the ye;^r 1862. She died, leav- ing one child. Waller, lorn July 4, 1864. Har- riet, daugliter of Benjamin and Betsey (Monroe) Whit- man, became the wife of Mr. Quigley Nov. 22, i868. One child was born of this marriage, Oriel, whose birth occurred Oct. 15, 1869, and death Jan. 22, 1S82. The father and mother of Mrs. Quigley were natives of the State of New York. B'eavitt S. Griswold, M. D., pliysician and surgeon at Big Rai)ids (office in Roof block Michigan avenue), was born Jan. 3, 1853 111 Trumbull Co., Ohio. His parents were Jesse and Helen (McWilliams) (Jriswold, the father following the double occupation of farmer and stone mason. Dr. Griswold was reared on a farm until he was 17 years old, meanwhile obtaining his elementary education. He attended the union school at Green- ville five years, and began the study of medicine with Dr. Mulhern, of Greenville, going thence to the Detroit Medical College, where he was graduated in the spring of 1879. He had the benefit of several months' practice as an assistant in Harper's and St. Mary's Hospitals in Detroit, and first established his business at Sand Lake, Kent Co., Mich., but decided to make a transfer to Hig Rapids, which he did in October, 1 88 1 . He has a good practice in the city and adjacent country, both in medicine and surgery, and is steadily rising in his profession. Dr. Griswold was married at Vassar, Tuscola Co., Mich., June r2, 1879, to Matlie A., daughter of John Liston. She was born at Bowling Green, Wood Co , ':-;;i'^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■>*^^^ -^m 20I O ) V ) Ohio. Their two children, Carl A. and Roe Oscar' infant, were born in Big Rapids. Dr. Griswold is a member of the Union Medical Society of Northern Michigan, of which, in 1882, he was Secretary, also belongs to the State Medical Society. He owns his residence at 223 West Pine Street. ^ ^^^l^arnabas Bacon, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield (£ Tp., P. O., Rustford, is a son of lienjamin and Polly (Hone) Bacon, the father a native of New England and the mother born in the State of New Vork : both are deceased. Mr. Bacon was born in the State of New York, Feb. 14, 1S17. He spent the first 30 years of his life in the Empire State, in Canada and Michigan. His residence was fixed in Canada until the spring of iSyi.when he came to Deerfield and bought 40 acres of forest land. He has improved 20 acres and has added 70 acres since by purchase. He was married in 1848 to Mary, daughter of John and Jane (Moul) Leach, natives of Canada. The names of Mr. and Mrs. B's 12 children, all living, are as follows: Mary J., Cad, Reuben, Annie, Margaret, Timothy, David M., Eleanor, Barney, Henry, William and Emerald. Mr. Bacon is independent in politics. ^ames O'Neil, farmer on sec. 35, Deerfield C Tp., P. O. Morley, is the son of John and Mary (Martin) O'Neil, natives of Ireland, and now resident in Mecosta Co., Mich. Mr. O'Neil was born in Camden Tp., Canada, July 30, 1855. When he was 15 he came to Shiawassee Co. with his parents and lived until the fall of 1873, which time they removed to Mecosta Co. Mr. O'Neil bought 40 acres of wild land and began the life of a pioneer, building a primitive log house and proceeding to clear up the forest. In 1877 he bought another "40" and in 1882 added 40 acres — -^^'-:f^ — — K^nti more to his possessions. He has one of these tracts under cultivation and is erecting a fine frame house. He was married Oct 12, 1873, at Owosso, Shia- wassee Co., to Marietta, daughter of Michael and Julia (Leveck) McKeen. They have had five children, l>orn as follows: James B.,Sept. 14, 1879; Mary E., .\pril 31, 1S81 ; John S., Oct. 5, 1882; Julia, born Nov. 29, 1875, died May 7, 1881; Ambrose, born June 5, 1877, died May 8, 1881. These children died of diph- theria, after eight days' illness. Mr. O'Neil acts with the Democratic party and is an adherent of the Catholic Church. • v^^% ■ .vr3Ti ; harles Ostrander, miller, resident a- f' Rusiford, Deerfield Tp., was born in the county of Elgin, Province of Ontario, Sl^ Oct. 15, 1838. He is the son of Andrew and pj^ Sarah (Buchner) Ostrander, who removed to j Bayham, Ont., in 1822. The ancestral descent of Mr. Ostrander is German, his progenitors having come to America at the close of the last century. He received a common-school education and was under his father's supervision until he was 21 years of age, when lie spent a year in the employ of John McDonald, his first effort for himself, for which he re- ceived eleven dollars a month. He next worked a farm on shares for I'^benezer Buchner, remaining one year, when he and his brother Simeon took their father's farm to work on shares and carried it on two years. .\t the end of that time his Either gave each a deed of one-half (75 acres) of the place. Mr. Os- trander bought 50 acres adjoining. In 1874 he dis- posed of his farm and located at Rustford, where he now resides. He bought and \>\\\. in operation the grist-mill at that place and entered into i)artnership with Ebenezer Buchner, whose interest he purchased in 1880. He now carries on the grist and saw mill and is engaged in the manufacture of shingles. In politics, Mr. Os- trander is a Republican, and is now serving his sec- ond term as Townshii) Treasurer. His home was burned on the 2 2d of October, 1880, and he at once erected his present substantial residence. w ( A V V h f W. m § t ) I ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. r^^^ He was married Jan. 13, i86i,to Margaret A. Mil- ler, born in Canada, June 13, 1843. Their children were born in the following order : Alvonetta, Dec. 2, 1861; Carrie, Dec. 7, 1863; Sarah M., Aug. i, 187 i. Mrs. Ostrander died March 29, 1874. Mr. Ostrander was a second time married, Aug. 8, 1877, to Mary, daughter of David and Martlia (Glass) Dalzell. She was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Aug. 4, 1841. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but re- moved to Lake Co , Mich , where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander iiave two children: Henry D., born Jan. 3, 1879, and Lewis R., May 6, 1883. ft%^^ ■"^fc atrick McKeon, farmer, sec. 27, Deerfield fc Ti)., was born in Canada, April 22, iS6r. Iiqy.i^ He is a son of Michael and Julia (Leveck) ■)k I) McKeon, the former a native of Ireland and the latter born in Canada. The father died in Shiawassee Co., Mich., in February, 1882 ; the mother resides with her son. The parents located in Shiawassee County, in 187 i. Our subject accompanied them and continued to re- side there twelve years. In '73 lie bought 40 acres of land in this county in a partly improved state. He is a believer in the faith of the Catholic Church, and in iwlitics endorses the principles of the National party. •%»•'*?< -1 " c ii* «; i ;.o I - >iT.i^ 'olomon r. Frye, Postmaster at Altona, was born in Pennsylvania, July 22, 1844. IK'^ His i)arents, David K. and Elizabetli (For- dyce) Frye, were born in the Keystone State and died in West Virginia when the son was 1 4 years of age. F'rom that time he had his own way to make in the world. He found a home with his uncle, Archibald Fordyce, the two years succeeding his parents' death. He was then 16 years old, and enlisted at Phila- delphia, enrolling in the regiment under Col. Haker. He was finally assigned to the 71st Pennsylvania A ^: Volunteers, and remained in the service 14 months, receiving honorable discharge for physical disability, the result of excessive exposure. He saw active service at Little Bethel, Munson Hill, Ball's Bluff and Malvern Hill. He was captured at Ball's Bluff, and the severe marching and hardships following his capture were the cause of his imi)aired health. He was without food for four days and three nights, and then only received the small quantity of four ounces of bread. The expeiiences of Mr. Frye at Libby prison are those whose liorrors are renewed every time they are repeated, and never lose their dread character. The strong man who weighed 176 jwunds on being incarcerated, on his e.xchange four months later weighed but 60 ix)unds. Uix)n his being sent to Wash- ington he received a furlough and returned to Harris- burg, where, by special order of Gov. Curtin, he acted as recruiting officer. In March, 1862, he re- turned to his regiment, but soon after was seized with the small-iiox, and sent to the small-pox hospital, near F'ortress Monroe; but not long after he was or- dered to Albany, N. Y., for treatment. Two months later he rejoined his regiment in time to partici- pate in the battle of Malvern Hill. In a month he was discharged at Harrisori's Landing and returned to his native State. He was so enfeebled that he could not labor for two years. On regaining his health in a measure he was em- ployed as watchman on the Ohio River for a year, and was afterward in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co., where he worked for two years. He came to St. Louis, Mich., and was first engaged in rafting to Bay City, and then was in the employ of different parties, locating lands in Northern Michigan. In 1S77 he returned to Pennsylvania and taught primary schools two years. He came back to the Peninsular State and located in Clare County. There he was occupied four years as superintendent of a shingle-mill. He formed a partnershiii with K. M. Shunnvay, in mercantile business at F'arwell, Clare Co., selling out two years later, soon after coming to Hinton Tp., Mecosta Co., and engaging in the (^ drug business with Dr. J. E. Gruber, of Altona. This relation was dissolved in May, 1882. He re- ceived his appointment as Postmaster Oct. 31, 1882, under President Arthur. Mr. Frye was married in Isabella Co.. Mich., March 3, 1867, to Lucy, daughter of David, and ( ^^^^. -^^^^ ■^mmw^>^ ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -Hfev-^y-" " •'^ 203 2^ Sarah Leonard. Her parents were natives of Penn- 'Iv sylvania and spent their entire lives there. Of this ■'^^* marriage four children have been horn — Edward I!. T and Edwin (twins), l)orn June 5, 187S; Arcliibald (^ F., July 3, 1877, and Edith .M., .\iig. 13, 1882. Mr. P'rye is a Republican, and has been Town- ship Clerk three terms, and is a member of the Re- publican County Committee. He and iiis family at- tend the United Hrethren Cliurcli, of wliich Mr. Frye is a member. -^-•<-^t4#-^^>— J- >$ V ) eorge F. Haist, farmer, sec. 8, Deerfield Tp., was born Jur.e I 2, \^^.\, in Canada. He is a son of John and Christine (Sten- gel) Haist, natives of Germany, who came to Canada in '31. Mr. Haist, senior, came witii his family to Newaygo County, Mich., in '53, and after a residence there of seven years removed to this county and pre-empted 80 acres of land. This i)roperty he deeded in '73 to his son, retaining a life leasi for himself and wife. The subject of this sketch has spent his life llius far with his parents, making the paternal interests liis own and has proved himself a faithful and devoted son. He is a Republican and has been elected several times as Constable ; he is at present Scliool .Vssessor. He was married in Morlcy, July 4, '78, to Kate, daughter of Isaac and ('atherine (Cole) Os- born. Tliey have one child — Nelson I'lederick, born Jan. 31, "Si. ■^■^- harles D. Carpenter, merchant, Hig Rap- f ids, was born in Lawrenceville, St. Law- iar'^ rence Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1856. He is the 1^ son of John T. and Emily (lilish) Carpenter. h His father was a physician of prominence and gave his son a good education, sending him to Ihe common school until 12 years of age and to the Academy at Lawrenceville until he was 18 years old. ;\t that age Mr. Carpenter came to Big Rapids and engaged with the mercantile firm of Phelps i.*v: Parker as clerk. He acted in tiiis capacity 18 mor.ths, when he bought the interest of Mr. Phelps and the house became Parker it Carpenter. Mr. Parker died May 7, 1882, ai.d his widow soon after sold her husband's share of the business to the remaining partner and his brother, Frank B. Caipenter, M. 1). They oper- ated together one year and May 26, 1883, Mr. Car- penter of this sketch, became sole proprietor of the establishment by purchase. He carries an average stock of about $20,000 value in dry goods, carpets, sewing-machines, etc., and transacts annually an amount of business aggregating $70,000. -Mr. Carpenter was married at Evart, Newaygo Co., Oct. 19, 18S1, to Nettie E., daughter of Howard and Jeannette \Viltse. She was born at Evart, .May 14, 1857, and her parents were among the earliest set- tlers of Newaygo County. Her father came to Me- costa County in :86o and died at Hig Rapids in 1S65. Her mother (lied in 1857. The father of Mr. Car- penter died ;\pril 30, 1869; his mother is yet living, at Lawrenceville. Mrs. Carpenter was a teacher at Big Rapids si.\ years. gjl'^^enry Seaton, farmer on sec. 17, Hinton " Tp., P. O., .Mtona, was born in Guelph, i-ix-'"* Canada, April 7, 1S43. His parents, John Av and l^ii/.abeth (Smith) Seaton, were natives of iMigland, who came to .\merica in 1838. The $ 5 \ ( ( mother died in November, 1877, and the father i'( is still living, in Canada. Mr. Seaton remained an inmate of iiis lather's house until he was 24 years of age, when he rented tlie paternal farm for a period of two years. Li the summer of 1866 he came to Mecosta County and bought a half mterest in the saw-mill owned by ^ his brother, W. N. Seaton and Hartley Davis, succeed- f ing to the claim of the latter. The Seaton brothers j. managed the mill together six years, and sold out to \Vm. Egbert. Mr. Seaton and his brother were jf again associated in farm interests, whicii they carried ''^ on nearly four years, when ihey dissolved, and Mr. ~J Seaton established himself on the 80 acres which has >. ev<^^ii n ;^ mw^ — :2^sr •^^^5C@V^: ,0 A »: V •i ^ ^ ^ ) ^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. since been his homestead. He is a Republican. Mr. Sjalon was married in Canada, June 6, 1867, to Agnes, daughter of Richard Kenning. Her parents were natives of Ireland, and she was born in Hamilton, Canada, Nov. 12, 1846. .She died Dec. 26, 1879, leaving four of six children of whom she was the mother. They were born as follows : Ida M. E,, June 6, 1869; Hervey J., April 16, 1872; Albert N., Oct. 23, 1875 ; Gracic A , Jan. 11. 1S77. .Vsa and Lillian died in infancv. —wv^^-i^g-vw.- h|pri^^|^llis Davis, farmer, sec. 6 of Deerfield Tp., ^^^g was born in Ireland, Aug. 27, '27. He is a son of William and Mary (Laverty) Davis, also born in the Emerald Isle, and came to America in '51. They located in this county and continued to reside there until their death. Our subject was an inhaldtant of his native land until he attained his majority, when he came to the United States and settled in Mecosta Tj)., this county, continuing to reside here nearly ten years, when he took up 240 acres of uncleared forest under the State law. He commenced oiieralions after the most approved pioneer plan, built a log house and went vigorously to work clearing away the timber to make room for the plow and other appurtenances of civilization. The 140 acres of cultivated land which his labors have laid bare to the sun and other influ- ences that cpiicken them to a marvelous life show the character of their owner. The log house disappeared in the summer of 1882 and a neat frame structure succeeded it at an expenditure of $1,000. Mr. Davis is a Democrat in political views. He resides with his two sisters and with them belongs to the I'resby- terian Church. « ^'^^jj'- obort Telfer, engineer of the City Water >Vorks, I'lig Rapids, was born in Hamilton, ^. I-anarkshire, Scotland, Feb. 21, 1844. He is the son of Cavin and Janet Telfer, and J)*^ learned the trade of tanner and cmrier in his ^ native town. At the age of 18 he left home and went to Glasgow and worked there at his trade until July 26, 18O5, or until after twenty-one. On that day he started for the United States and 17 days later was in the city of Detroit at work. Wiien he reached Detroit he had one English shill- ing in his possession, but he had pluck and energy, and the day following his arrival there had secured a paying situation. After four years of self-denying, frugal labor in Detroit, he united his savings with the small capital of his brother Gavin, and established a tannery at Chesaning, .Saginaw Co., Mich., and after operating it with gratifying success two years, their building, fixtures, etc., were destroyed by fire, involv- ing a loss of $6,000, with no insurance. He still held a considerable amount of stock, which he brought to I5ig Rapids to avail himself of the facilities at the tannery of Duncan McClellan. In 1875 he entered into an engagement as assistant engineer of the City Water Works, taking full charge two years later, and holding the position continuously ever since. In the sunnner of 1881 he built the block now owned by L. S, I'resburg, on Michigan ave., a brick building erected at a cost of upwards of |;6, 000. He built the Telfer Hlock, on the corner of Michigan ave. and Pine st., in the summer of 1883. It is a two-story structure of brick, 40 x 60 feet, one store of which he stocked with boots and shoes, and con- fided to the management of his brotlier, John Telfer. He also owns a residence and lot on Pine street and Warren ave. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was niarrii.d Dec. 30, 1869, to Mary C, daughter of W'illiaui and Kliza Burleigh. She was born in Macomb Co., Micii. Mr. and Mrs. Telfer have had two children, one of whom, Gavin, is now living; Eliza, only daughter, died July 22, 1872. 3SS H'lfred Pierce, farmer, sec. i, llinton Tp , jj( was born Dec. 31, 1841, in St. Lawrence ^="'0 Co., N. V. His parents, David and Polly Wsf (l^ay) Pierce, were also natives of St. Law- rence County. He started out alone in the warfare of life at the age of 15 years. His parents liad previously removed to Walworth Co., Wis., and in the springof 1856 he came to Michigan with the family of Win. Egbert (now deceased) and \^ I (o) -^'"^^ — ^^<-^ii n :^: tiiiv>^^ — ^'^^^^ 'd. ■^ M^.^C&s-4^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ri^-^-i-^ 207 ^ located in Berrien Co., Mich., remaining with them t§) until 21 years of age, engaged in fanning and specu- ^S* lating. In the si)ring of 1S63, he went to Minnesota I and bought a farm, which he managed for five years, (hj and meanwhile was one year engaged in conducting a hotel at Rochester, Minn. He sold the farm and came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres of wild land, in Morton Tp., which he sold in the fall of 1 88 1. In the spring of 1880 he bought 80 acres of forest land in Hinton Tp., where he now re- sides, with 20 acres under cultivation. In politics Mr. Pierce is a Republican ; has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, and was Highway Commissioner three years in Morton Tp. .Mr. Pierce was married in Berrien Co., Midi., Nov. 26, 1863, to Mary E., daughter of Israel B. and Han- nah Sackett, natives of Michigan. Mrs. Pierce was born in Berrien Co., Dec. 25, 1840. Her fatlier died _ \ when she was ten years old, 'and she was thrown upon her own resources for support. Of ten children born to .Mr. and .Mrs. Pierce, eight survive, four of them being twins; Charles A. was born Nov. to, 1864; Fred L., Aug. 16, 1866; Walter, Dec. i6j 1868; Frank, Oct. 14, 1869; Etta, July 18, 1872; Harry, May 14, 1877 ; Nathan, Aug. 13, 1879, and Alfred, Nov. 15, 1882; Annie, born July 18, 1872, died Dec. 26, 1880; Gertrude, horn July 17, 1874, and died Dec. 30, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are both members of the order of Good Templars, and are ac- tive and prominent members of the M. E. Church, with which they united at an early day. Mr. Pierce is an earnest advocate of the temperance cause, and is prominent in all the reforms of the day. A V s ) f Irich Stiffen, farmer, sec. 35, Deerfield Tp., is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (I'isclilcr) Stiffen. They were natives of .Switzerland ^ and came to America in 1853, locating in ,:^ Wayne Co., Ohio, where they passed the er- ■^ mainder of their lives. Mr. Stiffen was born Dec. 25, 1843, in Switz- erland. He was 10 years old when his parents emi- grated to the United States, and he worked as a farm assistant nearly 20 years. He came to Michigan in 1867 and has been the ownerof various tracts of land at various times, and now owns 80 in Deerfield Tp., which is his homestead, with 20 acres in cultivation. Mr. Stiffen is a Democrat in political sentiment and belomrs to the Mennonite Church. -«^!||j|i^»*- m. N. Seaton, merchant. .Mtona, was lx)rn in Canada, Sept. 28, 1S39. He is a son of Joiin and Elizabeth (Smith) Seaton, na- \\ lives of England, who came to America in 1838 and located in ('anada, where the father is still resident. The mother died in Novem- ber, 1877. Mr. Seaton remained in the liome of his parents until the age of 25, and in the winter of 1864 came to Mecosta County and bought 120 acres of unim- proved land in Hinton Tp., on which a part of the village of Altona is located. U'ithin three years (64-'65-'66) he cleared 40 acres of his farm. In 1S68, associated with liently Davis and Harrison J. Brown, he built the Altona dam, and in tlie same year he and Mr. Davis erected the first saw-mill. Fifteen months after, William and Henry Seaton pur- chased the interest of Mr. Davis, and continued to operate the mill four years, selling out to Wm. Eg- bert, who, some time after, disix)sed of the property to H. J. Brown. Mr. Seaton, after closing his mill interests, turned his attention to farming and rearing stock. He owns 180 acres of land, 100 of which is under a good state of cultivation and improved by a fine set of buildings. He rented his place in March, 1S83, and purcliased a residence in .Mtona. In December, 1882, he formed a partnership with R. L. Willett for the purpose of engaging in the sale of general mer- chandise, which was edected Jan. r, 1883, and is now being carried on with satisfactory results. Mr. Seaton was married in Canada, to Char- lotte, daughter of Benj. Budjen. Her parents were natives of England, and about 1848 came to Amer- ica and settled in Canada. One child, Charlotte L. E., was born of mis marriage, Feb. 27, 1869. The mother died March 28, 1869. Mr. Seaton was again married Dec. 4, 1879, to Mary J., daughter of George and Jane Quigley, born Jan. 4, 1855. The parents of Mrs. Seaton reside in Montcalm County; the father is a native of New York, and the mother 5 yi c >: I I f Mjj\!S^^^ Sl^C. z. "=^^^>^ ^^-^^Jv^^ ^^ ■>^€^%c ^^^^n D :< B Il> >r^ #^(<5^- f J ^ -">_-■ i I 208 MECOSTA COUNTY. was born in Wales ; the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Sealon, George R , was lx)rn Oct 7, 18S1. Mr. Seaton is a Republican. He has been Justice of the Peace one year, and School Director si.x years. He has been actively zealous for the best in- terests and advancement of his township, and has done all in his power to enhance the growth and prosperity of Altona, which is, so to speak, his foster- child, he having, in connection with H. J. Brown, jilatted the village, which was accomplished May 21, 1870. Mr. Seaton 's family attend the M. E. Church. He has been for a long time Superintendent of the Sunday School, and has been Class-leader about 15 years. He is also radical in liis views of temper- ance. Mr. Seaton 's portrait is given in this work. -i3= 7 T •y-=^=Dt- SPm. Brockway, farmer, sec. 20, Hinton (iS)§^ Tp., was born in Pennsylvania, March 27, ,.(^^^^ 1826, and is a son of Andrew and Eliza- ^J^^O beth (Rossman) IJrockway, both of whom |*f^ were natives of Pennsylvania. He went to New York with his parents, and at the age of 21 came to Livingston County, and after a residence of six years came to Mecosta County (before its organi- zation) and settled in what is now /Etna Tp., buying a farm of 200 acres. He resided on this place until the spring of 1861, when he purchased 160 acres of forest land in Hinton Tp., removed there, built a log house and barn, and commenced clearing his land. These primitive buildings have yielded to modernized structures ; and the fine farm with 100 acres of cleared territory, with creditable and valuable buildings, makes a fine exhibit of what energy com- bined with perseverance and good judgment can ac- complish. He belongs to the pioneer element of the county and township, and was the first Postmaster under Lincoln, serving about three years. He is a Democrat in ixjlitical faith and action. He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 6, 1848, to Margaret A., daughter of Z. P. and Anna (Saxton) Mitchell. Her parents were natives of the Empire State, and Mrs. Brockway was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, 182S. Mr. and Mrs. Brockway have had eight children, six surviving, I Emmet L., born Nov. 5, 1848; Alice V., Feb. 12, — ^^^^Dfl 1853; Caroline, Aug. 27,1857; James H., Oct. 15, i860; Charlotte, Feb. 23, 1865; Byron A, April 9, 1870; Elizabeth A., born Oct. 31, 1850, died Nov. 12, 1882; Mary E., born Aug. 18, 1867, died Jan. 22, 1882. gfj^^H'einuel F. Chipman, farmer, sec. 36, Deer- ^iiOit field T|)., was born in Livingston County, ^; ^f^^\) Mich., Jan. i, 1S47. He is son of S. S. and yrW Aha (Sutherland) Chipman, who are both natives of the State of New York. I - ^^lij harles Me Arthur, farmer, sec. 19, Deer- Y field T})., was born in Canada, Jan. 16, 1S39. His i)arents, Colin and Jeannette IjS" (McDonald) McArthur, were of Scotch origin J^ and came to Canada early in their lives and I there both died in the winter of '82. The subject of this sketch was educated in Canada and grew up under the personal care of his father. v^ In the fall of '64 Mr. Chipman, though but 17 years of age, became a soldier for the Union army, enlisting in the Third Mich. Inf. He was in the service until May 18, '65, when he received hon- orable discharge. After returning home he engaged in the duties of a lumberman until the age of 22, when lie bought 40 acres of land in the township of Deerfield. It was then in a perfectly wild state, and he at once turned all his energies to bear ujxjn its rec- lamation, a.nd now has 20 acres under cultivation. In politics he is a Republican. 'i'he subject of this sketch was married June 27, i860, in Cato, Montcalm Co., to Catherine C, daugh- ter of .\ustin and Harriet Butler, luc .Malolt, both na- tives of New York. The deadly scourge diphthL'ria removed three of the children of this household within 12 days. Their record is as follows : .Mta H., born March 27, 1870, died Sept. 18, '81; Daisy M., born May 7, 18 — , died Sept. 14, '81 ; Walter, born Feb. 22, '80, died Sept. 6, '81. Two children remain, Levi D., born Sept. 27, '72, and Zilpha E., born June 20, '74. At the organization of the township of Deerfield in '61, S. S. Chipman was elected Sui)ervisor. I \ (q) -3tf^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. Hr^^^ •f ) A ^^ ^ remaining at home several years after attaining his majority. In the winter of '52, at 26 years of age, he came to Detroit and there w as connected with a railroad constniciion corps about three years. In tlie summer of '79 he can.e to the village of Morlcy and was engaged some months in the saloon and restaur- ant business, after wliich he '.)ought his present proi>- erty, 40 acres of land, then in an entirely unculti- vated state, but now ivith 30 acres in an advanced slate of iuiprovement. He has held the post of Con- stable two terms and Police Magistrate six months, resigning his office before the expiration of his term. He was married Aug. 7, 1866, at Charlotte, Mich., to Sarah, daughter of John and Ann Fcehan, ih\- Cokeiy. The [larents of his wife were natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Canada; the father is de- ceased, the mother resides in this County. Their children were born as follows: Annie |., June 6, 1869; Catherine M., Dec. 10, '72; Edith 1'., Jan. 29, '75; Charles J., July 17, '77; Myrtle, Jan. 21, '81. I'wo children died in infancy. Our subject was a member of the Township School Uoard during the year of 1882. In religion, although brought u)) in the Presbyterian faith, he is liberal, He is also a liberal Democrat in [wlitics. ■-uucc?©^--'— l><|l^^^^4-->^2fa'ZiOT»v ^l^randison C. Tousey, farmer, sec. 34, Hin- ®< ton Tp.,is a son of I^auzonand Lucy (Ly- man) Tousey, who were born in Connecti- cut, and came to Michigan as pioneers of Wayne County. G. C. Tousey was l)orn Nov. 19, 1832 He came with liis parents, wlien a lad, to Kalamazoo County, and there he was occui)ied with farming until the spring of 1872. He then came to Mecosta County and located in Hinton Tp., where he had entered 160 acres of Cov- ernment land in 1858. On this tract he has since resided, and now has 70 acres under a good degree of improvement. Mr. Tousey is a Democrat in [xditical faith, and has been Justice of the Peace one year. He en- listed in October, i86r, in the 13111 Michigan Vol. Inf.. and after an arduous service of three years was honorably discharged Jan. 16, 1865, at Savannah, Ga. He was never off duty a single day and did not once answer the surgeon's call. He was in ac- tion at Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Perryville, Ky., Chickamauga, Siege of Corinth, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and marched to the sea with Sherman. He luul a narrow escape from cap- ture at Stone River. A retreat was ordered and by some mischance he found himself wedged between boulders, the rebel forces being soon within alarm- ing distance of his singular prison house. Extricat- ing himself with a great efTorl, he crawled Itack and joined his regiment, making the transit between two fires, but coming out unharmed. He is an honored member of the G. A. R., and also belongs to the M. E. Church. Mr. Tousey was married in Kalamazoo Co., Mich. June 28, 1867, to Elvira, daughter of Jared and Eliza- beth (Holcomb) Goodrich, who was born March 19, 1S28, in New York. The parents were born in New York, also. Mr. and Mrs. Tousey have one child, born June 28, 1868. •>«aec^©i@«— i? .-gfa/zTOTjv' ? ~i^^^ enry S. Cota, farmer on section 16, .I'.tna ^f (S3r '1^' ^^'^* ^""^^ '" Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1837. 5'fS?*** His parents were born in France, emigrated ■^1'^ to the United States and settled in the Buckeye State, where his father was drowned while la- boring in the river service. Mr. Cota was in his infancy and his mother bound him to a man named Adam Hardesty. He was so very young that he lost all trace of her and does not know that he has a relative by blood on the earth. He remained with Mr. Hardesty until he was 18 ye.ars of age, when he was released from his bonds and found employment in Paulding Co., Ohio, and was there occupied for five years. In tlie fall of '61 he enlisted in the 68th Ohio Inf., serving three yean;, and receiving honorable discharge. Leaving the army he spent a few months in Paulding Co., Ohio, and in the spring of 1S66 he came to .Etna Tp. and bought 40 ai res of land, which he has increased to 80 acres, with 30 under the plow. Mr. Cota was married July 4, 1S67, to Isabel, daughter of William and I'^lizabeth (Woodcock) Shoeck, natives of New York. Mrs. Cota was born Vs^ ^ A ■)$*i^|'" -^"^^ ^^TK^^OD^inilr^-V^^ ^"M^^ «?^ i I ^'1 M. I f N^ '$&c^fV- -^'^^^'^ -X;^ii!i:^:nDv>i-^=^ — ^^^^^^^ ;^it ->fi?y^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^^ old, but retains her health and vigor, and her memory is perfect concerning all events that have passed un- der her observation. Following is a record of their ten children: Peter, born March 3, 1840; Michael, Dec. 25, 1845; Jane, Aug. 12, 1850; Sarah, Aug. 17. 1854; John, Feb. i, 1847; Rose, Sept. 8, 1855' Ella, June 10, 1858. Those named are living; the de- ceased were : iMary, born Feb. 6, 1 842, died in 1867 ; Emilia, born July 25, 1854, died .'Vug. 23, 1867 ; Cath- erine, born Jan. 6, 185 1, died ."^ci.t. 23, 1867. The amily are zealous members of the Catholic Cluirch. illiam H. Walker, undertaker and funer- il director. Big Rapids, was born in Com- uerce Tp., Oakland Co., Mich., and is the son of Justin and Lucinda (Wilkius) Walker. He passed the years prior to attaining his majority on his father's farm and attending school. On reaching the age of 21 years he entered the college at Kalamazoo, and took a preparatory course of study, and after two years went to Normal, 111., and there attended the State Normal School 18 months. Having fitted for the position of an instruc- tor, he entered uix)n the duties of that calling, which he discharged four years and then became a music teacher, of which he had made a special study at Normal, under the instructions of Prof. C. M. Cady. lie has spent 20 years of his life as a teacher of vo- cal music, operating at many places in Michigan and in several of the Western States. .\fter leaving school at Kalamazoo, Mr. Walker m;ide a prospecting journey through the West and Southwest which occupied about eight months. In 1878, he located at Berlin, Ottawa Co., bought five acres of land, and a wagon and blacksmith shop, which he still owns and manages, employing three men. He has a fine residence on his miniature farm of five acres, where his family live. He has made a s])ecialty of bee culture, his location being peculiarly adapted to the puriwse. At times he has had up- wards of 200 colonies in stock, and his apiary now in- cludes about 75. _, Mr. Walker came to Big Rapids in May, 18S3, and ^ formed a partnership with J. Siillwell &: Son, in the ^kV5>)€^«I- ^^^- — ^^Dtl V ) furniture business. The relation terminated July g, following, by his sale of cl lim to Charles Stillwcll, when he established his present business enterprise in the basement of the Furniture Block. He holds a stock of $1,000 in burial cases and caskets and has a very fine hearse. .Mr. Walker was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., March 25, 1865, to Marion, daughter of I.orcn and Mary Oviatt, born in 'I'rumbull Co., Ohio, Dec. 11, 1842. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Walker are Allen J., Mary and I.ula. The musical abilities of the father have every promise of reproduction in the children, as each gives evidence of more than ordi- ary capacity in that respect. t K eorge P. Vorce, farmer, sec. 35, .Ivtna Tp., was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Feb. 29, 1S24. He is a son of Benjamin and T'^N Lovina (Cook) Vorce, of German nativity ; tlie fat lier died in 1833. Mr. Vorce came to this State when he was nine years old, with his step-father, Jonathan Jackson, and remained 1 1 years. He spent the ne.\t year in New York, and in the sum- mer of 1844 came to Wayne County, this State, and a year later to Ingham County. During this period he was engaged in agriculture. Leaving Ingham County, Mr. Vorce went to Kalamazoo County, and thence to Iosco County, where he was engaged in fanning and lumbering until 187 i, the date of his settlement in this County. He purchased 40 acres of timbered land and entered upon the usual duties of a pioneer. — built a small log house and proceeded to ]ilace his farm in a suitable state for supiwrt and profit. He is an earnest Republican; has always been prominent in promoting educational jjiojecls and at present holds a school office. lie and his w ife are active members of the M. E. Church. He was marned in 1846, to .Amelia, daughter of Zenas and Anna Walling Hor, of New iMigl.uid l)irth, and she was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 15, 1829. Of their six children two are dead, — Henty, born Aug. 31, 1847, died Oct. 3, 1879, and Charles L., born Sept. 19, 1855, died in 1874. Those who survive were born in the following order: Jen- nie, Jan. 20, 1849; Frank A., Oct. 28, 1853; Anna ( A V r ^^wa ^?§** ■ r<>nil^PD^>r MECOSTA COUNTY. ^^ A., Nov. II, 1850; EllaG., Sept. 27, 1859. These JD children have received a good education. Jennie is -^ a teacher of good standing and has a tine reputation T for scholarship, and ([ualities peculiarly adapted to '^ her calling. She was a student for a long time at Albion College, and taught in one ix)sition seven con- secutive terms. ilbert Mero, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfield Tp., i.s a native of Lower Canada.and was born ^ in 1 838. His parents still reside in Canada. Mr. Mero went to Upper Canada at 19 years of age, where he was married in the f;xll of 1857 to Huldah, daughter of Peter and Mima (Kyle) Newkirk. They went to Ohio and remained four years, returned to Canada for a short time and moved to Deerfield. Mr. Mero bought 40 acres of uncultivated land and proceeded to do poneer duty — build a log house and clear the forest. He has 32 acres under fair cultivation. The family religion is Catholic. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mero now living were L-orn as follows: Josephine, March 12,1866; Richard, Oct. 28, 1870: Louisa, July 8, 1873; Anna, July, 4, 18 ; Gertrude, July 8, 1877; Henrietta, ^Lay 24, 1S81. Jennie and Margaret died in infancy. rs >5 V ) '^ % tesse Kinnee, .Mtona, Hintop. Tp., was liorn ^ in Canada, May 27, 1857. He is a son of _ Jesse and Harriet E. (Gent) Kinnee, na- mf tives and residents of Canada. Wm. Kinnee ^p" passed his youth and boyhood on his father's ip farm, and at 1 8 was apprenticed for three years to the firm of Mitchell & Urood, to learn the trade of blacksmithing. He left his native country and went to .Moskako, Canada, and worked at his trade in the lumber camps in the woods six months. He returned to the township of I'ecl and en- tered into partnership with James .Mitchell, and in company with him carried on blacksmithing six months. In July, 1878, he came to Coral, Mont- _calm Co., removing soon to Hinlon Tp., and was employed by W. W. Streator, at his trade, two and a half years, when he bought the interest of his em- ployer, and is still managing the same branch of business, with the most satisfactory results. Mr. Kinnee was married at Altona, Hinton Tp., April 16, 1881, to Ida M., eldest daughter of John W. and Catharine (Austen) Thomas. Her parents were natives of Canada, and came to Mecosta County about 1864. They are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Kinnee have had one child, Jesse H., born March 14, 1883. They are both active members of the Church of the United Brethren. Mr. Kinnee is a Republican in jwlitical sentiment and action. - 1 Vto, -^ A h T~r _i_A. "Y~^ £k- j|| uther Bis. N. Hutchinson, dental surgeon at Rapids (office on the N. W. corner of -i^^^^ §Jl^£f^ North Michigan avenue and Maple street), MiY *^^ \^w\\ in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. V., X April 8, 1823. His parents were natives of I Connecticut, and were married at Hartford, June6, i8oi. Warren Hutchinson, his father, was born, Nov. 17, 1780; was a carpenter and joiner bv trade, and during a considerable i)eriod of his life kept a hotel; he died Sept. 5, 1847. The mother Mary (Goddard) Hutchinson, was born Feb. 19, 1781, and died in March, 1855. The family included four children — \Varren S. (deceased), l^i>hraim F. (dec.) and Fannie J., widow of Israel L. .Adams, resid- ing at Winona, Iowa. Dr. Hutchinson is the young- est child. He accompanied the family to AVashtenaw County, this State, when 1 1 years old, and settled in Scio, where his father built a hotel. Both parents passed the remainder of their lives here, and their children reached adult age. Early in life. Dr. Hutch- inson developed a taste and genius for the career of an artist, and he devoted the first years of his manhood to iwrtrait-painting; but was com|)olled to abandon this profession because of failing eyesight. In 1S45 he went to Ypsilanti, where he worked at photography about two years. In 1S47 he went to Dexter, and si)ent about two and a half years in the office of Dr. Hollywood, reading for the practice of medicine. He went thence to .Ann .Arbor, and ap- plied himself to tiie study uf dentistry, and was under <-^ll!l>:DDvy- A ^ 4)' *§■« -2V?V^?^ ■i f -3«€^!Kr Mecosta county. ^^t^ Slj the instructions of Prof. Bennett one year. After two years of practice at Ann Arbor, he went to Howell, this State, and pursued his profession two years, going thence to Sturgis, where he opened dental 'j. rooms, and operated until 1S70, the date of his re- ^ moval to IJig Rai)ids. Dr. Hutchinson was married at Scio, Jan. 2, 1843, to Ruth L Richmoiui. Their son, Ernest iM., is now living, and is a dentist at Cadillac, this State. .\vcr M. died Feb. 22, 1865. The mother died, and tlie Doctor contracted a second marriage, July 27, 1S70, to Adda C. Foote, daughter of Jacob J. and Sarah H. (Secord) F'oote, a native of Scio. Glen L., their only child, died Jan. 11, 1879. Daisy, an adopted daughter, was taken to their hearts and home when five weeks old. She was born May 9, 1881. iS-ames Simmons, farmer, sec. 36, Dcerileld C. Tp., was born July 11, 1830, in Middletuii, jl^pP"*^ Norfolk Co., Canada. His parents, David ^iv, and Sicily (Ronson) Simmons, were natives of England and came to Canada about the year 1820. The mother still resides in Canada; the fatlier died Aug. 20, i86i. At the age of 21 years Mr. Simmons commenced his contest with the world, finding employment as a farm l.dijrer until i860, wlien he came to Mecosta county and pre-empted 80 acres of the unbroken ai.d uncleared forest land. He built a log house, and with his own hands cut the trees and prepared the soil for tillage. He has now 40 acres under the plow and in good cultivation. He was married at Charlotte ville Center, Canada, Sept. 20, 185 I, to Catherine, daugliler of James ana .\my (Ostrander) Huchner. Eiglit of liie eleven children of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are living: Wil. liam H., Nancy S., .Viny M.,Ebenezer, .Sarah J., Dan- iel A., John and Chris. The family includes an adopted son, W'm. H. Ciriflln. The names of the deceased children were James ('., Ceorge and .\da- line. Mr. S. is a Democrat in ]K)litics, and himself and family belong to tlie United lirelhren Church. (Si) I ilber li. Buck, fanner, sec. 7, .Fltna Tp., was born .\pril 16, 1S49, in Orange Co., N. Y., and is the eldest son of Samuel and J^P Hanict (Walters) Buck. He remained at home lalioring on his fatlier's farm until the fall of 1868 His father, Samuel Buck, came to Michigan in 56, and settled in Hillsdale County, where the family re- mained until 1865, and about that year came to Me- costa County, where they are residents of /Etna Tp., and Mr. Buck, of this sketch, is with his family living on the homestead and managing the farm. He was married Jan. 3, 1883, to .Sarah, daughter of William R. and Chloe .V. (Vredenburg) Rockwell, who was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1856. She went to Iowa when seven years old, and in 1868 came to the State of Michigan. By an earlier mar- riage Mr. Buck has two children — Hattie, born July 26, 1S69, and Harry, June 6, 187 1. Tiiey are nearly grown and well educated, and the light and blessing of the household. In religious views, Mr. Buck is a liberalist; in politics, a Prt)hibitionist. <&ifjM,Lharles H. Wagoner, druggist. Big Rapids ei|"^3la ^^'** ^°'^" ■'' l''-''^" ** an, N. Y., Jan. 23, and died when he was but two years old t ""'^> "*" 1835; a son of David and Maria (West) Wagencr. His father was a hotel-keeper. v^^*' ^^'^^ He attended school until the age of 14, when he procured a situation as clerk in a drug store, and after two years returned to school He completed his education in three years, and again became a clerk in a drug store in Penn Yan, where he remained seven years. In February, 1864, he went to Austin, Nevada, and bought a drug store of his brother, where he transacted business four years, and then retinned to Penn Yan. In February, 1868, he settled in Big Rapids and foundetl his present business. He handles a full line of drugs and all articles com- mon to similar establishments, patent medicines, etc. In April, 1S69, his store was burned, with a total loss of $3,500. He had secured no insurance. Mr. vb C^: r K^y^ ^fT^i^m^ 214 Mecosta county. Wagener is a Freemason, and a member of the Knights of Honor, and is Vice-President and Direc- tor of the Northern National liank. He was married May 7, ii*^^^ imothy Edmondp, de:iler in boots, shoes, rulibers and hosiery, at Pig Rapids, was horn in J.ackson Co., Mich., May 23, 1849. His [larents were Washington and Damarias (Buck- stou) Edmonds, and he was trained to agricul- tural pursuits. At the age of 15 he became a soldier in the Union Army, enlisting at D.iwagia.:, 1 0} (q) ♦ i (TW ^ fJ'V^'5^^^* T2J€^ -=rv<-^llll>:Dll>>^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■^fi^^'CiT ill k^i C.iMT, lo., iliis State, in March, 1863, in Company L, 9th Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. W. Miller, ■^ and was in the service until July 4, 1865. Among I other arduous engagements in which he was in action (^ was that of the pursuit of Morgan on his retrograde movement before his capture by the brigade of Gen. Shackelsford, near New Lisbon, Ohio. He was also with the command of Gen. Burnside while attempt- ing to hold East Tennessee, and was on the force that held the foot of C'umberland Mountain until ./ Gen. Frazier's surrender. He was among the vet- eran troo[)s which under Sherman made their tri- umiiliant marcli to tlie sea. He was wounded Dec 4, 1.S64, at Waynesboro, Ga., by an ounce minie ball, in the left thigli, which he still carries. He was sent to the hos|>ital, and, on the e.\piration of his term of enlistment, was discharged at Jackson, Mich. The father of Mr. Edmonds died in September, 1863, during his army life, and, on being mustered out of the United States service, he went to work on /N the homestead on shares, and was thus occupied three years. He spent the next two years in St. Joseph County, variously engaged, when he went to South Haven, Van liuren Co. There he bought 40 acres of land, wliich lie sold three years later and purchased 80 acres in another location. Meanwhile he was operating as a lumberman. He sold his land again at the end of the year, and engaged in selling stump machines, afterward embarking again inlumber- ing until the fall of 1876. Helhen came to Big Rajnds, and two years later bought a farm of 45 acres in the townshi|) of Hig Rapids, devoting a year to garden- ing, and in 1881 again sold out. In the winter of that year he commenced his present business enter- prise. His stock is worth about $5,000, and he transacts an annual business in merchandise of $10,000. Mr. Edmonds was married near Lawton, Van Huren Co., to Clara Edwards. Of this marriage two children were born, Grace, in March, 1868, and Dora, in June, 1870. The second marriage of Mr. Ed- ? monds took place at Big Rapids, Oct. i. 1876, to I Laura Sinkler, who died at this place, Jan 26, 1.S80, f leaving two children, Eugene E., born Jan. 23, 1880, and Clarence II., born June 18, 1878, and died Aug. 12,1882. Mr. Edmonds was married a third time in ^ (Xt.awa.Waukesha Co., Wis., Dec. 3, 1882, to Mrs. h'.va C^ J- Haone, daughter of Thomas H. and Elvira T.Ham- V V ^3 \ mend, born in Delafield, Wis., .April 21, 1858. Mr. Edmonds is a member of the G. .'\. k. "oaeae'®^-*— ^$|^^^4i< — gja^OTzrav ohn E. Thurkow, merchant and proprie- tor of the grain warehouse at Morley, was born at New Baltimore, Mich., Oct. 7, 1849. (3* He is a son of Fred and Maggie (Kiess) Thur- kow, who were natives of Germany. ^ Mr. Thurkow left home at the age of 15, and was engaged as clerk in a general store at I-"air Haven, Mich., and there remained 15 years. He re- linquished the (losition on account of ill health, and took a trip to ("olorado, where he remained neaily five months. On his return he remained a few months at home ; coming to Morley in the spring of 1881, he purchased the store of D. W. Stewart & Co., where he continues to do business. He car- ries a full stock of goods in lines adapted to the demands of the community where he o|)erates. Mr. Thurkow has been the architect of his own fortunes. He is a keen business man, has managed his affairs with honest sagacity, and by close attention to busi- nees and well-directed effort has obtained a compe- tence. In politics he is a Rei)ublican, has been twice elected Treasurer of the village, and still lioUls the posuion. He is a Master Mason, a Knight Temi)lar and a member of the Knights of I'ythias. He is in sympathy with the tenets of the Congregational Church. In September, 1881, Mr. Thurkow bought a shingle mill in /Etna Tp-. of Messrs. King & Luke, whii:h he operated until June 9, 1882. .\t that date it was burned to the ground, entailing a loss of nearly $3,000. He also owns the timber on 240 acres of land in the township of /I-^tna, and a house antl lot in Morley. He has recently erected a neat warehouse for the storage of grain, potatoes, etc., of which he handles a large ciuaiitity. He is also an extensive dealer in wood, bark, shingles, etc., making him one of the largest shippers in this section. As one of the representative men of Mecosta C'ounty we give n portrait of Mr. T. in this volume. VS ( Kj ^ ((■ 7^' ^(^1 g«^ ■^'^C^^ .::_^ <^D!1:o:di1s> ?))f^fl«^ r 4^^f®^4' ) A -^ MECOSTA COUNTY. I^enry Mills, farmer, sec. 25, Deerfield Tp., 4fii^flf' was born in Canada, March 7, 1837. He is 'Id^S*** a son of Wm. and Rebecca Ann ^[ills, and .jY" his father died July 5, 1881 ; his mother lives in '^ Canada. Mr. Mills was a resident of the Dominion until the age of 24, growing up in the routine common to fanners' sons. In 1S61 he "took up" 40 acres of land in Deerfield Tp., MecostaCounty, and underwent the experiences of the pioneer element, building a log house in the forest which he then made haste to clear and improve for farming purposes. He now has 25 acres under tillage and as good a frame house as ex- ists 111 the township. He was married in Canada, Dec. 5, 186 1, to Loamy, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Uoszell) Burss. She was born in Canada, Feb. 1 1, 1838. Of seven chil- dren born of this marriage four survive, — Sarah A., born Oct. 6, 1862; Etta M., Nov. 12, 1864; Frank P., Dec. 15, 1873; Henry O., Sept. 8, 1S.S2; William H., Nov. 28, 1866, died March 29, 1881 ; Albert H., Oct. 23, 1868, died Aiiril 9, 1881 ; Charles E., Nov 13, 1879, died April 7, 1881. These deaths all occurred within 1 1 days. Mr. Mills is a zealous Republican. The father of Mrs. Mills died in Allegan Co., Mich. The mother is living with, her daughter. (See sketches of D. C. Bullock and Ccorge Losie.) ysander Quigley, farmer, sec. 4, Deerfield Tp., is the oldest living inhabitant of the n township in which he resides, and was one f its earliest settlers. In 1859 he erected the first frame dwelling and has since been earn- estly interested in the affairs of the township. He was born in the State of New York, Feb. 16, i8io, and there lived until 21 years of age. His pa- rents, Mary and Martin Quigley, were natives of the Empire State, and there passsed their lives. ( )n at- taining his majority Mr. Quigley went to (Canada and engaged in agriculture until 1K53, then removed to Michigan with his family, locating in Newaygo Co. He resided there six years and in Dec, 1859, came to Deerfield Tp. He "took up" 40 acres of State land and bought 80 acres, all timber land. He has placed 70 acres of his farm in a good slate of cultivation. Mr. Quigley was married in Canada, in 1833, to Mary, daughter of Codlove Most. Mr. and Mrs. Quigley have had si.K children, all of whom have reached adult age. Their names are Robert, Rosan- na, Mary, John, Autheses and Margaret. Sj^^wsa C. McConnell, farmer, resident on sec. gBBBp 35, /Etna Tp., was born in Steuben Co., N. KiSirsE Y., Feb. 26, 1832 ; son of Lewis and Emma s^ (Goff) McConnell, natives of the Empire State, ik^ The subject of this sketch left home at ten years of age, and until 12 years old found such emi)loyment as he could among the people to whom he was known. At the age named, he went to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and engaged with a man named Robert Munay to herd cattle. Two years later he went as cabin boy on the lake steamers in the summer seasons, spending the winters in the woods. He lived thus five years, then came to Hills- dale County, and thence to Ionia, Montcalm and Kent Counties, settling in the last named in the sjjring of 1855, and engaged in farming. Previous to this he was engaged in lumbering. He remained in Kent County five years, and during the two follow- ing years he was variously employed. In November, 1862, he enlisted in the Mich. Cav., and was in the army of the Potomac under (ien Pleasanton, until .Vug. 19, 1S65, when he received an honorable discharge. He passed through his period of enlistment unharmed except by a gunshot wound in the wrist, inflicted by a guerrilla scout. On leaving the army he went back to Kent County and worked in the woods until the fall of 187 i. The fol- lowing year he spent in Indiana, came thence to Mecosta County, and i)urchased So acres of land, on which he is now resident. Mr. McConnell is a Republican in political faith, and has held the jwst of .Assessor in his school dis- trict for some time. He was married Oct. 12, 1872, ^5 i Si/ < ^ « ■• i^ ^ e ^^^ " 4^r^^>nD>:D^s>^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -•9 to Jennie, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Waters) Upson, born Aug. 7, 1843. Of this marriage one child — Wilhe F., was born April jy, 1S76. ) A ^^ V s ) hiler Loop, hirmer anil Uiinliernian, sec. ] 9, Deerfield Tp., was horn in Pennsylvania ii«)CJ-^ Dec. 16, I.S28. His [)arcnts, K. and Mary i-.\ A. (nikenian) Loop, were also natives of the y\. Keystone State, where they passed their entire T lives. At the age of 36 Mr. Ix)op came to Newaygo County and was engaged there two yeais in linn- bcring, and was in the employ of Nelson iligbcc as a farm manager 1 1 years. On the termination of his service in that capacity he bought 160 acres of land, with 100 under tillage. The additional l)urchase of So acres adjoining has given him a farm of 240 acres, — a fine pla( e and under skilled management. Mr. Loop was married in the .State of New York, July 23, 1853, to Emmeline M., daughter of James and ISetsey (Loop) Drake. The parents of Mrs. Loo|) were natives of New \'ork, who removed to I'ennsylvania in 1857, where they have since con- tinued to reside. Mrs. Looi) was born in New York July 12, 1837, and lived with her i)arents until she was married. Only one of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Loop survive, — Enoch A , born March 8, 1875; Guy A., was born Feb. 27, 1S78, and died July 28, 1880. .\nother child tlied in infancy. Mr. Loop is an adherent of the Democratic party. 'i^'V* 1.. '.-tsi;^,^ enry D. Hanson, blacksmith and farmer. Jr sec. 27, Deerfield Tp., was born in Saratoga '$^ C-'l^^'** Co., N. Y., July 23, 1849. He was educated C in his native place and passed the years of his > minority in the home of his parents. He is a son ^ I of Jacob and Khnira (Oilman) Hanson, both na- jf tives of the State of New York. The mother -^ died in New York .\|)nl iS, 1866. The father came to Michigan wi'li his son and still resides with him. Mr. Hanson settled in Ionia C'ounty in the fall of V 1869 and remained there until the fall of 187 1. He bought a farm of 40 acres, built a log house and proceeded to improve the place, which was in a stale of nature. Being a blacksmith \t^ trade he added a shop for the convenience of the local custom, and al- ternates his farm labors with work in the shoi). Mr. Hanson was married April 16, 1870, to Mar- garet, daughter of Lendoll and Polly (Wilson) Pike She died Oct. 26, 1875. Two children were born to them, — Osman C. was born Jan. 26, 187 i, and Carrie B., born Sept. 9, 1875. Mr. Hanson was again mar- ried .\iiril 28, 1878, to Susan E., third daughter of C. O. and Eliza J. Pemberton. She was born iji Penn- sylvania June 8, 1857, and came to Michigan with her parents in tlie spring of 1863. Tiieir tw(j children, ( )rville R. and Henry, were born respectively Oct. 7, 1879, and July 7, 1882. Mr. Hanson has l)een Drain Commissior.er two years. 'I'he family are all members of the Mellxulisl Church and Mr. Hanson has lieen a Class-leader eight years. In political sentiment he is a Re])ubli- can. ' l/cixj;' amuel Buck, farmer, sec. 7, /Etna Tp. (P. ()., Modey), wasMiorn in Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 4, 1813. He is son of .\aron and K Julia (Brown) Buck 3 Mr. Buck spent the llrsl 2^ years of his life in the pursuits common to farmer's sons and then settled on a farm, where he lived 22 years, man- aging his farm and practicing medicine, of which he had acipiired considerable knowledge. On leaving New York he came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., in the fall of 1856, where he remained a resident nine years. His next removal was to .Ivtna Tp., where he founded and built up his present home. The familv belong to the M. K. Church. Mr. Buck holds to no particu- lar political views, but is a radical Prohibitionist. In 1836 he was married to Harriet, daughter of John and Mary Walters, natives of New \ork, where the daughter was born in 1821. Five children were born of this marriage, as follows: Wilber, April 7, 1S49; Wesley, .Vpril 6, i 85 i ; Mary, Aug. 11, 1847; Estella, March 4, 1854. Josephine is deceased, but dates of birth and death are not known. Mr. Buck's ^ A ^: sy r^ I I^S/®>)«^t#« :as€^^ ^rr-r<-^|]li:t:oii^>v MKCOSTA COUNTY. ^ Cs% A f_ wife died, and he was married in Hillsdale County, to Jane, daughter of Elijah and Anna Selsby, who was a native of Vermont, born Nov. 4, 181 1 ; she died in /Etna Tp., and a few years after Mr. Buck married Mrs. Emma E. Bigelow, daughter of Harry and Nancy (Crofut) Monroe. One child, Jessie, was born Dec. II, 1872. The wife died Oct. 11, 1877. ^^M' oseph McGill, farmer, sec. 12, Deerfield \'[) {V. O. .\ltona), was bora in Ireland, . \'ov. 17, 1812. His parents, John and Jane 61(5" (McGinnis) McGill, were natives of the Emer- ^'^ aldjsle, who emigrated to Canada about the iz year 1838 and there died something like ten years afterwards. " Uncle Jo" belonged to the class which has strug- gled so long in the iron grip of the British aristocrats and monoi)olizers, and during the first 26 years of his life passed most of his time as a weaver, which trade he learned as early as his size and strength [lermitted. He accompanied his parents to Canada and for 20 years was a laborer. He came to Montcalm Co., Mich., in 1858, where he remained one year, removing thence to Mecosta County, and bought 80 acres of land in Deerfield Tp. He built a good frame house and barn and i)ut his farm in good condition, clearing 39 acres, but he has always been a member of the family of his brother's widow, Mrs, I'hebe McGill, whose farm is adjoining. In the spring of 'S3 he sold his farm to John Perry. Mr. McGill is a Methodist in religious views and a Republican in political faith and action. Ho has held the post of School 'I'reasurer ten years. .'\1- though 7 2 years of age, he is a general favorite from his genial and i)leasant companionship. -5 ^/V^^|^3•V^ H ^^^f evritt C. Mosher, attorney at law, Morley, P was )orn in Moshervilie, Hillsdale Co., '^^ Mich., Sei)i. 5, 1857. His parents were T Ephraim E. and Henrietta (Raymond) Mosher, natives of N. Y., who came as pio- neers to Michigan, settling in Hillsdale County, there residing until the death of tlie fatlier in May, 1869: the mother died in Montcalm County, ^^^ >si^^ — ^^^;ni);^:i]ii.,>v^ Oct. 24, 1882. When 12 years old Mr. Mosher went to Kalamazoo and attended the union school at that place three years. At 15 he entered the employ of a farmer, where he was engaged nearly two years, and then went to Montcalm County, engaging in lumbering until the fall of 1878. At that date he en- tered the law office of .S. 1). Clay at (irand Rapids, and began the study of his profession. In May, i 879, he was appointed assignee of T. M. Stryker, and closed out a stock of drugs for the benefit of that gentleman's creditors. That duly ended, he went to Osceola County and began the practice of his pro- fession. After a stay of four months he returned home to Montcalm County, and remained there until December, i88i,and then removed to IsabellaCounty, remaining until September, 1882. He was attacked with tyi)hoid fever, in consequence of which he dis- continued his practice until January, and, on recov- ery, settled in Morley, where he is earnestly engaged in the practice of his profession. He joined the Odd Fellows in 1879. hai'les S. Moore, farmer, sec. 9, /Etna Tp. lorn July 21, 1836, in New York. g,„ His parents, Hiram and Mary A. (Torrey) '^j^ -Moore, were of genuine English extraction and ?5^ natives of New York, where they lived to ad- vanced age. Mr. Moore was born in Allegany County, and re- mained under the paternal roof until 24 years of age. In the spring of 1867 he went to Kenosha Co., Wis., and three years later the family came to .^■'.tna Tp. and pitched their tent on sec. 9 with the determina- tion to fix a permanent abode. Mr. Moore purchased So acres of heavily timbered land, which 13 years of toil has i)laceu in fair rank with the best farms in the township, having 50 acres tillable and in a high slate of cullivalion. Politically, Mr. Moore is a decided Reiiubhcan. The parents have been connected with the M. E. Church several years, and are greatly in- terested in the cause of education and moral eleva- tion of the young. .Mr. Moore was married in i860 to Alida M., daughter of Asahel and Calheiine (Vrooman) Moors. Her father was a native of Virginia, and her mother (■ 1 ■^"^'^ -^'^sfl/^B -z^^^^^ ) n ) MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^ --i^^^^^i^S^ of New Viirk. I'.lroy 1?., oldest child, born June 19, 1862, is devoted to the study of mechanics, and is the object of the proud hopes ot his parents. Carl- ton H. was born June 6, 1864; Morrell E. was born Dec. 10, 1S65. Bradley T., born March 22, 1870, died Nov. 17, 1882. ■ntasism^^ .^^fStm^f ichael Streeter, farmer, on sec. 14, Hin- ton Tp., is a son of Geo. and Susan (Isen- ■ ..-- 'fN hour) Streeter. The father was born in J^|L"?,V\ England, and the mother in ilie State of New ■^ York. After their marriage they settled in ir Canada, where Mi';hael was born, June 5, 1843. At the age of 24, Mr. Streeter commenced to carve out his own fortune. He followed different callings until August, 1875, at which date he came to this county and bought 40 acres of forest land, built thereon a log house, and now has 20 acres cleared and under the plow. Mr. Streeter is inde- pendent in politics. He was married in Canada, March 4, 1868, to Harriet, eldest daughter of Ale.x- ander and Emily (Knox) Watson. The latter were natives of Canada, and the daughter was born there, Oct. II, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Streeter have had six children : John W. and Ceorge A. (twins), born Dec. 24, 1869; Mary A, born Jan. r, 1872; Ella B., April 7, 1874; Alexander (i., June 15, 1879; Velma, Oct. 9, 1882. Ilheney O. Pemberton, farmer, sec. 34, |F Deerfield Tp., was born in Tioga Co., Pa., ,,,g.„ "^ .Nov. 10, 1831. }{e is the first son of ( >rson fc and Harriet (Scott) Teniberton, the former a na- ^ live of Ontario Co., N. Y., the latter born in I Massachusetts. The father was a farmer and himself ;.nd wife spent their lives in Tioga County. Mr. Pemberton was educated at the common schools ^ of his native county and attended the Union .\cad- ['*) emy at Kno.xville. He lived with his parents until June I, 1850, when he was married and immediately after secured 120 acres of land in that county, which he owned until the s[)nng of 1863. He then sold it and in the fall of tlic same year located in Mecosta Co., Mich. He entered 80 acres of land under the State law, erected a log house and made haste to clear and improve his farm. He added to his acreage by purchase until he now owns a tract of 160 acres, a large proiwrtion of which is under cultivation. On the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion Mr. Pemberton enlisted (in the fall of 1861) in the Forty- fifth Pa. \'ol. Inf, and was in the service thirteen and a half months, receiving honorable discharge on ac- count of disability, caused by severe service at the siege of Charleston, S. C, under Gen. 13enham. On returning home he sold his place and settled in Michigan, as stated. He married Eliza J. Hoyd, who was born in .\llegany Co., N. ^'. Mr. and .Mrs. Pemberton have 12 children. Two of these, Cyrus and Joseph, are deceased. Those living are: Com- modore C; Hattie 15., wife of E. J. Royce ; Nellie Ji.; Orson C; Susan, Mrs. Henry 1), Hanson ; Addie ; Charles; U. S. Grant ; William and Frank. The family are active members of the M. E. Cliurch, and Mr. Pemberton lias always been identified with the Republican element. -5— H -V->— 5- -^j^^^l lonzo (S r V A C. Preston, farmer, on sec. 28, Hin- S%®lf ton Ti)., is a son of Ciiester .\. Preston, a ^ ""^ native of New Vork, and was born March 7, 1834. His parents came to Livingston Co., Mich., when he was about ten years old. When he reached the age of 22 years he settled in Ingham Co., going eigiit years later to Shia- wassee Co., and in the spring of 1S66 he located in this township. He owns 41 acres of land, with 30 acres under the plow. He was married Nov. 12, 1854, in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., to Amanda .\., youngest daughter of Joel and Hannah (Eyon) Newman, born June 3, 1834, in Plymouth. Her parents were born in New York, and were pioneers of I'lymouth. Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Preston, five are liv- ing: Hannah A., born Sept. 3, 1855 ; Mary J., March 18, 1857 ; Mina .\., June 20, 1861 ; Sarah E., Jan. 4, 1866; Orson B., Match 2, 1874. The records of the I teT^7^-> /^ 222 ^deceased are as follows: Ida J., born Dec. 23, 1858, ^ died June 21, 1867; Cora A., 'born Feb. 3, 1864, ^/^ and died June 25, '67 ; Lizzie M., born Jane 2, 1868, I died June 27, 1869; Herberf C, born Feb. 6, 1870, (cji died June 24, 1870. The parents are members of the Church of the United Brethren. Mr Preston is a Republican, and has been School Director several years. f hitfield H. Peek, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfiel , was born Sept. n, 1848, at Newark, ^ N. J., and, in 1852, when four years old, . auie with his parents, Enos and Harriet (Hurd) Peck, to Greenville, Montcalm Co.^ Mich., where they died. The father was a native of Connecticut, and the mother was born in New Jersey. When Mr. Peck was ten years old he was sent back a to the State of New York and remained with his 'i^ uncle, F. B. Peck, ten years. He was then 20 years " of age, and resolved upon prospecting to some extent V> before making a final location, and passed the next ^ seven years at various points in Missouri, Iowa, Kan- ' ) sas and Illinois. He then came to Greenville and lived with his brother-in-law about six years. He came to Mecosta County Feb. 25, 1881. , Mr. Peck was married Jan. 28, 1880, to Alice J.- daughter of George and Angeline (White) Stewart Her father was born in New York and died June 17 1882; her mother was born in New Hampshire and is now living with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Peck have one child, Enos G., born Nov. 2, 1881. Mr. Peck is independent in politics. MECOSTA CO UNT Y. -^^ A -4-^/voyv; 'W/\^ i » -^ -•y,'/i homas Skelton, of the firm of Skelton & Collins, proprietors of the Central Hotel at Big Rapids, was born at Guelph, Pr. of On- tario, Can., June 6, 1850. His parents became residents of P>ig Rapids March 7, 1868, and Thomas, then 17 years of age, entered the em- ploy of G. F". Stearns, as store and farm assistant. and continued in this capacity about 7 years; Jan. i, 1875, he became proi)rietor of the National Hotel at Big Rapids, and in comiutny with James McCormick, opened the house for public accommodation. The association continued until May, 1878. In November of that year he entered into a partnership with Richard Collins, and opened the Central Hotel, where they are still doing business. The house is conveniently situated ; has 30 rooms, and secures a good transient patronage, besides accommodating a number of boarders, and keeps a sample room with liquors and cigars. He was elected Supervisor of the Second \Vard in the spring of 1883. He was married Aug. 12, 1874, to Winnifred, daughter of Patrick and Mary Kelley, born at Hartland Center, this State, July 2, 1849. They have had four children, three of whom are living: Sarah L.; John A. (dec); Mary W. and Arthur E. — ^^sp-i^s-^/^-- dward Gensman, farmer, sec. 33, Deer- field Tp., P. O., Morley, was born in Erie r'^'tV*'""" tJo., N. Y., April 23, 1842. Adam Gens- *^^ man, his father, was a German by birth and came to America when he was 14 years of age; married Abigail Churchill in New York, where, she was born. They settled in Iowa in 1S70, where they are still living. Mr. Gensman re:r.ained under the care and guid- ance of his parents until the age of 18, when he went to Vermillion Co., Ill , and engaged as assistant in a cheese factory one year. His next remove was to Livingston Co., Mich., where he remained till 1870 then going to Hamilton Co., Iowa. He was there engaged in agriculture seven and one-half years, re- turning to Michigan in October, 1877, when he lo- cated in Deerfield Township and bought 40 acres of partly improved land, where he now resides. In ix)l- itics Mr. Gensman is independent. He was married in May, 1865, to .\nn Grady, of English descent. She died, leaving one child, — Ed- mund, l)orn Dec. 13,1866. He was again married April 30, 1867, to Harriet, daughter of George and Sophia (Gage) Grady, the former a native of Eng- A ^. (V (c) w^*^ ^^^^ JL. mr^M^ ^.u:^. -^^ •h'Tl. .4i^^^^(^j^:^ r2?€^ <^DH:t:(lI]v> MECOSTA COUNTY. V -mi>- %■ f^) >: V (f» ^ 223 land, the latter of New York. There are two children — Martha E., Iiorn May 5, 186S, and C.eorge M., Sept. 2, 1870. '^j%^3 ?.^^;;;.;;ic;- r>r».it^ *oseph Cahill, farmer, sec. 3, /Ktna Tp., was born in Canada, Dec. 25, 1843. He is a son of James and Catherine (Lebo) Cahill, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Canada, where they spent their lives. Mr. Ca- ir hill was reared to the purstiit of agriculture, and in 1863 came to Michigan and was em- ployed as a farm laborer in Oakland County. .\ year later he went to Saginaw and was there on the river service, engaged in boating. He passed a year there, went back to Canada for a brief stay, and came to Mecosta County. He found enii)loyment in .-Ivtna Tp., and until 1S72 worked as a farm assistant and in the lumber woods. He bought 160 acres of unimproved land, paying therefor $5.75 per acre. His first step toward im[)rovement was the building of a frame house, and he now has 35 acres under a good degree of cultivation. Mr. Cahill has held the office of Constable one term, and is amemberofthe Cireenback party. He was married in Grand Rapids, May 12, 187 I, to Emma M., daughter of William and Mary A. (Plimpton) Mitchell. Her parents are na- tives of the State of New York, and reside in Michigan. Of this marriage four children have been born, viz: Mary A., June 27, 1873; Joseph W., July 13, 1877; Thomas 0., May 18, 1882 : Rosetta, April t, t879. Mr. C. and family are jiromineiit in the Catholic Church. =aiSQii«i4HEat.^ 'saac Sedore, farmer, on sec. 4, Deerfield Tp., was born in Canada, April 21, 1832. At 23 years of age he left his home and made his way westward, hoping to find an oi)portunity to build up his fortune with sub. stantial profit. He came to Mecosta Co., and pre-empted 40 acres of Ciovernment land and 40 acres of swamp land, later buying an addi- tional "40," of which he still retains possession, mak- ing a good farm of 120 acres with 60 improved. Mr. Sedore is a pioneer of Deerfield 'I'p-, :ind has been a resident of the county since 1857. He is a n)arked individual in the records of "first things" in his townshii), as his marriage was the initial event of that character to transpire after its settlement and organization. He was married in 1862, to Elizabeth, daughter of Franklin H. Smith, George Quigley, first white settler of Deerfield, i)erforming the ceremony of marriage under his authorily as Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Sedore have six children : Su- san, Wm. H., Phelie, David, Melvin and Evaline. Mr. Sedote is a member of the Republican party. Religiously he is a liberalist. He enlisted in the late war in r864, in Co. A, Third Volunteer Michigan Infantry, served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged. I '^^ first settling in Ohio, and afterward comiu] \_ Michigan and locating in Kent County. I t^ @1 I =£:*- rank J. Porter, proprietor of the shingle mill on sec. 27, Hinton Tp., is the son of Thomas and Sarah (\Vilkin>on) Porter. ^(fe They were natives of New York and Vermont, fterward coming to riiey now reside at Grand Rapids. Mr. Porter was born in Medina Co., Oliio, I'"eb. 27, 1S49. He was five years old ivhen his [larenls came to Michigan, and he remained at home until he was 16 years of age, attending the common schools. After that, until 1876, he was chiefly employed in different shingle mills in tiiis section of country. From 1876 to 1879 he operated the lalh mill of Ber- nard iS: Stewart, at Caldwell, Montcalm Co., em- [iloying the helj), etc. In 1S79 he bought a shingle mill at Lakeview, which he managed one year, and in 1880 moved it to Ilinion Tp , where he now re- sides and manages his mill, which has a caixicily of 40,000 shingles daily. He bought the timber on 400 acres of land, which he is converting into shingles. Mr. Porter was married Feb. 28, 1869, in Spencer, Kent Co., to Ella, daughter of Ephraim and Eliza (Lillie) Skinner, who died Feb. 19. 1872. Mr. Porter was again married in November, 1874, in Greenville, Montcalm Co., to Minerva lirown, a native of the State of New York. ( )f four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Porter, two survive — Adda V,,born July 9, 1876, < f{ o ^-^^ "^^f^ <-^ii!i/>:aav> z. ^VC^IlIl>:ilDs>r rr- ri^^^sr MECOSTA COUNTY. and Anna A., born June 22, 1878. The deceased were Thomas E. and Frank. The latter died Sept. 23, 1882. In politics Mr. Porter is identified with the Republican party. A V s ) '^•V«?-3ft5S»"%?V illiam H. Squier, jeweler at Big Rapids, was born in \'ermontville, Eaton Co., Mich., July 9, 1857. He is a son of Geo. J^^p \V. and Sophronia (Dickenson) Squier. His father has been a farmer most of his life ; was Treasurer of Eaton County six years, and is dealer in agricultural implements at Charlotte. Wm. H. was reared on the farm of his father until the age of 16, when the latter removed with his family to Charlotte, where the son took a course of commercial instruction. He then obtained a situa- tion with J. N. Thrift, to learn the business which he decided to make his calling in life, and remained three years, going thence to the employ of W. W. Childs, of Jackson, and a few months later returned to his former employer, where he remained but a short time. His next transfer was to Hastings, where he was in the jewelry establishment of Ike Hendershott & Co. three years. In June, 1880, he came to Big Rap- ids and founded his business, which he has since operated successfully, and is gradually building up a permanent and substantial trade. His stock of watches, clocks, jewelry, etc., is valued at $8, 000; an- nual transactions, $20,000. Mr. S. was married at Hastings, Nov. 20, 1880, to Stella Hendershott, who was born in Irving, Barry Co., this State. They have one child, Certrude, born Dec. 24, 1S82. ?.ohn B. Merrill, Morley, was born l-'eb. 15, 1833, in the State of New Vork. His pa- rents, Waite and Minerva (Whiting) Mer- rill, were natives of New York. Mr. Merrill remained in his native state until he was 28 years old, and in the autumn of 1863, came to Newaygo County, and soon after to Mecosta I'-/ County, and bought 80 acres of land in Deerfield. ^ This he sold in a short time, and has since been en- (11^ r^^.or^,9... ^^UM*^ .2.^ »1 gaged in real estate brokerage to a considerable ex- tent. He owns about 50 acres of land, with some degree of improvments thereon. In company with J. W. Ariiett, he has charge of the feed store, lumber interests, etc., of J. M. Carr of Grand Rapids. He has been Justice of the Peace ten years. County Su- perintendent four years, and been the incumbent of nearly all the local offices of his township. He has beeu a member of the Masonic Order for 17 years, and in the society of Odd Fellows has held all the posts of the lower order, and passed through the Camp. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Merrill was married in the State of New York, April 18, i860, to Eliza Ann, daughter of Amos A. L. and Ann Tuttle, natives of Vermont, where she was born Nov. 17, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have had three children, two of whom are living: Mahala, born C)ct. 29, 1866, and Alma, July 31, 1869. Ev- erett, was born Jan 9. 1863, and died May 17, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are earnest and prominent members of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. has been a Class, leader for some time, and is considered a con- sistent and valuable member of society. ^11 f^Slf emuel F. Chipman, deceased, was the son Ll'i of Fitch and Sarah (SpalTord) Chipman, na- tives of Vermont, and was born in 1811. He came to Michigan when a young man, and very shortly afterwards, in the spring of i860, came to Mecosta County. He had no assistance ^ in setting out in life and fortune had not been propitious. He secured 40 acres of land under the State law of Michigan, built a log house and, assisted by his wife, who lent every aid within her power, passed the career of a pioneer in every sense. The county was scarcely in an organized state, supplies were remote and the labor of clearing the land bur- densome; but it was all borne with the patient heroism which always marks the sturdy pioneer element. Mr. Chipman's death occurred Jan. 24, 1863. He was married in the State of New \'ork in 1S30, to Eliza, daughter of .Solomon and Anna (Chapman) Sutherland. She lived but a few years, and he was again married, at Genoa, Livingston Co., Mich., May I, 1849, to Cynthia E., daughter of J. M. and i Si/ % (o) I ))€^^-«^ -^^^^^ '^-K^n >" By> 4=^ .^SHi^^^ ''^■^^ C^'^c/^^t/Cl/< «,'J?>J^t^f**~ ■ MECOSTA COUNTY. 227 Cynthia (Fisher) Abbey, born in New York, Se|)t. 1 1 , 1824. Five of six children are living. They were l>orn as follows : Aha, April 16, 1852 ; Alexander M., May 5, '54; Lillian E., June 31, '56; Bertha L., f^j March 31, '58; Lemuel F., June 20, '60. Ida Belle was born Aug. 24, '63, and died Sept. 3, '64. Mrs. Chipman resides on the place upon sec. 25 where she came with her husband and located many years ago. She received a good etlucation in the common schools and seminary at Ann Arbor, and though not a com- municant in any Church is a consistent Christian lady. m. J. Wadsworth, lumberman and farmer, sec. 32, Mecosta Tp. (P. O., Stanwood), was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, May i 1838. His parents, Josiaii and Anna G (Parker) Wadsworth, were of English and and Irish descent, and natives of New York early becoming residents of Ohio. His father aban- ° doned the family, and his mother married again be-. ^C^) fore he was 15 years old. At that age he went out ° into the world for himself His first employ was as ^ a driver on the canal, which he followed until the •> fall of 1S54, then engaging as hotel clerk: this po- fi ^ sition affording him a little leisure, he attended school and secured a moderate aniDUiit of education. Leaving his situation, he was employed as a farm laborer in Venango Co., Penn., there operating until 1S65. In the winter of that year he acted as a team- ster, ne.\i embarking in lumber trade and farming. He was married Oct. 16, 1859,10 Delia A., daugh- ter of William and I'ermelia (Hancock) Jay, natives of New York, and lineal descendants of the Jays and Hancocks, of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Wads- worth was born in Lorain Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1843. Her uncle took her to Pennsylvania when she was a mere girl. After his marriage Mr. Wadsworth was interested in oil speculation until the civil war broke out. July 16, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Reg. U. S. C'av., under Lieut. Spaulding. Soon after enlistment he broke his arm and was discharged from the service. As soon as he was sufficiently re- covered to warrant the step, he enlisted again, en- rolling Aug II, 1862, in the i42d Pennsylvania Reg. Vol. Inf, Co. I, Capt. Hasson. During the time of his service he was under fire at Fredericks- Lurg, Chancellorsville and at Fredericksburg second, and Gettysburg, escaping unliarmed. He received his final discharge, Aug. 30, 1865. He returned to Oil City, and thence to Ohio, where he rejoined his wife and went back to the oil regions, where he was engaged ni shipping oil until the sum- mer of 1866. He returned again to Ohio and was engaged two years in farming, then coming to Micii- igan and finding a home in Mecosta Tp., in the fall of 1868. He at once entered heartily into the busi- ness of lumbering, and the next year homesteaded a tract of 90 acres of land, where he has since oper- ated as stated. Mr. Wadsworth is a zealous and active Republi- can. He has held various township and school offices. Himself and wife are members in full stand- ing of the Free Methodist Church. They have six children, born as follows: William, June 8, 1862: Myrtle G., July 14, 1864; Edith N., April 18, 1868; Percy J., April 26, 1873; Lester V., Sept. 8, 1875, and Harley A., March 10, 1883. ^^s3f ®* Broekway, farmer, resident on sec. 20, ~1f Hinlon Tp., is the son of Andrew and «^ Elizabeth (Rossman) Broekway, natives of Pennsylvania, where the son was born, June If .6, ,830. ) When Mr. Brorkway was ([uite young his parents moved to the State of New \'ork, and there he resided until he was 19 years okl. In the summer of 1849 he came to Michigan and settled in Livings- ton County. Six years later he sold his farm and came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres of wild land in Hinton Tp., on which he now lives. The place is in fine condition, having 75 acres under cultivation. In politics Mr. B. is a Democrat and has lield offices of trust in township and school afHtirs. He is a pioneer of Mecosta County, having come here in 1855, five years before the organization of the townshi[). His father, Andrew Biockway, was for some years the oldest resident living in the township. Mr. Hrockway was married in Washtenaw County, Oct. 9, 1855, to Lydia S., daughter of Samuel and Rhoda (Vanvelzer) Eaton. Mrs. Broekway was born in Onondaga Co., N. \., Feb. 10, 1836. Four children were born of this marriage, as follows : »^ (c^ ^«€^«c — ^VC^in D :^: H Ilv>r 4^^Jf(®A^ ) i 1 ^. MECOSTA COUNTY f Eva M., Nov. 6, 1856; Emma E., April 16, 1857; Andrew S., July 21, 1S61 ; Ida M., March 18, 1863. We give a portrait of Mr. Brockway in this work. l^ilas Wright, farmer, sec. 7, Deertield Tp., was born in FV-nnsylvania Dec. 29, 1843. His parents, John and Sarah (Evers) Wright, were also natives of tlie Keystone State, and in 1863 came to Barry Co., Mich., and a short time afterwards to Allegan County, where the father died .soon after, and the mother is yet living. Our subject received a common-school education and resided with his parents until tlie age of 27 years. He enlisted Oct. 16, 1862, in the 169th Penn- sylvania Vol. Infantry, and received his discharge in July, '63, leaving the army with health much im- paired by sickness and exposure. In '70 he left Allegan County and came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres of timber land and upon it built a frame house, proceeding to clear and improve his land, of which lie now has 50 acres under tillage. He was married in Canada, March 29, '7 i, to Sarah T., daughter of James and Amelia B. Bell, >iee A.\- ford, the former a native of England, and the latter of New Jersey. They have three children — Frank M., Harry D. and Nora E., born respectively Feb. 23, '72^ Oct., 10, '75 and July 4, '78. Mr. Wriglu is an ad- herent of the Democratic party. sas City, Mo.; after three months he went to New Brunswick, N. J., and officiated one year as book- keeper for the Home Valley Preserving Company. He then went to Indiana, where he engaged in the insurance business. In May, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and formed a partnership with P. Wait, in the sale of boots and shoes, which connection was dis- solved Aug. I, 1883, Mr. Campbell buying his part- ner's interest. His stock is valued at $4,500, and his business transactions amount to $1,200 monthly. Mr. Campbell was married at South New Bruns- wick, N. J., Oct. 24, 1882, to Julia Van Deventer, who was born in New Jersey, Oct. 23, 1862. — ^-•<-*-4^->^-^>- ohn R. Campbell, boot and shoe merchant at l!ig Rapids, was born in DeWitt Co., 111., May I, 1856. His parents, Barzillai and Rosanna (Sackett) Campbell, went to La Cygne, Kan., in 1865, where tliey engaged in farming, and became prominent in the social and jwlitical circles of that section, Mr. Cami)- bcU, Sr., being elected in 1877 to represent liis dis- trict in the State Legislature. The first business venture of Mr. Campbell was that of jobbing in canned goods at wholesale at Kan- .3^ m i^ . artin E. Wilson, firmer, 5ec. 25, Deer- , field I'p., was l)orn in Genesee Co., N. Y., ^ July 21, 1836. His parents, Warren and ^*'V\^ Naomi (Smead) \Vilson, were natives of Ver- ''• mont, but located in (ienesee County in 1836. Four years later they settled in Ingham Co., Mich., where the mother still resides on the farm which was her first home in the Peninsular State. The father died April 10, 1877. Mr. Wilson passed his boyhood and youth on tlie farm under the personal care of his parents, and at iS went to Newaygo County, where he spent the winter months in lumbering and the remainder of the years was engaged in " breaking." In the spiing of 1861 he came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of land, where he still resides. His land was then in a state of nature and he proceeded to put it in prope: and comfortable condition for a home for his advanced years. He has 70 acres cleared and under tillage. Mr. Wilson was one of the earliest settlers of Deerfield, and, from his integrity and constant zeal for the best interests of the iniblic, has become a valuable ar.d trusted citizen of the township. He has been Justice of the Peace 20 years. In '64 he was drafted into the Union service and assigned to the Fourteenth Mich. \'ol. Inf., and was discharged at Detroit, July 10, '65, after ten months' active duty at Savannah, Brier Creek, and Bentonville, N. C, under Sherman. His regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. He was married in 1859 to Anna Chipman, who V) (^ <^Iin^DD^>r ri^^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 229 y> was born in Livingston Co., Mich., and died in '73. fR Two of the three children born to them are living, — Naomi A. and Adelbert E. (leorge is deceased. Mr. Wilson again entered into the bonds of matrimony ' in '74. He married Eunice I,. Royce, a native of y Tioga Co., Pa. They have five children : Vernon R., .Martin O., .VHce M. and Helen. An infant child is unnamed. Mr. Wilson is a Republican. ^ohn G. Gill, junior member of the firm of Rol.en, Bennett & (iill, insurance, real- estate and loan agents, at Big Rapids, was born m Cornwall, Eng., Jan. 8, 1838. His parents, Riciiard and Mary (Glanville) Gill, were natives of Cornwall, born respectively in I, iSoo and in 1802. They came to the United States /S in 1842, and went to Hannibal, Mo., and two years ^ later to Illinois. They bought a small farm near %jA Cialena, where the father also became interested to a = considerable e.xtent in lead mines. Mr. Gill there \f,\' obtained his elementary education, and at 14 years V, of age became a clerk in a dry -goods store, where he was enii)loyed one year. At 15 he went to Madison, Wis., and commenced a course of study in the scientific department of the University, remaining three years. Returning to Illinois, he passed four successive winters in teaching. He acted as clerk on the Mississi[)pi river steamers two summers, and finally entered a claim of Government land in Kansas which he improved to some e.\tent. In i860 he went to Colorado and commenced staking claims near the " Gregory " mines. The spring following he went to Delaware Flats, Brecken- ridge C'o , and worked out a placer mine in the sum- mer of i86t. He was in company with James Mc.Vllister, and continued his operations until the summer of 1862. At that date he formed a partner- shii) with L. W. Woodruff, and went to Bannock City, Montana, where they were among the earliest comers. Here they took up a bar claim, which proved an advantageous [jroject. They went thence to the site of Virginia City, and assisted in platting ^) the city, of which they owned one seventh. They 7* then went to Bevins' Gulch, where they again en- ) gaged in successful claim traffic, and in addition established a freight train to and from different points across the plains, consisting of 24 teams of six yoke of o.xen each. They managed this latter enter- prise two years. Tlie winters of 1863-4-5 they spent in eastern cities, negotiating mining properly. Mr. Gill next went to Des Arc, Prairie Co., Ark., and in company with his brother, R. G. Gill, engaged in the cotton trade. Two years later he went to Kansas, and bought another farm near the locality of his first agricultural investment, which, on leaving Kansas for Colorado, he had transferred to Mrs. Mary Klwell, his sister. He remained in Kansas until 1875, when he sold his farm and came to Big Rapids, and, associated with C. B. Lovejoy, founded a grocery firm styled Gill & Lovejoy. In 1877 the latter sold his interest to N. H. IJcebe, and the new firm continued to transact the most extensive business of the kind in the city, until May i, 1883, doing an an- nual liusiness of $60,000. In June, 1883, he en- tered the house of Roben & Bennett as partner. Mr. Gill was married in Lynn Co., Kan., Jan. 25, 1 868, to Laura E., daughter of Hon. Barzillai and Rosanna Campbell, who was born in C'linton, 111., March 19, 1850. They have three children — C"ora E., Lewis C. and John G. air^i ~ewis Russell, pruprielor of the shin'^le mill giiOl ^c) > c^<^ ^rf^ 'rr- If) (O, O I •) %^ 230 MECOSTA COUNTY. -#^C^VlP' he came to Montcalm County and there remained nine years. In the summer of 1881 he came to this county and located in the township of Martiny, where he bought and ran a shingle mill one year. He removed his works to Hinton Tp., in the fall of 1882, where he is now operating and employs 13 men. The daily product of the mill is 40,000 shingles. Mr. Russell was married May 28, 1872, in Green- ville, Montcalm Co., to Isabella, third daughter of Colin and Elizabeth (McCarthy) Mclntyre. Her parents were natives of Scotland and settled in Can- ada, wliere the daughter was born Sept. 23, 1854. Thes came to Michigan about 1867, and have since died. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had four children: Howard H., born March 3, 1873; AMnnie L., born Aug. 12, 1875 ; Harry H., March 20, 1879, and Bessie L, Sept. 27, 1882. Mr. Russell is a member of the order of Masonry and in politics is a ReiKiblican. L. Osgood, general merchant at Big I^S? ucius fll;iOt Rapids, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., gj|g^.j» Aug. 2 2," 1834. His father, Lebbeus Os- tilu good, died when he was about 12 years old, and his mother, Philene Osgood, removed to Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., and there Mr. Os- good learned the shoemaker's trade. He enlist- ed in the service of the United States to quell the Rebellion, in the second year of the civil war, en- rolling Oct. 3, 1862, in Co. C, 44th N. Y. Vol. Inf , as a private soldier, and served until the termination of the war. He was in action at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, (Gettysburg, all the battles of the Wilderness, and at Cold Harbor, where he re- ceived a severe gunshot wound in the left hip. He was sent to Little York Hospital, I'a., wliere he was laid up 1 1 months. He obtained his discharge at Little York, May 15, 1865. He remained there, and commenced as a dealer in groceries and oi>erated about two and one half years. In 1867 he came to Big Rapids, and soon after- ward began to sell groceries in the ui)per part of the city. In 1873 he relinquished his trade and bought a farm containing 60 acres near Paris, Newaygo Co. .\fter carrying on agriculture about two and one-half years, he sold his place and came back to Big Rapids opened a grocery, and in 1880 located on liis present' site, where he is doing a safe and substantial busi- ness. His stock represents a value of $3,000, and his annual sales amount appro.ximately to $18,000. He was married at Little York, Pa., Jan. 21, 1866, to Mary, daughter of Lawrence and Ricca Markley, born at Little York, Jan. 13, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Osgood have been the parents of four children, as follows: Lucy P. (dec), Edwin L., Mary J. and pjssie I. Mr. Osgood is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He owns his residence and a city lot. harles Hinman, farmer, on sec. 14, Hin- ton 'Pp., is a son of Curtis and .Mmira (De Witt) Hinman, who were natives of the EmpireState, and went thence to Pennsyl- vania, coming afterward to Michigan; they first settled in Oakland Co., but soon after moved to Clinton Co., where they died. Mr. Hin- man was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 23, 1838. He attended school and worked on his father's farm until the age of 22 years, then leased the farm of his grandfather for two years. The element of war was tlien abroad in the land, and the patriotic blood that courses in llie veins of every man who loves his coun- try beat high to act or die for the integrity of the Union. Mr. Hinman enlisted Aug. it, 1862, in the 23d Michigan Vol. Inf, and was in the service till the close of the war, receiving lionorable discharge June 27, 1865, at Washington, D. C. Among the engagements where he was under fire, were the battles of the ^\'ilderness, Spottsylvania C. H., C'old Harbor, and at the siege of Petersburg. He was captured at the battle of the Wilderness, but was at once paroled. In that engagement, while storming the defenses of the enemy, he met with an accident that disabled him for several weeks. After the war he went to his home in Ionia Co. and resumed the pursuit of agriculture. After a residence of 12 years he sold his farm and went to Clare Co. He purchas- ed 160 acres of land, which he sold four years later, came to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and bought the hotel property known as the Rowland House, which he soon afterward e.xclianged for another hotel v^ i 1 0) > ^ o o z^f^i,^^ ■v:iiDr>v m. .IfECOSTA COUNTY. _/_£: % located at Sylvester, Mich. He managed this one year, and exchanged it for 40 acres of land on sec. 26, Hinton Tp. About the same time he rented a farm near Sylvester, which he managed two years, and in the spring of 1880 purchased 40 acres of land, where he now lives. He has placed it under good cultiva- tion, and erected convenient commodious buildings. In jwlitical sentiment Mr. Hinnian belongs to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Order of Masonry. He has been Highway Commissioner two years, and School Director three years. He was married in Clinton Co., Mich., June 24, r86o, to Eliza, eldest daughter of AVm. C. and Eliza (Bullard) Ratcliffe, who were of English nativity and came to America in 1841, settling in the State of New York, where the mother died; the father came to Michigan to live with his children, and died in Ionia Co. Mrs. Hinman was bo.-n in England, Nov. 5, 1836. Mr.and Mrs. Hinman have had si.\ children, three survive: Stella E., born Oct. 7, 1866; Guy C, July 2, 1872; Alma A., Sept. 20, 1874. In this, as in many other families in Mecosta Co., the diphtlieria made cruel ravages. Ella G., born 1 86 1, died Oct. 20, 1 88 1. She was married and left a son four years old. Fred I., born March 18, 1863, died Oct. 19, 1881, one day preceding the demise of his sister; Kae .\., born Jan 22, 1869, died Dec. 22, 1881. "Wjejae/tsi©"- i^<»— «.@fS/^OT>v ^ohn Hunter, farmer, sec 30, Mecosta Tp., was born in Montreal, Dec. 13, 1852. His parents, Robert and Sarah (Curry) Hunter, were born in Ireland, of Scotch parentage, and were there married, coming shortly after tiie event to Canada. Mr. Hunter began liis battle of life at 16 years of age, in Esse.x Co., N. V., whither his jjarents removed. His first employ was as a lumberman, work- ing with a contractor who was "putting in" timber on the Hudson River, and remained until the winter of 1873, when he returned to Montreal Meanwhile his father and family had removed to Mecosta County, and he came hither to liig Rapids, and found speedy employ as a lumberman winters, and a farm hand summers, alternating these occupations three yeais. His fatlicrand n.olj.er, rc>idciu on hcc. 3c, Meiosla Tp., died, and he succeeded to his share of the es- tate. In 1879 he bought 40 acies of wild land in Goodwin Tp., Newaygo Co. He is an earnest Republican, is tiie present School Moderator, and in religious faith a Presbyterian. V^ §^(^^';^ H'"/^ -K^Dn>:nnvy- ylvester H. Gray, senior member of the firm of S. H. Gray & Co, manufacturers iH^''^ of lumber, lath and shingles, at Big Rap- ids, was born at Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Pa., Feb. 3, 1846. His parents were Hiram T. and Susan (.Minsker) Gray. .\t the age of 16 he was sent to Wyer's .Military Academy, Westchester, Pa. The school was under the manage- ment of Major F-chendorf, a graduate from West Point, whose pupils gained unusual proficiency, and a considerable degree of public notoriety for drill ex- hiliitions in various places. Mr. Gray was a member of Company B, with the rank of Orderly Sergeant. On completing his course of study he went to Wil- liamsport in the employ of Slonaker, Howard & Co. as book-kee[)er and partner. The business of the house was heavy and prosperous, and the relation existed until 1873. In that year Mr. tlray came to Big Rapids, and the partnership of Phippen, Gray ^: Howard was formed. The concern operated in logs, lumber and pine lands until Nov., iS78,doii>g a suc- cessful business. At the date named the present business relation oi S. H. Gray & Co. was established. The house is engaged in extensive and pros[)erous operations. They own a saw-mill on the lower dam, east of the river, where they have a lumber yard and employ 20 hands; they also own a shingle mill on tiie west side of the river, above the lower bridge, where 35 men constitute the laboring force. They make 18-inch shingles which they kiln dry, being thereby enabled to facilitate shi|)ping. They manufacture al>out 20,000,000 annually, and sell chiefly in Eastern mar- kets. The shingles of their make, known to the trade as the 18-inch XXX.X, are among the best products in that line. The business of the firm also includes logs, lumber and ))ine lands. Mr. Gray was married at Grand Rapids, June 16, 1875, to AiUha, daughter of N\'m. S. and Margaretta (> <>: c k c ■=^€^- -..^^=>)J->i€ 232 MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^(<^l i V \ (Hill) Gray, born in Freeport, 111., April 8, 1849. (gjy They have one son, Vivian, born at Big Rapids, Nov. ^P 17, 1876. ( Mr. Gray is a stockholder and director in the (5; Northern National Bank, is Secretary and Treasurer in the Big Rapids Boom Co., and Secretary of the Big Rapids Water-Power Improvement Company. i.::$ta,",iiii?S» P^ohn G. Potter, farmer, sec. 22, Austin Tp. '^<- (P. O. Stanwood), was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1849. His parents, Russell and Emmeline C. (Grover) Potter, were natives of New York. Mr. Potter was reared as a farmer's son, sent to the common schools and trained as farm assistant until he was 22 years old. In 1872 he came to Me- costa County and bought the homestead property of his father-in-law, William H. Olin, about 1877, com- prising 40 acres of improved land. He was married March 9, 1872, to Susan }!., daughter of William H. and Lydia (Corey) Olin, born in Chemung Co., N. Y., .\pril 9, 1854. Her parents were natives of New England. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had six children, two of whom are deceased: Stella E., born Aug. 20, 1874, died May 10, 1876; and .\lberta, born Ang. 3, 1879, died Oct. 13, 1879. The living children were born in the ordei named: Florence E., March 28, 1873; Gracie E., July 6. 1877; Claude E., July 13, 1880, and Harry J., July 28, 1882. Mr. Potter is a Democrat in political faith and ac- tion, and is the present Supervisor of tlie townshi|i. 'irw« ^^-^rs-Ti- ^ 'M ^rsemus Gross, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfield I Tp., P. O. Morley, was born in New Lisbon, Otsego Co., N. Y. His parents were natives of the same Stale. His mother, Nancy (Pat. rick) Gross, died in the fall of 1S43 ; his father. Ellis Gross, resides in Steuben Co., N. Y. At the age of 15 Mr. Gross went to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming and lumbering three years, and then obtained work on the Erie Canal. On the outbreak of the rebellion of the Southern States he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served two years, the full period for which he en- rolled, and received an honorable discharge. He was in the engagement at Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Fairfax Court-House and in the battle of the Wilderness. On his discharge he returned to Pennsylvania and at once proceeded to Mecosta Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres of land in Deerfield Tp. It was then in a wild con- dition, but he has nearly his entire acreage in a good state of cultivation, and lately improved by a new frame house. Mr. Gross adheres to the principles ad- vocated by the Democratic party. He was married Oct. 22, 1869, to Jeannette, daugh- ter of Alanson and Esther A. (Hedges) Rickar. Her parents are natives of New York and came to Me- costa County in the winter of 1865. Mrs. Gross was born May 22, 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross three children were born, as follows: Alphonso G., Aug. 22, 1870; Ella A , June 14, 1873; Mabel A., Dec. 24, 1878. ? iram H. Slawson, furniture dealer at Big J Rapids, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., ^** March 30, 18 10. He was reared on a farm, and at the age of 16 learned the trade of car- i penter and joiner, and afterward that of cabi- ] net-maker, and has since been engaged alter- nately in their prosecution. Mr. Slawson came to Michigan in the fall of 1848, and worked in a furniture establishment at (Jrand Rapids about two years, going at the end of that time to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he was en- gaged in the furniture business about 20 years. He next transferred his interests to Cedar Springs, Kent Co, and in April, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and purchased the stock and fixtures of E. A. Knight, and is now operating with a. fair degree of succt ss. Mr. Slawson was married in Seneca Co., N. N' Jan. 1, 1835, to Eusebia, daughter of John and Mary Fleming, born in Seneca Co., Nov. 26, 181 1. They have had the following named children: Henry, Charles and Morrison, faruievs, near Greenville; 1 I MECOSTA COUNTY. Ta^^fer- -4^^^C(^i^ 2.« William, who is deceased; Newell S., an attorney at Cedar Springs several years, and who died iii Marshall, Texas, in March, 1882; Mary, wife of Joseph B. Hammond, a grocer, in Ionia Co.; Will T., a reixjrter on the Pioneer Magnet, and a practical printer. Mr. Slawson owns a residence and lot on Henderson Street, two houses with lots at Cedar Springs ; also five vacant lots at that place. The family are members of the Congregational Church. >J V s enjamin F. Rathvon, senior member of S3i§ '''^ *''^'" '^^ Rathvon Bros., proprietors of ^% the Mecosta I'laninu Mill, was born at Bertie, W'elland Co., Pr. of Ont., Can., Feb. S, 1 848. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Rathvon. The father was a carpenter, and died wlien lienjamin was seven years of age. The mother removed to Springfield, Elgin Co., Ont., where she was again married, to Reuben Johnson, a magistrate of that place. Mr. Rathvon returned to Welland County when he was 13 years of age, and was a member of the house- I ) hold of his uncle, a farmer, three years. He ihen went to Ridgeway, same county, and engaged with Eben Cutler to learn carpentering. He spent five years acquiring his trade, then went back to Spring- field, where he operated as a builder three years, going thence to St. Thomas, and there followed the same occupation. In September, 1880, became to Ionia, and connected his fortunes with those of his brother Charles, and at the end of a year they came to Mecosta village and built their planing mill, at a cost of nearly S4,ooo. They usually employ ten men, and are doing a first-class business, with gratify- ing success. They combine building with lumbering interests. They expect to add machinery for mak- (^ ing sash, doors, and also furniture. Mr. Rathvon is ' a member of the \. O. U. W. He was mairied May 29, 1871, to Emma A., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Ciilbert, born June ^ 15, 1850, in Soulhold Tp., Elgin Co., Can. Their f?^ two children were born as follows: Lewis E. O., at \^ St. Thomas, Can., April 16, 1874; Ilau M., in Spring- ^;^ield, Eliiin Co., Oct. 15, 1875. m^'^^ — •;* ichael Keegan, farmer, sec. 12, Hinton Tp., is a son of James and I.ucy (Perent) _ Keegan, and was born in Van Buren, '^^^\ Aroostook Co., Maine, April 9, 1848. His *■ father was a native of Ireland and his mother of Canada. They were among the earliest set- tlers in the section of Maine, where they located and reared their family. At the age of 15, Mr. Keegan and his brother James came to East Saginaw, Mich., and there found employment on the river and in the pines one and a half years. He went thence to Stillwater, Minn., and there engaged in the same business 18 months. He returned to Saginaw for a brief time, and soon after came to Mecosta County, and bought 40 acres of forest land exclusively his own and, associated with another peison, purchased an additional zoacres. He operated as a lumberman until 1871, when he began to improve his land, and soon after added 40 acres, making his homestead 80 acres in all, of which 60 acres are now under tillage with suitable and com- modious farm buildings. Mr. Keegan was united in marriage, in this township, Feb. 4, 1872, to Mary, daughter of William and Sarah (Whitney) Cioss and widow of Joseph Moulton. The father was a native of England and the mother of Maine; they now re- side with Mr. and Mrs. Keegan. In iwlitics Mr. Keegan is a Republican. ^/ ■^»€^^ ^-D!l ^)fFmklarence W. Parks, senior member of the ""li 4kJi?^ hardware firm of Parks Bros., and member |1©?^ of the Council of Mecosta, Morion Tp., e/fe was born in Lyons Tp., Oakland Co , Mich., ^i* May 18, 1855. He is a son of William R. and Ann E. (Dunlap) Parks. His parents removed in March, 1864, to Easton Tp., Ionia Co., and there bought 120 acres of land, resid- ing thereon two years; they then went to Keene Tp , Ionia Co , and became the owners of 80 acres of land. C. W. Parks rented this property in 1877, and man- aged it three years. He came to Mecosta in 1880, in companv with C. H. Tavlor, to engage in mercan- f v^ A K c I ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -S8^^ O 1 A 1 tile pursuits; and they founded a hardware trade. Their relation continued one year, Mr. C. H. Taylor selling his interest to M. F. Strong, of Saranac, who, one year later sold in turn to Robert D. Parks. The building which they occupy was bought by the senior member of the firm, and Mr. Strong. It is 20 x 60 feet in dimensions; the main store with one adjoining, 24 X 36 feet, is utilized for a tin-shop, store-room, etc. The present firm was established Feb. i, 1883, and are doing a prosperous business, carrying a stock of about $8,000, including hardware, stoves, tinware, sash, doors, crockery, etc., with annual sales of about $25,000. Mr. Parks was elected member of the Vil- lage Council in the spring of 1883 ; he also belongs to the A. O. U. W. He was married in Vergennes, Kent Co., Mich., Sept. 28, 1 88 1, at the residence of the bride's father, to Agnes E., daughter of Sidney E. and Almira Hoag, who was born May 7, 1852, and was reared on a farm until her marriage. Sidney Hoag's father was a prosperous farmer, and one of the pioneers of Vergennes. A m ^ames Davis, farmer, on sec. 29, Austin Tp., was born in Wales, July 9, 1816. He is a son of Thomas and Ann (Howell) Davis, also born in Wales, where they lived and died. At the age of 16 Mr. Davis went to work as a farm laborer, and in the fall of 1840 was married to Martha, daughter of William and Maryett (Rogers) Harries. Mr. Davis and his wife at once settled on a farm, where they lived and labored until their removal to this country, in the fall of 1857, when they went to (Quebec, Canada, thence to Ne- waygo Co., Mich., residing there two years. In the fall of 1859 they settled on the 40 acres, now their homestead, which they purchased in the earliest days of the township, of which they were among the l)ioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had seven children: Anna E., born Aug. i, 1838; Edward K., July 7, 1842; William H., Jan. 28, 1844; David I)., bom Oct. 28, 1846, died in February, 1851 ; Thomas, born .Xpril 11, 1S4S, died in February, T851; (these children died of scarlet fever;) Margaret, born March 12, 1850, died in March, 1854; M. EUir.or, born Aug. 24, 1854, died June 30, 1882. The family attend the Congregational Church. Mr. Davis is liberal in his political views, and in his actions is independent of party issues. ■'yt&asiM^r'-^i, "S—y-^mmny ■Wis^ ottlob Vogg, farmer, sec. 18, DeerfieldTp., was born in Germany in 1834. He is a son "*^ of Christian Vogg and both his parents ^!J^N were of German birth. He left the "Faderland" for the United States in '54 and stopped in New York (where he landed) two years. In '56 he went to Massachu- setts and there remained 12 years, removing in '68 to Kalamazoo Co., Midi., and after a stay of two and one-half years came to this county. He soon after purchased 80 acres of land, in an uncultivated con- dition. His industry, thrift and perseverance have ever been manifested and his present circumstances are a significant evidence of what a man may do un- derthe free institutionsof this country. Si.\ty-five acres of his land are in first-class condition, and he is en- joying ail the rewards he has so justly earned. The subject of this sketch was married in '58, in the State of New York, to Friedeiika Krieger, a na- tive of Germany. Thty have had eight children, six of whom are living: Friederika C, Geo. \V., Henry C, Otto, Caroline and Flora. I.onisa and Paulina died in infancy. ■Mr. ^'ogg is a member of the Lutheran Church and acts with the Republican party. S,^^ )$^|^ ■^^nii illiam S. Gray, of the firm of S. H. Gray iV Co., manufacturers of lumber, lath and shingles, at l)ig Rapids, was born in ;^9) C^henango Co., N. Y., June 26, 1820. He is a son of Hethuel and Cornelia (Carter) Gray, and was brought up on a farm, attending school winters. He left home at 18, and attended the academies at Elmira and Corning 1 %\ T <^iiii<^iin>>v /^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ The first business experience of Mr. (Iray was as ■y clerk in a general store in Corning, Steuben Co., ■>^^ clerk in a general store in Cornin '^' X. V. He went two years later to Port Deposit, I Cecil Co., Md., in the interests of a lumber firm, (\ having charge of their sales and shipping, nine months. At the end of that time he went back to Corning and opened a mercantile house, operating as a lumber dealer in connection therewith, and manag- ing a saw-mill near that place. He sold out at the expiration of two years and went to New York, where he was clerk in a store on Grand street, going thence to Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and there attended the academy one year and taught one term of school. In 1845, he entered the office of Charles Coryell, M. D., and read medicine six months ; thence he removed to Somerset, Lycoming C"o., Penn., where he taught school three terms. He then went to Jersey Shore, in the same county, and studied with Dr. Hepburn two years, supple- menting his office reading with one course of lectures at Philadelphia. In 1S4S, Mr. Gray went to Rock Run, Stephenson Co , III., and was a medical practitioner there seven years, and engaged in mercantile business, wagon manufacturing and also in farming. He ne.xt went to Freeport, in the same county, and there served three terms as County Treasurer, and managed three stock farms — one of 640 acres, in Carroll County, and two others containing respectively 282 and 180 acres. He also owned a small farm near Freeix)rt, and had a book store there which he owned about a year; he had also a store for the sale of furniture. These establishments were managed personally by parties employed for the purix)se. In 1865 he built a woolen mill, in company with Messrs. Rosenstiel & Sunderland, with which he was connected until 1874, and owned a general store and tailor sho|) at the same time. In 1876 he came to I'.ig Rapids, and became a member of the firm with which he is at present connected. The company own a saw-mill on the east side of the Muskegon River, and a shingle-mill on the west side. Mr. Gray owns his residence, and is a stockholder in the National Bank, and in the Big Rapids Boom Com- pany, and also is Director and President of the Big Rapids Water-Power Company; has served the municipality si,\ years past as .\lderman. Mr. Gray was united in marriage, at ITniontown, ) A V / » ^ (^ i^!a t Penn., Ai)ril 21, 1848, with Margaretia, the daughter /v of John and Margaretta Hill, born in Northumber- ^, land Co., Pa., Aug, 12,1827. Their four children *V are all deceased save one. .Vntha, eldest daughter, I born .^pril 8, 1849, in Rock Run, 111., is the wife of K^ Sylvester H. Gray, senior member of the firm. (See sketch.) The others were Ida May, William B. and an infant child. -^-■<-^4-f>^"^— IKTamuel S. Mitchell, farmer and lumberman, resident on sec. 28, Hinton Tp., whose Ip.^''^' portrait we give in this Album, was born in i\V Livingston Co., N. Y., June 5, 1819 He at- 3 tended school winters and was engaged on his father's farm summers until 25 years of age. At the age of 22 years he assumed entire charge of the family, which consisted of his |)arents, two broth- ers and a sister. His father and mother removed with their children to Allegany Co, N. Y., in 1829, and went thence to Steuben County. In the fall of 1844, Mr. Mitchell came to Livingston County, ac- companied by his parents, and the family remained there together seven years, going thence to Newaygo County, where he left the father and mother in the personal care of his brother William ; after this they resided together, Mr. Mitchell providing for their needs, until the last few years of their lives, when William Mitchell assumed entire care of them. Sam- uel S, remained in Newaygo County nearly 20 years, there owning a farm, which he managed in connec- tion with lumbering until the spring of 1869. He then came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of wild land in Hinton Tp., with but few imjirove- ments. He now resides thereon and has about 25 acres under good improvement. .Mr. Mitchell is ir.- dei)endent in politics. He has held the office of Road Commissioner four years, and repeatedly lieen offered other jwsitions of trust in his township, but has presistently declined. Himself and wife belong to the First-Day Adventists, and Mr. Mitchell belongs to the Order of Masons. He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 31, 1848, to .\j?nes, daughter of .\ndrew and Elizabeth (Rossman) Brockway. Her parents were natives of , ( ^ A c^: r 'K-iin>:Dii->^-« — ^«8«^ ^V<4lin:^:illls>v portrait in thi> Album. -vr^i^m '^A Mary A. (Hartsell) Ciilmore, who were natives respectively of New Jersey and Massachusetts, ^Sj^^? enry E. Gilmore, resident on sec 34, Aus- ^i^yr '"'' '"''■' "''^* \>orn in Niagara Co., Ontario, '^il^T'*^ Oct. I?, i8-j2, and is a son of Henry and I and were of German and Irish extraction. Mr. Gilmore began at the age of 18 years to learn the carpenter's trade, devoting his leisure to study in ( ) the district school, and by dint of much exertion he managed to secure a fair education. He went into the country, w'here he pursued his trade some years; and was married to Elizabeth .\., daughter of Alfred and Betsey (Cleveland) Butler. Her parents were natives of Maine, where Mrs. Gilmore was born in Somerset County, Feb. 17, 1831, going thence to On- tario, Can., with her parents and there resided until her marriage. May 14, 1851. They settled in the town of Elgin, where Mr. Gil- more was busy with his trade till the spring of 1853, when they came to Newaygo County and settled on the Muskegon River, and there he followed his trade seven years. In i860 they removed to Austin Tp., and Mr. Gilmore purchased 80 acres of land and de- voted his attention to farming. The entire place is under cultivation. .Mr. Gihnore belongs to the National party and cast the first Greenback vote in the county. He has been Justice of the Peace 12 years. Highway Commis- sioner two years, and has been a member of the Sani- tary Board some years, besides having held other ofti- ces. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have been the parents of /^ 12 children, six of whom are living. Following is their record: Franklin P. was born Nov. i, 1852; James H., June 15, 1856; Angela M., May 13, 1858; Ulys- ses G., Oct. 17, 1864; Rosa L., Nov. 4, 1867; Mar- shall N., May 11, 1S77; Sarah N., Dec. i, 1862, died March 14, 1879. Five children died in early infancy. CInirch. Mrs. Gilmore is a member of the M. ¥.. gaged in lumbering six years, going in 1854 to Kent Co., where he was similarly occupied four years. His next remove was to Jackson, Mich., to work on a Government contract, and there operated until the wave of civil warfare swept over the land and for the time being obliterated private projects and aspira- tions. Mr. Waldo enlisted Oct. 19, 1861, in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. His terms of enrollment entitled him to the position of road con- structor, but lie was in active service at Perryvillei Ky., and Stone River, Tenn. and Shiloh. He was made Sergeant in 1862 and continued his services until he was discharged at Atlanta, Ga., in Oct., 1864. He returned to Mecosta and has since been en- gaged in farming and lumbering. Soon after again settling in the township he bought 40 acres of land, on which he built the first house erected in this sec- tion. Mr. Waldo is a Democrat and has served several terms as Constable, with entire satisfaction. He was married at Grand Rapids, April 29, 1846, to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Campbell) Smith. She died July 6, 1865, leaving one child, Charles W., born Jan. 10, 1861. Mr. Waldo was a eorge Waldo, farmer on sec. 8, Mecosta P'^"^'^'' Tp. (P. O. Big Rapids), was born in Spring- f: field, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, 1830. ^'li'S His parents, Samuel and Sally (Cowen) Waldo, ■J," were born in New York and Ireland respect- } ively. He accompanied his family to Ohio when five ^\^ years old, and at nine years of age left home to en- ^[ gage as a stage driver, and pursued that calling seven §§ years, driving continually on one route. In the fall ^ of 1847 he came to Saginaw, Mich., and there en- 's^ ':> <} ^^^^ — %«<-iiiisiin->a- A. .^s/^^)$«^nD^:(in^>rT!r MECOSTA COUNTY. second time married Nov. 12, 1865, at Cedar Springs, Kent Co., to Mrs. Kate Wilcox, daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Acers) Skilhnan. Slie was born June 30, 1842, and was first married in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. A^ Waldo have seven children, born in the following ^^ order: (Jrpha E., Feb. 6, 1867 ; Samuel, Aug. 26, 1868; Henry, March 9, 1871; George, March 18, 1873; Bertha, March 26, 1875; Alma, Aug. 13, 1877; Walter, May 15, 1880. :<« V s ) 'dam Friedel, farmer, sec. 1 2, Morton Tp. (P. O., Mecosta), was born at Darmstadt, Germany, March 27, 1S46. His parents left the " Faderland " when he was a lad, and located in Waterloo Co., Can., where they re- mained about seven years, and then came to Mecosta County in the year 1862, the first settlers in Mecosta. They made the journey hither via Ionia Mich., and cut their way through the woods 15 miles. The father (Justus) entered a claim of 80 acres of land under the Homestead act. The selection of locality proved judicious, as the D., L. & N. R. R. traverses the entire width of the farm, and the enter- prising village of Mecosta has been located one mile west. The primeval forest was in its original condi- tion. The nearest inhabitants were two miles dis- tant, located like themselves in a dense forest; their place of supply was Greenville, Montcalm Co., 40 miles away — solid woods intervening — and at Big Rapids, the civilization center of Mecosta County, the work of improvement was in its swaddling clothes. To the original 80 acres of land 40 acres have been added l)y [)urchase, and 80 acres are under the plow. The " Vater mid Mutter " are the central figures of the household. They have reached the respective ages of 73 and 72, retain their old country habits of early rising, and the wholesome hilarity that char- acterizes their race. "Shermany" is warmly re- membered; but they rejoice in their prosperity here and the rapid strides of Mecosta County toward a fair rank with the other counties of the I'cninsular State. Mr. Friedel is now the proprietor and manager of the properly described. He was married May 14, 1872, to Catherhie, daughter of Sebastian and Chris- tine Erich, a native of the same place with her hus- band, and was born June 20, 1852. She came to the United States in 1861. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Friedel six children have been born: Frederick W., George Adam, Louise Catherine, Maria, Adam Jacob and Ernest. Mr. Friedel has officiated two terms as Treasurer of his township, has been Supervisor, and is now Highway Commissioner . He owns 25 head of good cattle, and five horses. ohn E. Harrington, farmer, sec. 12, Mor- wMi:'. ton Tp., was born May 13, 1854, in Wood- W*^ biidge Tp., Hillsdale Co., Mich., and is a ■'-•i ■^•c^ ■A<^D!I son of John D. and Ellen S. (Sickler) Harring- ton. His mother died when he was seven years of age, and his father lived on the place ill Woodbridge Tp., two years, tlien removed to Day Tp., Montcalm Co., Mich., where he bought a farm, and is now a resident of that township. J. C. Harrington found [)ioneer life somewhat distasteful, and went back to his native county, where he readily found eiiiployment, and was engaged until fall in farm labor, when he took advantage of an opi^rtunity to work nights and mornings for his board, and go to school through the winter. This arrangement pre- cluded the necessity of using his hard-earned wages, and he loaned his money at a fair percentage. In the spring he bought a cow, took her to Montcalm Co., and gave her to his father. In the spring of 1872 he went to Grand Traverse Co, .Mich., where he bought 80 acres of land in a primeval condition, and liegan to clear a farm, working in true pioneer method. He built a log house 12 x 14 feet, covered it with hemlock bark, and secured a home (though it was little more than a shelter), of which he took possession with the utmost cheerfulness and courage. He was married March 7. 1875, to Emily Stow- ell, daughter of Robert and Mary Stowell, who was born in Kent Co., Oct. 16, 1855; after which event he settled on a farm near Stanton, Montcalm Co., : where he resided until June, 1882. .At that date he - purchased his present farm on sec. 12, in the village >:iltlr>A^ II (q' 1 t:r-7 <:llll^nil>> -Tuf^P^ ^^f 240 MECOSTA COUNTY. svS» ^ i ^ of Mecosta, where he has made rapid progress in improvements, clearing away timber, cultivating the land, erecting farm buildings, and putting the place in the best possible state for farming. Although he has been resident but a year, the work- accomplished seems incredible. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are the parents of five children: Cora E., born Feb. 14, 18-6; Edith I., born Oct. 10, 1877; Ethel L., born June 23, 1879; Leona E., born Feb. 14, i88i ; Edwin D., born Feb. 10, 1883. X alvin Boyce, farmer and carpenter, resid- W ing on sec. 34 of Deerfield Tp. (P. O., Morley), was born Aug. 28, i8i7,inCharles- |j|l^ ton, N. H. He is a son of Lemuel and Eunice *il^ (Hoadley) Royce, natives of the "Old Granite I State," where they lived all their lives. The father died at the age of 98. . Mr. Royce acquired a good education in the public schools of New Hamp'ihire and attended the New- bury (Vt.) Seminary. He taught school winters and worked as a carpenter summers until of age. In the fall of 1845 he went to the State of Pennsylvania and labored as a carpenter and farm hand a number of years. He came to Deerfield, Mecosta Co., in the spring of 1865 and became the owner of 1 20 acres of land, all in an unimproved stale. He erected a frame house, since his home, and at once entered upon the task of reclaiming his land. He retains but 40 acres of his original purchase, having disposed of 80 acres. His farm is all under tillage. Mr. Royce was married to Mary J., daughter of Warren and Ruth (Hoag) Jenkins, natives of the State of New York, where her father still resides. Five of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Royce are living — Eunice, Gertrude, Alice, Osmon C. and Elva. The name of the deceased child was Ida ; she died aged one year. Mr. Royce was a delegate to the first Republican Convention held in Tioga ("ounty for the purpose of organizing that (xjlitical element within its limits, ind has since been active in the interests of the party. He has held several important positions in the affairs of his township. gly'V.'v^-j- ;^^f|^ gw^^lenry Hearn, farmer on sec. 20, Austin Tp. ' -^Ir/I^;' ('^- O' Stanwood), was born in 0.\fordshire^ X/1^ '^ Eng., Oct. I, 1834. He is a son of Benja- ^V min and Sarah (Hearn) Hearn, both natives of ^ England, where they lived and died. I Mr. Hearn remained at home only till he was seven years of age, when his boyish aspirations impelled him to go among strangers and secure what seemed to him the greatest boon on earth — ])ersonal liberty. He was variously employed until he was 20 years of age; the last year of this period he spent in the stables of English sjwrting men. In 1854 he came to the United States, landing at the city of New York and remaining there but a sliort time. He came on to the city of Detroit and found employ in the immediate vicinity as a farm laborer for 10 years. He then went to Shiawassee County, and thgnce to Austin Tp., in the spring of 1868, where he purchased 80 acres of land, and has since added 40 acres, making 120 acres of wild land, of which 60 acres are now under first-class improve- ments. Mr. Hearn was married in England, May 15, 1855 to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Rolfe) Frost, both English by birth and inseparably wedded to their native country. The daughter was born Oct. 6, 1832. She accompanied her husband to the United States and went bravely througli all the trials and privations of the pioneer days of the township. She died .\pril 11, 1872, leaving a large family and a multitude of friends to mourn her irreparable loss. Her seven sons and daughters all survive her. Their record is as follows: Florence G. was born July 18, 1856; Mary E., Nov. 28, 1850; Sarah A., March 4, 1862; Alfred W, May 8, 1864; Edward H., June 15, 1866; Lucy E.. Oct. 4, !S68; Martha T., Nov. 27, 1870. Mr. Hearn and wife were members from youtli of the Church of England, and Mr. Hearn is still an adherent to belief in its tenets. He is a Democrat and has always sustained the issues of his parly. I 0) f I :) |))e^<|^ ^^r MECOSTA COUNTY. -:^^^ -#^K^V^ Ml elson V. Adair, farmer and carpenter, sec. 6, Deerfield Tp., was burn in the Slate of 7 1 1-^ K New York, Fel). 15, '46. He is a son of M'iM' Henry and Maiy (Vantyle) Adair, who was l(, lx)rn in the Stale of New York, in Seneca Co., where tlie father died, Feb. 14, '81 ; the mollier issiill living, in the Enii)ire State. Mr. Adair remained an inhabitant of his native place until 1869, and in the spring of that year he came to Siiiawassee Co., Mich., where during two years he followed his trade ; coming thence to Mecosta Co., he bought 80 acres in Ihe town of Deerfield. It was partly improved and has since been his home- stead. Mr. .\ilair was married in Seneca Fulls, N. V., Nov. 7, 1 866, to Mary, daughter of .\lon/.o and Re- becca (VVoolsey) Randolph. Of this mariiage one child was born — Heniy R., Dec. 20, '69. The mother died in Mecosta Co , Dec. 20, '74, and Mr. Adair con- tracted a second mairiage July 4, 77, at Kig Rapids, to Kniily H., daughter of Magnus and (Christiana (.\shman) Ulrich. Tiie parents of Mrs. Adair were natives of Cermany. The family now includes two children, — Jennie H., born Dec. 9, '79, and Lillian M., May 18, '81. .Mr. Adair is a Republican in jio- litical sentiment and has held the office of Supervisor two terms. Himself and family attend the Mclii- odist Ki)iscopal Church. ^l; ^, I uther Bemis, farmer, resident on sec. 29, Hinton Tp., is a son of Aaron and Lovice (Holcomb) Bemis, the father a native of y- Springfield, Vt., and the mother, of the State of Mr. Uemis was born in St. Clair •^ New York. y Co., Mich., Oct. 9, 1843. He was thrown u|X)n his own resources for siipiwr! at 13 years of age, and was first employed as a carpenter's assistant; then for six years worked by the month. In December, 1861, he enlisted in "Co. I, Herdan's Sharp-shooters, and after about eight months' service was discharged. On his return to private life he went to Ionia County, and there remained aliout iS months in (piiet en- deavor to recruit his healtii. He was then engaged in teaming for five years, then purchased 40 acres of land in Montcalm Coimiy, wl.erc lie lived eight years. The financial stress of 1873 plunged him into mis- fortune, and in the winter of 1874, when he came to Mecosta County, he had scarcely a dollar. He toiled and persevered and in the fall of 1875 bought 40 acres of wild land. He has put the place in a fine slate of cultivation, with good buildings. Besides the rest of his obligations, that he discharged in a becom- ing manner, was the support of his parents and sis- ters while in St. Clair County, where his father died. The mother is still living, in Montcalm C"oiinly. Mr. Bemis was married in this county, Oct. 16, 1873, to Helen E., daughter of S. S. and Agnes (Brockway) Mitchell, of Hinton Tp., who was born in Kent County, Aug. 7, 1852. Mr. Bemis is a Re- publican. t K^ ^'imon G. Webster, County Treasuier, les- ident at Big Rapids, was iiorn at Coiuord, Jackson Co., Mich., .^ug. 24, 1843, and is im:^ son of Roswell and Harriet (Townseiid) 'i\ Weiister. He alternraed f;irm labor summers '|<- with school duties winters until he was 16 ' years of age, and three years later came to Big Rapids. He found emi)loyment as a clerk and teamster, and at that [leriod his and another team drew all the goods that were sold in Big Rapids, from Grand Rapids, Ti'a Newaygo, each trip consum- ing from a week to ten days. Mr. Webster was him- self a driver for two years. In February, 1864, he enlisted at Big Rapids, en- rolling in Company M, 3d Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. Ives. The regiment was detailed for special service among the bushwhackers of the West, and proceeded thence to Texas, wl-ere he was mustered out on special order in November, 1865, at San .\n- tonio. Mr. Webster came back to Big Rai)ids, and was employed in the general merchandise establish- ment of .Ci. F. Stearns, who discontinued the business in the s|)ring of 1866. He then went to Middleville, Barry Co., Mich., and again engaged as clerk. In 1868 he began mercantile business for himself, in A <>: V ( t I t-v Mi ev4>nn^nll^>r^ rr Ma COST A COUNTY. -«^ i^^c(®vai (Qj partnership with F. H. Degolia, continuing until 187 1, operating with success. In the year named, because :%, of the impaired heallii of Mr. Degolia, the firm dis- I posed of the stock by sale. Mr. Webster returned to Big Rapids and opened a grocery and produce store, managing alone one year, then admitted J. F. Clark to an equal interest ; they closed their business in 1876. In 1877 Mr. Webster received an appoint- ment as Under-Sherirf with Col. Vincent, and lield the position until January, iSSi ; was elected ."super- visor of the Fourth Ward in 1875, and remained the incumbent of the office until 1882 ; served two years as ClKiirman i)f tlic ISoard. In 1882 he was Repiili- tican nominee for Comity Treasurer, ninniiig against C. B. Hannum, candidate of the Fusion party. The vote stood 1705 to 950, infavoiof Mr. Webster. He is a niemlier of the Order of Masonry, and is at this writing (1883) Commander of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 23 ; has held tlie phice of Captain (General of the same division thiee years. He is also an active and prominent member of the Fire Department ; was Chief Engineer, and organized the Alert Hose Co., which took the second national prize at the tourna- ment at Chicago in 1877. The prize included $300, and the cart which was manufactured for the Cen- tennial Exposition by the Silsby Manufacturing Co. The marriage of Mr. Webster to Alice McDowell took place Dec. 25, 1867. She is a daughter of .Ad- dison and Lavina McDowell, of Allegan Co., Mich., and was born at Ann .'\rbor, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have one daughter, Ethel M., botn May 10, 1872, at Middleville, Barry (Jo., Midi. ) >: ) ^ I M. Trussell, proprietor of the Miros/a Coiiiilv A(h'(iiicc, and also of the Morley As/it Comity Ai/imiice. He is- sued the first number of the Morley A,/;;imr, a popular local journal, .'Xpril 13, 1883. The Mi-i(>sf<7 County Aihwicc was founded liy F. W. Harrison, the lirst numb.-r l)eing issued April 7, 1881. It was an eight-page sheet, but was afterwards enlarged to a five-column quarto. Upon tlie failure of the jiropi-ietor's health he sold out to Mr. Trussell. The paper has always been well received and now has a circulation of 600 copies. c- '': [■''f/!' oseph B. Barto, farmer, sec. 20, .\ustin Ti'. r- Ji (''• * '• Stanwood), was born in Lower Can- "^^7'".' ada, Marcli, 1836. He is son of John and |if^ Beatrice (Covena) Barto, who were natives of ^ * France, and emigrated to this country, settling in Canada. Mr. Barto commenced his single-handed contest with the world at the age of 15 years and worked as farm assistant until 17, when his father died, and he left the Dominion, joining his brother in New York, and there engaged winters in the lumber business, laboring summers on farms. He was married in 1'jS- sexCo., N. Y., .\ug. 9, 1856, to Matilda daughter of Isaac and Mary (Layno) iiennett, l)0lli of French descent. Mrs. Barto was l)orn Ap il 19, 1842, in Essex Co., N. Y. After their marriage they remained in the State of New \ork until 1872; Mr. Barto meanwhile engaged in lumbering. They removed to Michigan, where Mr. Mario was engaged in logging in C)sceola County for one year, coming tlien to Big Rapids, where he stayed mitil 1874. He had purchased a Hirm of 80 acres in Austin Tp., of wliich he took possession, and now has 15 acres under improvement. Mr. Barlo and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a Repulilican and ardently devoted to the is- sues of tlie party. 'I'he I'rench language is com- monly spoken in the family and taught to the chil- dren, ol wliom seven survive, born as lollows : %A<^ii!i>:niir:>=-^ ^ (y 4^^^ v0^/^^(^^ "Z^ii^ir'^ ■T<:I^I1>:(1I1^:>V MECOSTA COUNTY. 243 Lewis, Sept. 7, 1857; Mary L., Nov. 25, 1862; Ida R., .'Vpril 15, 1S64; Flora E., .\ug. 29, 1866; Robert L., Oct. 5, 1868; Frank E., March 5, 1S74; Caroline M., Nov. 6, 1876. Five children are deceased; James, born Feb., 1859, died March 2, 1859; Nelson, born Dec. 30, i860, died in infancy; Joseph, born Dec. iS, 187 I, died July 14, 1872 ; Francis, born Jan. 29, 1872, died Feb. 14, 1872; Frank, born Jan. 29, 1S72. died Feb. 24, 1872. (The two last were twins.) & ohn Davis, farmer, sec 27, Mecosta Tp., [^ was born May 8, 1826, at Belfast, Ireland. His parents, William and Mary (I.averty) Davis, were born in Ireland; tl.e father died in 852, the mother in 185 i. \\'lien he was ten years old, Mr. Davis ran away to sea, shipping asa cabin l>oy on a sailing vessel. His career ^ as a sailor continued 22 years, and during the lime he ^S passed several iiromotions ; and at last, in 1S44, be- ^^ came first mate, which |)ost he held until 1S48, ^E when he abandoned a seafaring life. The recital of ^y his .idventuies sounds like a romance. He traversed V the Atlantic Ocean under all circumstances, and in ' I ~) every possible direction, and visited all the seaboard towns of Europe, and the countries lying on the Mediterranean, as well as the jwrts open to com- merce on the Asiatic shores and Africa, and the islandsofthe East Indies, He was at Alexandria dur- the Turkish war, at Canton, China, while the Chinese war with England was in progress, and at Calcutta, India. While the Kaffir war of 1842 was going on in Southern Africa, his vessel was at Cajie Town. One of his reminiscences is a visit to what was the home of Napoleon while an exile at St. Helena. In 1850 Mr. Davis came to .\merica, and passed a season on the lakes. In 1851 he came to Michigan and purchased 160 acres of land in what is now Mecosta Tp., locating on sec. 27, where he has since resided. He was one of the two white men who first came to this county and settled permanent- ly. He built the first barn — a frame building — in the vy county, in 1856, and afterward erected a residence, at ^ that time the largest in the county. He has bought (■•' considerable land since he made his original purchase, ^ his estate now aggregating 385 acres. 225 of which are in cultivation. The reminiscences of Mr. Davis contain a com|ilete history of the growth of Mecosta Co. About the time of his settlement, John Parish located a mile below the point where the " Lower Bridge " at Big Rapids spans the river, and until the following year they had no other "neighbors." Mr. Parish left his first location, and to Mr. Davis belongs the credit not only of being the first settler in this county, but also of still holding his orisiinal tenure of land. He was married at Rockford, Kent Co., Mich., Nov. 8, 1867, to Sarah Jane, daughter of John and Rosanna (Blancha) Probasco, born April 2, 1842, in Huron Co., O. The parents were natives of New- Jersey, and are both deceased. Mr. and .Mrs. Davis have three children: Ada ,M. J., born Oct. 2, 1868; John \\'illiam, March 6, 1870; and Frank E. B., June 20, 1872. In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat. —^^■^^ ij^^ land, Nov. 16, 1831. His parents, John '^ and Rebecca (Webb) Thomas, were natives of England, where the mother died. The father came to Canada and |)assed the remainder of his life; his death occurred in 1879. .Mr. 'I'homas came to America with his father when he was 14 years of age. The circumstances of the elder Thomas were such that he was enabled to give his children a good education, and he sent his son lohn to the common schools, and afterward to an academy, until he attained the age of 16 years, when he was ajjinenticed for five years to learn the trade of wagon and carriage making. After fulfilling his indenture he worked as a journeyman till 1850. In 1855 he left Canada and came to Michigan, locating at Cro- ton, Newaygo Co., where he established himself in the prosecution of his trade, and continued wagon and carriage making for 15 years. He sold his business, and went to work for his brother-in-law, .\aron .\ustin, as general assistant, keeping books, lumbering, etc., for six months. After a brief visit to Canada, he resumed his labors in the woods, for Mr. N. Thurston, for a short time. He was then em- ployed by the Ci. R. \- I. Railroad Co., and while in I ^-ohn W. Thomas, carriage and wagon maker (5i>' at Altona, Ilinton Tp., was born in Eng- ?^ < i MECOSTA COUNTY. 4^^^ their service received an injury. On recovery he was occupied with his trade for a tiuie, and then houglit 40 acres in Barr)' Co., Midi., where he was resident six years. He bought his place in good faith, sup- (^1 posing he had the right of every man to hold what he paid for; ijut the event proved his title poor, and he was obliged to abandon the farm, and sustained a loss of S300 He lived a year at Stanw'ood, Mecosta Tp., and liought 32 acres of land in the township of Deerfield, which is still in his possession. In the ^ spring of 1S79, lie came to .\ltona and established f& his present business. ^ Mr. Thor.ias has been married twice, and is the father of seven children. Those living are Ida, Adelaide and Drusilla. Tlie deceased were \\'il- liam and Jane, and twin children who died in eady infancy. Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and was Constable three years while a resident in Newaygo t'ountv. A ^ .* \ \ illiam O. Lake, .\ssistanl Postmaster at ji Morley, was born at Port Rowan, Can.. •|^V}-^ March 5, 1855. His parents, Robert O. "m^P and Margaret (Redker) Lake, are also 4Sr* natives of Canada, where they at present i I reside. When Mr. Lake reached the age of 1 1 years, he was employed as clerk in a store by Alexander Fer- guson, and there worked about 18 months. After- wards he was variously employed until the fall of 1872, and then came to Bay City. In the spring of 1873, he came to Morley, and was employed by Nel son Pike as clerk. .Six years later he formed a part- nership with D. C. King in a mercantile enterprise, whicli relation existed until the summer of 1881, wiien the l)usiness was closed. In the spring of tiiat year he made an extended trip to Colorado, return- ing the same fall, and engaging temporarily at Morley and Muskegon, in miscellaneous interests. While his affairs were connected with those of D. C. King in 1880, they built a shingle-mill in the western part of /Ktna Tp. They managed it about 18 months and sold to 1. E. Tliurkow. Jan i, 1883, Mr. Lake assumed control nf tlie postoffice at Mor- ley. In .\iiril of llie current year, he was elected Township Clerk, and in the same month succeeded to the editorial chair of the Morley Advance. In politics he is independent, and is a member of the Order of ( )dd Fellows. ^ood & Gale. i'his is one of the most ex- tensive and important of the business firms of Big Rapids, and its components are Thomas Hood and Martin P. Gale. They are manuf;icturers of pine lumber, chiefly, shingles, etc., and ship their products throughout the Fast. 'Their interests are widespread and various, comprising saw-niills, landed property, etc. Their steam saw-mill at Remus, Mecosta Co., i)ro- duces 50,000 feet of lumber daily, and they employ in the mill and woods about 100 workmen. In 187 i they bought the mill in upper Big Rapids, built by the Tioga Manufacturing Co., which they sold in May, 1883. \ mill owned by them in Leroy, Osceola Co., was sold in May, 1882, and Messrs. Baker &' .'^tearns, of Big Rapids, are under contract with then, to supply 20,000,000 feet of sawed lumber. IMessrs. Hood & Gale own 15,000 acres of land in Lewis County, N. Y. ; also a two-thirds interest in 13,000 acres of farm lands in Oregon County, Mo. besides considerable tracts in different parts of this .'^tate. 'They hold a two-fifths interest in the Big Rapids Wagon Works, a stock company which ccm- pletes half a dozen wagons a day, and of which Mr. Gale is Treasurer. 'They own one-fifth of the water power of the lower dam at Big rapids, and are stockholders in the Xovlhern Nati(-n:il l'.:ink, of which Mr. (jale is a Director. 'The office of the concern is in the N:ni]s>V -wS ^^i^^\^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 247 One hundred and forly feet in the center of the first floor is occupied for hotel puriwses, and the remain- der, lioth east and west, is devoted to l)nsiness offices. The second floor is divided into parlors and sleeping apartments. It is Ughted throughout by gas, and heated hy steam, 'i'lie ni^gregate cost was $70,000, A ;<5 V erdinand Fairman, senior member of the banking house ot Fairman iV Newton, Hig Rapids, was born in the township of Lyme, P^ JelTersoM Co., N. V., July 15, 1833. His father, ^j^ Geo. W. Fairman, was born in the year 1S12, \_ near Ottawa, Canada; is a farmer by occupa- tion and resides in Jefferson County. His mother, V } Mary A. (Fox) I'airman, was iiorn in Lyme Tp. ; her parents were pioneer settlers of Jefferson Co., and were originally from the northeastern part of the ."^tate of New York, on Lake Cham|)laiii. Mr. Fairman was brought up antl educated as was the custom among the agricultural communities of that locality and period. He was a boy of energy and s|)irit, and early in lile determined to make the U ") most of such advantages as presented themselves. By the time he was 18 years of age he had accpiired a solid and available education, which he turned to account by teaching school winters, alternating with farm labors summers, until he reached the age of 26 years, when, in company with Alpheus Parker, he commenced a general mercantile business at .\le\an- dria in his native county. The firm title and style was Parker & Fairman, and the relation existed until the winter of 1865. At that date he purchased the interest of his partner, conducting the busine'is alone until 187 I, and with a fair degree of success. Sell- ing his stock, he removed to Adams, Jefferson Co., in order to secure better educational advantages for his i-hililren, and because of his own impaired health. He spent the two years following in traveling through the South and Southwest, prosi)ecting for a business location. He was afterwards impressed with the feasibility of Hig Rapids as a business point, and in the suni- 0*' mer of 1873 invested in real estate in that city. He ^_ removed his family to this pla pnrjiosing to enter largely into real estate brokerage. The financial demoralization that swept the country about that time unsettled his plans, and he accepted a proffered situation as cashier of the F>.\cliange Bank, where he officiated one year. His health was still pre- carious, .and in the winter of 1874-5 he went to Texas to obtain the advantages of the genial cli- mate, and interested himself in the purchase of lands. He came back to Big Hapids in the spring, and in the autumn of 1875, in partnership with Samuel T. Potter, of Jefferson Co., N. Y.', opened a banking house under the firm name of Fairman & I'otler. The partnership was dissolved in January, 1879, and Mr. Fairman conducted the banking business alone until Nov.-mber, 1881, when he admitted .Mrs. .\l. J. Newton, of Jefferson Co., to an interest with himself. Mrs. Newton retired .Aug. 10, 1S82, her son, Samuel I/. Newton (the ward of Mr. h'airnian), succeeding to a one-half interest, and also to a moiety in the Fair- man & Newton Block The business of the house has since been prosperous and its relations constantly increasing. Its advantages are based upon years of experience and ample ca[)ital, together with the stability afforded by the character and record of the gentlemen who regulate its relations. The business ipialifications of Mr. Fairman, as well as his methods, well-known and tested by those with whom he is con- nected in his financial transactions, are such as tt) warrant the confidence which they inspire. In 1876 Mr. Fairman loaned a considerable sun) of money to the parties controlling the Big Rai)ids Iron Works, securing himself by mortgage. The af- fairs of the concern became involved and Mr. Fair- man foreclosed in 1878. Heat once entered upon the duty of utilizing the power and fixtures and man- aged the business with entire success, and by his systematic methods and forethought built uji a cred- itable trade. He sold the est iblishment in Octolier, 1 88 1, to Messrs. Cannon & Gottshall. In 1879, the disastrous fire of October 19, destroyed the new Mason House Block, and in 1880 Mr. l-'airman pur- chased its site and erected what is known as the Fairman & Newton Block, naming it in honor of the young man who, in 1882, became his associate in the banking house. Mr. Fairman has been for some ye.ars, and still, is operating cpiite extensively in real estate, on his own behalf and in the interest of other parties. He was married July 3, 1855,10 Juli.i M. Waters, v|; •; A ^: V ( (^ ^^WifM:y^, — ^^€y^ ®)5$^t|« MECOSTA COUNTY. daughter of Andrew and Catliaiine Waters, who was born at Alexandria, Jefferson Co., N. V., July 3^ ,'^ 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Fainnan have three cliildren; I Thyrza J. is the wife of E. W. Hudnutt, of the Fal- ^ con Pl.Tning Mills; George F. is acting as cashier of 1 in the bank of Fairman & Newton; Jessie M. is the youngest child and lives with her parents. We place the portrait of Mr. Fairman Album in connection witli this sketch. in this / o ^ohn M. Crocker, senior member of the firm of Crocker & Hudnutt, architects, con- tractors and builders, and proprietors of the sl^ Falcon planing mill, has been a resident of 15ig Rapids since 1875. He is a son of Wm. H. and Mary A. (HoUoway) Crocker, and was born in the city of London, Kng., July 28, ^ 1848. His parents came to the United States when ^ he was two years old, and went to Milwaukee, Wis., = where his father operated as an architect and builder t^ until 1858, putting up some of the principal build- er ings of the "(-ream City." In the year named the '•Ti family removed to a faim in Manitowoc, Wis., wheie \^ the parents yet reside. Mr. Crocker naturally inclined to mechanical arts, and at 12 years of age commenced 10 [ireparefor the vocation of his father, in whose shoji he was trained seven years, meanwhile obtaining an cdiicatior. He first went to the union school at Milwaukee, and al'terwards to the common schools at Manitowoc, and also attended the union school at Ypsilanti, Mich. The civil war broke out when he was r3 years old; and the consequent discission of the absorbing topic, and intense feeling which pervaded all classes at the North, aroused the boy's spirit, and in June, 1864, he enrolled at Manitowoc as a private soldier in Company G, 39th Wisconsin Vol. Inf. under Capt. Patchen. He was in the service si.\ months and participated in several engagements. His Teg- s' inient was detailed to guard Memphis, and was in- 1 volved in some severe skirmishes with the rebel Gen. "^ Forrest. He was discharged at Milwaukee. When 1^ 19 years old he went to Grand Rapids and com- ^C menced his career as a contractor; remained eight ^ years and left a substantial record of his work there ^ in the form of a number of fine buildings. During the period of his residence at Grand Rapids, he ful- filled a number of contracts for stair-building in Chicago. On coming to P>ig Rapids in 1875 he at once entered upon the prosecution of his trade, and erected the brick" school-house, and the magnificent dwelling of Thomas. D. Stimson, corner of Elm Street and ^\'an•en avenues, now owned by A\'iltre Stickney. He also constructed the building for the Northern National Bank. Not long after locating here he formed a partnership with E. \\'. Hudnutt, bought the planing mill of C S. Hanks, and com- menced the manufacture of sash, doors, Ijlinds, mouldings and l)uil(ling materials generally. Their rapidly extending business has necessitated two ad- ditions to the establishment. .As evidences of the enterprise and architectural skill of the firm, Big Rapids boasts of the Smith Block, the Northern Hotel, Hood, (iale & Cos Block, Telfer, Morrissey & Stickney's Block, and Furniture Block, Fairman & Newton's Block, the Mercy Hospital, Moody and Moore's Livery .Stables, and a number of fine res- idences. They employ at this writing 53 men, and find demand wholly for their products within the limits of the State. Mr. CiDcker was married at Coldwater, Mich, Dec. 23, 1877, to Dora A. .Stout, a native of the State of New York. He was a member of the School Board at Big Rapids two years, and belonged to the Common Council the same length of time. saac W. Pierce, member of the Council of ^ Mecosta village, was l)orn in Naples, Onta- rio Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1S33, and is a son of Jeris and Rachel (Watkins) Pierce. His father was a farmer and carpenter, and came to Michigan about the year 1835 and settled in Leonidas, St. Joseph Co. He entered a claim of 160 acres of timbered land, and was a [>ioneer of that community. He made a small clearing, built his log house and laboretl until he cleared about 120 acres. His children were small, and at first could be of but little assistance; but as time passed on, their interest in the improvement of the homestead grew with their years, and they lent no inconsiderable aid to the development of the place. i<-llD:*:i!il->^«=^ 9 •4>^J^ Ta^^^^r — tTv<>lini^llD^>v^-^' 5<€^ 4^^K^V|^ iUfi--^ MECOSTA CCUNTY. -M9 (S; ) A When 19 years old Mr. Pierce turned his face westward to the golden promise of the Pacific coast. He made his first essay in placer mininii in the Ameri- can River, and operated similarly on the Middle Fork of Veather River, in Butler Co., Cal. He finally eni;aged in stock business, going at last to Long Val- ley, Xev., where he was associated with .Vhner Stimpson, William Prosser and John Ferris, and en- gaged in rearing and shipping stock two and one- half years; they then sold out, and all returned to C"alifornia excei)t Mr. Prosser. Shortly afterward Mr. Pierce went to Idaho City and engaged actively in mining for nine and a half years, with fair suc- cess. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Leonidas, resumed his trade, and there has operated as a huilder. In March, 1 881, he came to .Me:D[l^:> ^ ^ > €y^ .U/iCOSTA COUNTY t three daughters are settled in life, with promising families: The following are their names and datesof birth. Emmeline, Jan. 12, 1842; John, Dec. 10, 1S40; Cynthia, Feb. 25, 1838; Josephine, May 10, 1858. In his native city Mr. Weaver was a member of the Common Council, incumbent at times of several offices, and was a Lieutenant of the local militia. He has no political tendency whatever, but has been Treasurer for several years. Justice of the Peace three years, etc., and is now District .\ssessor. -At its organization, the township was named for the brother of Mrs. Weaver — Aaron .\ustin — now a resi- dent of Mecosta villaije. John A. Rose, deceased, was a son of An- drew W. and Ormilla (Perry) Rose. His parents were iiioneers of the State of New York, where they passed their lives engaged in farming. John A. was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., March 13, 1821. He was an inmate of the paternal home until 24 years of age. His circumstances were such that he was never able to attend school a single day in his life ; but gathered together such education as he could, and made the most of hii powers of observation, quickened into keenness by his consciousness of his lack of early opportunities. He came to Michigan in November, 1866, and purchased 120 acres of land, on which he resided until his death, which occurred .Aug. 10, 1875. Since that event Mrs. Rose has sold 80 acres and with the assistance of her sons carries on the re- mainder. Mr. Rose was married Nov. 8, 1844, in Aurora, Erie Co., N. Y., to Emily E., daughterof Amasa and Polly (Welch) Freeman, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut. She was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y, June 16, 1817. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rose settled in Erie Co., where they were en- gaged in farming until their removal to Michigan. .'Ml of the seven children born of tliis marriage yet survive. Emily E. was iiorn .\ug. 19, 1845 ; John T., Julys, '847; Levi A., March 16, 1849; Theo. L., June 27, 1851; Polly, Dec. 13, 1853; Rosetta, Auj. 24, 1857 ; and .\ndrew J.. Nov. 22, 1859. — ^^/^-f^^■|^S-^'^^ -.' ohn E. Heiter, proprietor of steam saw- '^l^^lC. mill at Sylvester, Hinton Tj)., was born in Illsr^r^ New Jersey, Aug. 18, 185 i. His parents were Joim P>. and jSLiry A. (Burns) Reiter. ^F The father was born in Baden, Germany, and ^ the mother was a native of Ireland. They were married in New Jersey, whither they emigrated from their respective countries, and later removed to Pennsylvania, where the fatlier is still living, and where the mother died, June 11, 1834. Mr. Reiter went to Pennsylvania, with his parents, and was there engaged in farming, lumbering, and attending school, until 18 years of age. In 1876, he attended Eastman's Commercial College three months. In 1877, he came to this county, and became one-half owner by purchase of the steam saw-mill located at Sylvester, and owned and managed by Joseph Misho and Darum B. Kelley. He bought the interest of the latter. Tliis was afterward burned, and in the summer of 1882 he erected the mill which he now operates. Its capacity is 10,000 feet of lumber daily.. Mr. Reiter is a Republican in politics, and has been Scliool Director two years. He is interest- ed in the [irogress of the temperance work, and lends his influence to all reformatory measures. Mr. Reiter was married in Reed City. Mich., Sept. 20, 1878, to Jane, daughter of James and Catherine (Flanagan) Decker. (See sketcii of James r)ecker.) 'iS'iS^s^ >*«t>^i"i-J^ D)6§^^ ohn A. Boll, farmci .uid lumbemian, sec. ^^t 6, Deerfield Tp., was born March 3, )826> iK^ir^ in Canada. He is a son of James and ■ V j\meliaB. Hell. His father was born in Kng- %r^ land and came to Canada in 1814, where he \ married and passed his remaining years. Mr. Bell's mother was a native of New Jersey. 5>:illls>A-^^ ^^^^ I 1 I -1^^^ 'SSS' i^&h^- ■>ij%^^ -cr :) ^ T — ^ Mr. Hell remained imiler the [lalenial roof unlil the 'rj age of 23, engaged on the farm and fitting for fii- .r*;, tiire usefulness. After managing his father's farm for I two vears, he purchased 200 acres of land with lim- < ited improvements, on which was a saw-mill. He carried on the farm and engaged in himlicring, and oi)erated in this two-fold method five years, when he sold out and bought another farm of too acres, which he occupied four years, and again sold out. In the fall of 1S61 he came to Miihigan, and was engaged in lumliering in Mecosta County about nine years, when he bought 2S0 acres of land, chiefly unim- ])roved, with the most primeval type of buildings. They have jiassed to the oblivion of destruction and decay, and have been replaced by others which rank with the finest in the country. An additional pur- chase of t6o acres adjoining his estate has increased his landed ix)ssessions to 440 acres, 340 of which are ) tinder a good state of cultivation. Mr. l!ell is a Re- publican of no tmcertain type, aini though often urged to permit tlie use of his name in the interests of his township, has always declined. He was married in Canada. Nov. 6 1.S50, to Mar- garet Johnson, a native of Canada. Four of si.x children from this iniion are living: Wm. .\ , born Jime 30, 1852; lames P., June 14, 1S55; 'I'heodore A., Dec. 14, 1S5S, and Emily A., .\ug. 29, i86t. Mary T,., born .\pril 24, 1857, was married Jan. 23, 1878, to .\rthur .Mien, of Mecosta County, and died Aug. g, 1883. One child died in infancy. Mrs, Margaret Bell, tlie mother, died Feb. 22, 1866, at lier home in Mecosta Comity. Mr. Bell again contracted marriage in Canada, Oct. 30, 1866, with Sarah, daugh- ter of Angus and Sarah (McDougall) McColhnn. Her parents were natives of Scotland who emigrated to Canada at an early period of their lives. Her father is yet living in Canada, where her mother died alxjut 1873. Three of tiie children of Mr. and Mrs Bell are living,— Sarah A., born Jan. 8, 1878; Clinton R.. born Jan. 23, 1S76, and Fdith C:., born Nov. 22, [879. John A. was born Jan. 23, 1873, and died May II, 1876. The family are communicants of the Episcopal Church, and are esteemed and wortiiy members of \^ society, and lend every effort to elevate its standard. v<^^Dll^r ri^^^ ^^^iS\^ M/iCOSTA COUNTY. 25' •iV' I V -K^^l]tl>:nii;>^ - O CV> iles Olin, farmer, sec. 22, Austin Tp., was born in Chemung C'o., N. Y., .Vpril 13, 1837. His parents, William H. and ^'W^ Lydia (Corry) Olin, were natives of New Eng- land. Giles grew up under the guidance of his parents, and remained under the patetnal roof until his marriage to Lydia, daughter of David and Sarah (Bennett) Moulter. This event occurred Fel). 2, 1856. Mr. Moulter was born of Cierman |)arentage, and his wife was of nii.xed Scotch and Irish ancestry. Mrs. Olin was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1836. .Vfter marriage Mr. Olin passed two years as a common laborer. He then puvcliased 25 acres of forest land, and resided there- on until the spring of 1862, when the family came to Mecosta County, and he bought i 20 acres of land in Austin Tp.; to this he has added 40 acres, and now owns iCo acres of land, in one of the best locat- ed sections of th.e township. Fifty acres of this are under cidtivation, and the owner has erected good and suitable buildings thereon. In this family are four ciiildren living: William H., Dec. 4, 1857; .Mmeda E., July 22, i860; Eliza J., Feb. 21, 1867; Sivillian, July 13, 1871 ; Sarah A., i)orn Sei)t. 12, 1858, died March 8, 1S61. Mr. Olin is a Democrat, and has served his township as Treasurer six terms. Himself and wife are active members of the M. E. Church. ^rJF^^l dwin R. Roe, fanner, residing on sec. 14, Ilinton Tp>'^ -^ ^^ son of Ceoige P. and .\senath (Hamilton) Roe, former a native of 5;^ England and the latter of Ohio. They first re- "& moved to Indiana, and soon after came to Ber- I rien Co., Mich., wheie the father died in 1867 : the mother was again married and went to Missouri, and there died. Mr. Roe was born in St. Joseph Co., Ind., April 14, 1838, and in eariy youth ac- companied his parents to this State, where he resided until he was 28 years old, meanwhile learning the trade of carpenter and also the art of telegraphy, and working at intervals on the farm. In the fall of 1867 he came to this county, where he had previously c A c< V < ^ f/ I MECOSTA COUNTY. -|J^((§V§ f ) A bought 40 acres of wild land, in Hinton Tp.,on which he now resides. Mr. Roe is a Republican in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for .Vbraliani Lin- coln. He has held the post of Highway Commis- sioner six years. He was married in Berrien Co., Mich., Aug. 7, i86i, to Dininiis, daughter of Nelson and Almira (Pierce) Bromley. Her parents were natives of New York, and removed th'-Mice to Cook Co., 111., and afterwards to Wisconsin, thence to Micliigan, where the father died, in 1872. The mother is still living, in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Roe have had four children: Louie .\. was born July 24, 1862 ; Orie M., Dec. 26, 1864; Lizzie V., March 30, 1S68, and Cora U., Nov. 10, 1870. S^^^ames H. Rogers, lumberman ana farmer, "^ ' ~ resident on sec. 14, Mecosta 'Pp., was a na- tive of Broome Co., N. Y. His father, Abraham Rogers, was of English-Dutch descent and was born in Canada. His mother, Han- nali D. (.Stickney)Rogers, was of pure English descent and born in New Hampshire. Mr. Rogers remained at home until he was 2 1 years of age and received as good an education as possible at the com- mon schools, and attended a term at the Alfred Academy in Allegany Co., N. Y. On arriving at his majority he left home and went into the lumber busi- ness, which he prosecuted until the fall of 1854. .\t that dale he came to Newaygo County and i)ur- chased a tract of land, including 500 acres of heavy timber, lying ou the Big Muskegon. .Soon afterward he engaged in the business of locating land, which occupied him until 1856 and was a lucrative |)ursuit. He abandoned it after two years, and came to Me- costa Township to locate 100 acres of land. Here he hired men and their families, established lumber camps and gave a large amount of attention to the trade in lumber, which was at that date the germ of nearly all settlements made in this section of the Peninsular State. During this time the .State road was ill process of building, and Mr. Rogers was ai)pointed Commissioner by Gov. Blair, and held the |X)St three years. He has been appointed special Commissioner several times since. From 1865 to i8;o Mr. Rogers was actively engaged in the joint pursuit of managing a country store and hotel, in which was also established the local postoffice, and in connection, a large lumber interest. The store of Mr. Rogers was opened in 1865, and was tire first mercantile establishment in tiie township. On the completion of the railroad to Big Rapids in 1869 Mr. Rogers closed his mercantile operations and hotel business, and as the lumber trade dimin- ished he devoted his attention almost exclusively to farming. His homestead includes 350 acres of land, with 120 acres in fair tillable condition. He has al- ways been active in politics and is a zealous Republi- can. .At the organization of the township he was made Clerk, and held the post se\ eral years. He has been School Superintendent and Inspector, and has held various other otticial positions. Mr. Rogers was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Sarali 15., daughter of Willard and Lois (Roberts) Salisbury, natives of New York and of English descent. She was i)orn in Broome C'o., N. Y., May g, 1842. She went to McHenry Co., 111., where she remained until the fall of 1866, at which time siie came to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have two children: Carrie E., born May 8, 1869, and Edgar R., born Sept. 25, 1873. — }- -^ ^ ¥§(l;iokf A ^ JlE^^Eacob Snider, farmer, sec. 26, Austin Tp. '^I^^r- ^^'^s'^O""" '" f^'itaiio, Can., Feb. 9, 1827, son «bf -.v^ of Jacob and Rachel (McReady) Snider, felp* natives of New Brunswick, and of German and French ancestry. Soon after their mar- riage they went to Toronto, Can., and thence to Ontario. Mr. Snider spent his early youth in acquiring his edu-ation at a select school in the vicinity where he lived, and assisting on iiis father's farm. At the age of 27 years he was married to Teakles, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (McReady) Halliday, natives of New Brunswick and of Irish de- scent. Mrs. Snider was born in the same province, June 6, 1829, and was educated in the common schools of her native town. Mr. and Mrs. Snider established a home on 100 acres of the homestead, where they carried on farming until their removal to Michigan, in the winter of 1864. They lived a few ^ months at Croton, Newaygo Co., coming thence to Austin i'p., where they purchased 80 acres of g^V^^i-t; ^^^ff^ T-^^^!l:^DIl^>^=-^ ^"^^ -m^^((^^j^^ -?'^^'°^. <2/^lfZfJ iAj. MECOSTA COUNTY. 253 ^ ') A i f > .) timbered land, and entered upon the lives of pio- neers, beginning with the usual log cabin and small clearing, wliich gradually assumed larger proiKjrtions until broad, fertile fields stretch out where everjthing was formerly hidden by intricate forests. To the oriji^inal tract of land Mr. Snider has added another 80 acres, and now owns an entire ijuarter section of well improved land. He has recently finished a beautiful residence, at an expenditure of $1,500. All his farm fi.xtures and appurtenances are of a class to increase its value and attractiveness. Of seven children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Snider, six are living: Rachel, born July 13, 1S63, and died May 28, 1864; Wellesley H., Ixarn Sept. 9, 1857: Adaline S.. Aug, 21, 1S58 ; Lillie A., Sept. 17, i860; Jennie R., Jan 11, 1861 ; Herbert A., Aug. ig, 1S65; Gideon C, Aug 19, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Snider have been members in full standing of the M. E. Church for 25 years. Mr. Snider is a radical Republican; has been Supervisor of his township two terms. Justice of the Peace four years, Treasurer, etc. His eldest son, W. H. Snider, was married Oct. iS, 1877 ; his wife died Sept. i, 1 87 8. -S- #^ -J- C. Lincoln, wagon and carriage builder, at Big Rapids, was born in Ticonderoga, Es- se.K Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1844 ; son of Rufus 6[(5'" and Samantha (Hissell) Lincoln. At the age of 17 he went to learn the trade, which he has made the business of his life. He located at Kig ^j Rapids in the fall of 1867, and a year later he 'xS opened ashop; formed a partnership with Peter Corn- stock, which continued 18 months, when he bought out the interest of his partner. ( )ne and a half years af- terward he sold a half claim to Eli Frederick, and in the autumn of 1879 they came to the stand now occu- pied by Mr. Lincoln. They purchased three lots and erected their shops, four in nvmiber. The wood shop is 22.\so feet in dimensions, and the blacksmith shop 24x50 feet. There are besides, the paint shop and lumber room. A force of five blacksmiths are usually employed, Mr. Lincoln and his brother doing the w(x)il work. Jan. i, 1883, Mr. I'rederick with drew from the concern, selling his interest in the business to the present proprietor, who is now doing 1 ^ f ^^3 a very prosperous and steadily growing business. Mr. Lincoln was married in Essex Co., N. Y., March 24, 1867, to Sarah J. Hunter, a native of Montreal, Canada. Mr. ai.d Mrs. Lincoln have had three chil- dren : Frederick, born March 20, 1869 and died Oct. 6, t88o; Charles H., born Aug. 15, 1873, and died Oct. 6, 1880. (Jeorge L., sole surviving child, was born Feb. 11, 1883. 9. vicaec;®^®- ^4— »^^»r^ i^^c(svii^ V ) A •a* A' V s 4 1 MECOSTA COUNTY. t I and thence to St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ky. This rambling existence he continued until 1844, when he was married and made preparations for a permanent setdement in life. He purchased 80 acres of wild land in Newaygo County, where he lived and pursued agricidture until 1856. In that year he setded in Mecosta Tp. That section was then in its infancy. Tiie township was unorganized and settlers were few especially permanent ones. Lumber interests invited transient comers, but for a period of ten years there were few who consid- ered the place as having claims upon their in- terest, and no steps were taken toward arrang- ing the municipal affairs of the township for five years after the settlement of Mr. Hyde. He was one of the most active in the movement for the organization of Mecosta, as he had been in that of the townships of Newaygo County. He is the oldest living inhabitant of his township, and his youngest son was the first white cliild born within its bo.ders. Mr. Hyde was married in 1844, to Sophia Russell, who was born in April, 1S29, and reared in Newaygo County, in the vicinity of the Big Muskegon River. Mrs. Hyde became tlie mother of seven children. She was a memi)er of tlie Catholic Church, and died Sept. 4, 1881. Tlnee cliildren who survive her were born as follows : Daniel, ( )ct. 4, 1845; Francis K., Jan. 19, 1850; Miranda J., March 20, 1858. Tlie deceased children were I'Ainice, .'\nianda S., Amos H. and James. Mr. Hyde is an adheretU to the principles of the Democratic party. homas Hauifan, of the mercantile lirm of llanifan & Harmon, at Big Rapids, was born at I'ontiac, Oakland Co., Mich., March 4, 1847. He is a son of William and Kate (Cane) Hanifan, and was reared to tlie age of 5 years on his father's farm. At that period he became a clerk in a dry-goods store, and has been assistant or principal in the same line of business most of the time since. During the first three years he spent a i)art of the time in school. In 1870 he went to Vernon, Shiawassee Co., Mich., and entered the employ of W. D &. A. Garrison, dry-goods mer- chants, as clerk, and remained until 1S81, In IShiy, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and entered into part- nership with Willard W. Harmon, and commenced commercial transactions in the Faimian & Newton Block, where they aie carrying a fine assortment of dry goods, carpets, etc., valued at $15,000; annual sales amount to $35,000. Mr. Hanifan was married in Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 28, 1881, to Emma, daughter oi Daniel and Bridget Lapham. She was born in Farmington in 1854, and died at Big Rapids July 14, 18S2. jfelvin A. Wells, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield, ' ^(tTf Tl)., is a son of Nelson and Jane (Austin) ?^'Vf; Wells. The parents were natives of New ^^ York and settled in ^Vashtenaw Co., Mich- "~ aliout the year 1838, afterward going to St. i'" Joseph Co., Mich. There the senior Wells died at Centerville, May 11, 1881. The mother died May 7, 1863. Mr. Wells was born in Freedom, \Vashtenaw Co., Aug. 6, 1848. He remained in the paternal home until 22 years of age, occupied in farming and acquiring his education. He was married in EUenburgh, Clinton Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1863, to Mrs. Ellen Jerome Wells, widow of Henry Wells and eldest child of Lewis and Lucy (Dragoon) Jerome. It falls to the duty of the com- piler of personal records to transcribe much tb.at bears the impress of a deathless sorrow, but it is rarely incumbent to record the loss of nine children in one household, as in this instance devolves. Mrs. W^ells had laid away from her motherly arms, one after anotjier, eight infants, a mercifully rare event Can one believe that her terrible experience lessened the weight of sorrow when another child, the joy and ho[)e of the household, passed away at the dawn of her early girliiood, wlien life and health seemed as- sured ? Louise B. AV'ells, born June 14, 1868, died, of diphtheria, -Vf.g. 16, 1881. She is not forgotten; the anniversary of her death is kejit and sacredly ob- served by the parents and sisters to whom her mem- ory will ever be a living presence. Mr. and Mrs. \Vells have three children living: Lucy J., born Aug. 5,' 1866; ldella,Aug. 25, 1870; and Cora, .April 21, 1872. Mr. Wells is an earnest Reimblican and was a sol- 9 ■KS^m^^ -^^'^^^ — ^-^=^0 r^^ iiiii^^'-^?^^ — ^^^^^ T<^nn>:iii]v> T^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■^-m 257 \ f dier of the Union in the war of the Rebellion. He '^ enlisted in the Third Mich. Vol Inf., Oct. 14, 1864, ^ and received honorable discharge in September 1865. i .»«aac;®j@«— K| -v^^^^ifOdSlrif PvHHiSL. t ewis Toan, Clerk of Mecosta County, and ('c')|' one of its representative citizciiS, resident y' ;ii I'iIl; Rai)ids, was born in Lcdyard 'Pp., KS «iG^ Cayuga Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1835. His \ Jt) parents were natives of the Empire State, as \_ were their ancestors. His father, I,cwis Toan, was born Feb. 8, 17S8, in Ledyard, on the same farm where his children were born, and where he lived and died. He married Betsey Welsh, April 5, iSio, and by this union became the father of four sons and si.\ daughters. Of these, one son, Harrison Toan, and ^ one daughter, Mrs. Sally J. Si|uires, survive him, the ^ former resident at EIniira, N. V., the latter living in ° Seneca Co., N. Y. Tlie mother died Dec. 15, Jtf) 1833. The father was married Feb. 26, 1835,10 ° Mrs. Olive (St. John) .\iken. Of this marriage tlirj.'o ^ children were born : Lewis, of this sketch, Mrs. Mary ^ A. Cliapin, and Mrs. Frances E. Langan, both resid- L \ ing at Des Moines, Iowa. Mrs. Toan was born Dec V r 31, 1803, and was married at Cayuga Co., N. Y., to Ebenezer .Viken. Her children by this marriage arc yet living — a son in Dakota, one daughter at Des Moines, Iowa, and one dauglitc-r, Mrs. Lewis Car- man, in Millbrook, Mich. Lewis Toan, Sr., died March 29, 1842. He was a soldier in llie war of 181 2, with tlie rank of Ca[)tain; was a farmer by occupation, and held the office of Justice of the Peace 14 years, tlie incumbency ending with his death. This fact is mentioned as evidence of the esteem in which he was held by his fellow-townsmen. His death left all the family cares and responsibilities upon the mother and widow. The son, who feels that all he is or may be he owes to her faithful, wise ■< and judicious management, places ujwn record on this page his sense of all she was in her strong, earnest life, rearing her falhedess children in all wisdom and ,vy gentleness and self-sacrifice, and how precious to ^ him is her memory, crowned with what she achieved [^ on earth, and glorified by her entrance into the land ^ of the redeemed. She w.is married a third time in ^\jjm^^ ■^^^»^ i860, to Zimri Allen, and died at Des Moines, la., Jan. 24, 1882. Mr. Toan was seven years old when his father died. His mother left the farm and he was sent to school. In 184S he went to live with an uncle — Tliomas Toan — in Wyoming C"o., N. Y. A year later he rejoined his mother, and the family went to Olena, Huron Co., Ohio, where, associated with her brother, she purchased a half interest in a steam saw- mill, where the son was engaged chiefly summers, and went to school winters. In the summer of 1855 he went to Milan, Erie Co., O., and worked in a shij)- yard and mill. In the spring of 1856 he went with a half-brother — E. M. Aiken — to Kowen's I'rairie, la., to assist in the management of a steam saw mill. Returning in the fall of that year to Ohio, he bought the interest in tlie null held by his mother, retaining it until he disposed of it by sale in 1859. In the winter of i860 he rented a farm in that vicinity and managed it during the year. His next business ven- ture was in the winter of r86i,wlien he formed a |)artnership with Otis .'^iiiiili, an old school-mate, and went to Jackson T[)., Seneca Co., Ohio, built a steam saw-mill, and while engaged in its construction the intelligence of the assault upon the national flag at Fort Sumter electrified the world. I'liysical dis- ability precluded Mr. Toan from going to the front to aid in bearing the burden of defense, and to take the chances of war; but the services he performed are on record, and his efforts in raising recruits and sup- lilies for soldiers in the field, and e.\erlions to protect their interests at home, were as meritorious and conducive to the successful prosecution of the war as those of others who brought their efforts to bear upon the issue on the field of action. His association with Mr. Smith terminated at the end of Iwj years, when he became sole [iroiirietor by the purchase of his partr.er's claim. The mill was burned a year later, and in order to be able to re- build, Mr. Toan formed a partnership with Daniel Co.\. In 1866 he sold his half of the concern to Robert Adams. During his residence at Jackson he held the position of Postmaster three years, anil was Township Clerk one year. Mr. Toan came to .Southern Michigan, in the fall of 1866, and settled near (Juincy, liranch Co., where he had purchased 80 acres of land. Within the year following he sold the farm and purchased another in the vicinity of Allen's I'r.iirie, Hillsdale ^•^ilil>:i]ll>:y— ^ — ^^^"^ «.^4^;^>) ^ A c^: ( T I <^ll!]»:tlll^>^ r~- -#^fgV^! 258 MECOSTA COUNTY. '^ V ^ Co., Mich. In the fall of 1869 he exchanged this property for a farm near Jonesville, of which he was the possessor but a short time, as he made another transfer, and secured a fatm about two miles from Allen's Prairie, of which he was owner until 1872. In that year he came with his brother-in-law, Lewis Carman, to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and built a steam saw-mill, selling his interest therein two years later to Mr. Carman. He there engaged in mercantile affairs with Messrs. Main & Decker. The dissolution of the firm took place in the spring of 1877, and in the fall of that year Mr. Toan went to Arkansas to obtain a practical idea of the South, returning the following spring. Mr. Toan has been a Republican from the outset of his political life, and considers himself honored in the record that his first Presidential vote was cast for the illustrious and martyred Lincoln. In the fall of 1 87 8, after his return from the South, his pub- lic career commenced, his party nominating him for the office of County Clerk. The opposition candi- dates were W. O. Lake, Democrat, and Ceorge Got- shall. Greenback. Mr. Toan received 1,102 votes, Mr. Lake 452 and Mr. Gotshall 681. The general opinion of Mr. Toan's discharge of the duties of his iwsition was clearly manifested in the circumstances attending his second nomination in the fall of 1880, when his name was put on the ticket by acclamation. He received 1,849 votes, hisopiwnent, (ireggB. Dou- gall, receiving 86 r votes on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Toan was again elected in 1882, receiving 1,481 votes, in opposition to C. A. Munn, Independent Republican nominee, and Richard Ladner, the jiopu- lar Democratic candidate, who received 295 and 884 votes respectively. Probaljly the best index of a man's status among his fellows is the record of his local vote. On his first election he received 81 votes of 100 cast in the T[). of Millbrook; on his second nomination he received 102 of 124 votes in the town- ship, and the lliird time, of an aggregate of 164, he received 125 votes, — facts whicli attest that political ojjixjnents supported him, and which were made more significant because he had held many important town offices. He was Town Clerk in 1S73-4, Super- visor in '75-6, was Township Superintendent of Schools two years, and Village School Director three years. Mr. Toan was married n ( )lcna, Huron Co., Ohio, A^<^^^ July 5, 1858, to Melissa M., eldest daughterof Nathan H. and Lousia (Barhite) Spencer, Rev. E. Jones of- ficiating. Mrs. Toan's father is a resident of Oler.a. He was born in New Jersey and is a blacksmith by vocation He is an honored citizen in the commu- nity to which he belongs, is a Presbyterian in religious faith, and has occupied a number of prominent po- sitions in religious and political relations. Her mother died in 1859, after a useful and noble life. Mrs. Toan was born in Cayuga Co., N. V., Jan. 2, 1840. Of the children born of her marriage, eight are living : Ida L., Grace E., Frank M., Clyde L., Fred W., Ernest B., Olive F. and Bessie M. Grace E., second daughter of Mr. Toan, was married Sept. 17, 1882,10 John A. Melton, and resides near her parents. Mr. T. is peculiarly fortunate in all his domestic relations, the character and influence of his wife rounding and perfecting the fabric of his life, molded and directed by the clear prevision of his mother. In Januar)', 1859, Mr. Toan became a member of the M. E. Church, and has since been prominently and actively interested in all that pertains to its prog- ress and interest. He has always been connected with the work of the Sunday-school, and been several times Superintendent. He is also a zealous advo- cate and promoter of temperance, and is the present W. C. T. of tlie Big Rapids Lodge of Good Templars. We place the portrait of Mr. Toan in this work, as a representative citizen of Mecosta County. "■''^Wmos S. Johnson, President of Mecosta ,^^Jt village and general merchant (G. Gilbert Hi®" ^ ^o-)> 's '1^<^ '^o" of Stanton and Eliza (Gilbert) Johnson. He was born in Wy- oming Co., ,N Y., Nov. 24, 1S47. When he was an inf;int his father died, leaving a widow with seven children. He was brought ui) on a farm, attending schools winters. At 20 years of age became to JSIichigan and engaged with Messrs. Wood & Gil- bert in Stanton, where he remained two years. He tlicn formed apartnersiiip with his employers and established a branch business house at .Sliunnan City, Isabella Co., of which he was head manager. At the end of two years, this business connection ceased, and Mr. Johnson became sole i)roprietor of the concern by pun hasc, londucting its affairs ^ ^ () ■3*^^?^ MECOSTA COUNTY. '59 A :^ V > singly. He owned in ailtlitii)n a farni of 240 acres, with uood buildings, fences and proniising crops, all of wliich were ileslroyeil by the cyclone of Sept. 19, 1878. Tlie farm fixtures, and the store with its con- tents, were swept away, and NJr. Johnson was well- nigh overwhelmetl with financial ruin. In May, 1878, he came to Mecosta as agent for the Village Company, real-estate brokers, etc., and is still rei>resenting their interests. In March, i88o, in partnership with K. 1,. Wood, he established a mercantile house, located at present near the depot. A year later Giles C.ilbert was admitted a member of the firm. Their stock is valued at $10,000, and includes lumbermen's sup\>lies, shelf and heavy hardware, etc. They also handle all kinds of lum- ber, shingles and saw-mill products, and have a yearly trade amounting to $75,000. Mr. lohnson was Supervisor of the Township, and held the post since he came here until 1883; is also County Drain Commissioner; and when the village was organized in the spring of 1883 he was elected President. He was married at KIkhart, Ind., .March 10, 1871, to Stella Russell, born in Cattaraugus Co., N. V., March 10, 1848. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the A. O. U. W. *=4— -^ ae" r5Vr^ dward A. Bomig, M. D., of the firm of Woolley iV Romig, Big Rapids, was born in Bristol, Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 23, 1852. «^ His father, Adam Romig, was a merchant and .^ died in i860. His mother, Flavilla L. (Adams) Romig, is yet living, at Moberly, Mo. Dr. Romig was a student at school until he was 14 years old, after which he spent two years as a farm assist- ant. He passed the next four years as a teacher, and commenced to read for his profession in the office of Dr. C. Earl, of Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich. After a year of study he went to Ann Arbor and became a private student under Prof. A. B. Palmer, completing his preparation by three terms in the Medical De- partment of the University of Michigan, where he was graduated in March, 1877. He entered at once u|)on his practice at ('larkston, Oakland Co., and es- tablished a hicrative and |X)pular business. He stayed there nearly four and a half years, and in the fall of 1 88 1 came to this city and opened an office at upper P>ig Rapids. Four months later he formed his present business relation with Dr. 1). V. Woolley, a fortunate association, the firm occupynig first rank as medical practitioners. Dr. Romig's specialties are sur- gery and diseases of the eye and ear. He is a mem- ber of the Union Medical Society of Northern Mich- igan. Dr. Romig was married at Pontiac, Mich., October I, 1879, to Mary W., daughter of John P. and Mary A. WyckofT. They have had two children, Maud and Ethel. The former is deceased ; the latter was born Feb. 26, 1883. Blackmar, of the firm of Paul Hlackmar ^Jl &- Co., dealers and manufacturers of lum- J STTX-;^ lier. shingles and lath, and pine-land deal- •J. I :f y^ ers, at Big Rai)ids, was born at Detroit, Aug- 27, 1855. He is a son of Thomas S. and Mary E. (Williams) Blackmar. His father was a prominent attorney of Detroit, where he located about 1 8150 and o[)ene:^ll^:y•^ -^^V^^y^?!- 260 MECOSTA COUNTY. t A and on the dissolution named, in connection with Mar- tin Kelly of Grand Rapids, be commenced the pur- chase and sale of timber on the branches of the Mus- kegon. T. W. Palmer, of Detroit, became interested in the enterprise in the fall of 18S2, and during the ensuing winter the firm purchased and put in the river about twelve million feet of logs, a large proportion of which is being sawed at the old Tioga Mills, bought by Thomas S. Tew, of Hood, Gale & Co. In tlie summer of r883 Mr. Blackmar purchased the claim of Mr. Kelly and is now managing the business alone ; is also operating in the interest of Mr. Pahiier. The latter ha?, on the Muskegon and its tributaries near this point, sixty million feet of standing timber (pine). The amount handled the current season will be twen- ty million feet of lumber, from ten to fifteen million feet of shingles and a large amount of lath. Mr. Blackmar was married at Detroit, Sept. 9, 1879, to Georgia \., daughter of George and Ellen Rice, born Aug. 18, T855. Mr. and Mrs. Blackmar have two sons, — Thomas P., born at Detroit, July 8, 1880, and William E., born at Muskegon, Jan. 12, 1882. ^ •x'^-s^r iehael S. Collins, dealer in choice wines, I C(JJ/ li(|uors and cigars, at Big Rapids, was ■'T^ born in Hastings County, Pr. of Ont., ^^^ March 16, 1841. He is a son of, Richard - • and Bridget Collins, and at the age of 14 'I began life for himself as a lumberman, and spent five or six years in that employment. He then came to Grand Rai)ids, Mich., and was engaged until the autumn of 1865, in cutting ries for the G. R. & I. R. R-, and in lumbering. He came to Big Rapids in the fall of the year named, where he carried on the lumbering business until 1876, and in that year rented the Montreal House, which he man- aged three years. He then purchased the building he now occupies, and the lot where it stands, from J. H. Foster. It is a brick structure, and the third of its class erected in tlie town. He carries a stock valued at $3,000, and is transacting a thriving busi- ness. He owns a vacant lot on State Street, a house and two lots on the corner of Bridge and Grant Streets, and 10 acres of land in the Third Ward. Mr. Collins is a member of the Mutual Benefit Association (Catholic order). He was married at Grand Rapids, July 8, 1S68, to Mary, daughter of James and Eliza Rice, a native of Canada. WSmX illiam Barnhart, farmer, sec. 1 1, Deerfield w I A) fir hl^Jlii' Tp., is son of la^^ — ^€i>^ -«&>, i^^jf t >4, ^e^t|- <:llP>:(lllr>v *rrT MECOSTA COUNTY. #i2$^((i^4^ 261 with the Republican party and has held the jwst of Highway Commissioner one term. Our subject was married in Ionia Co., Mich., to Rachel E., daughter of Robert Patrick. The parents of Mrs. Pike were of English birth and came to America, and soon located in Ionia Co., Mich., where the father died. The niotlier is still living on the liomestead in Ionia County. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are the parents of four children — Ceo. \\'., Orley D., Inez and Robert L- A A" V ) SB 'Wv.v-^-. I^avid Wilson, farmer on sec. 27, Hinton Tp., is a son of Thomas and Jeannetie (Steele) Wilson. They were both natives Scotland, and came to Canada in its ^C earliest period, where David was born, Dec. 24, 1848. He passed his time on the farm and at school until he was 22 years of age. In the fall of 1876 he came to Michigan and bought 80 acres of land, on which improvements had heen begun and which is now his residence. He is a Republican in political opinion; holds the office of School Assessor, and is a member of the Good Templars. He was married in Canada, Dec. 27, 1870, to Abigail, daughter of George and Sarah Taylor, natives re- spectively of England and New York. Mrs. Wilson was born in Canada, July 26, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. \Vilson have had seven children, six of whom sur- vive: Sarah, George, Jeannette, William A., Mal- colm and Margaret S. Thomas died in (Canada, aged 14 months. Mrs. ^Vilson is a member of the M. E. Church. ^fni orman W. Adams, farmer on sec. 1 1, Hin- ton T[)., is a son of Wm. and Lucy (Waite) Adams, who were natives of Vermont and came to New York before the war of 18 12, l(i where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a soldier of that war and was in the battle of Niagara, or I.undy's Lane, wliereGen. Scott was wounded, Mr. Adams being one of the bearers of the litter in which he was carried 12 miles. Nor- man W. was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1831. He was "bound out" at an early age to an uncle to serve until he was 21 years of age. On the expiration of his indentures he started overland for California, but was taken ill at Council Bluffs and returned to New York. Three years later he pur- chased a farm and engaged in butter and cheese making. In the spring of 1868 he came to this county and bought 80 acres of land in Hinton Tp., which is now his homestead. He has cleared 40 acres of land, put it into a good state of cultivation and erected suitable buildings. He is independent in politics ; has held the office of Constable five years, and in 1871 was elected Notary Public, a jKist he still holds. He was married in Genesee Co., New York, Sept. 15, 1853, to Nancy S., daughter of Amos and Dim- mis (Rilc)) Bailey. She was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1833, and her parents were natives of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have three chil- dren, Jason K., born March 4, 1858 ; Minnie D., born Sept. 26, 1864, and Harrison P., born Nov. 8, 1870. ^3=H=' &- (^ f> C< '■ y. Ss^, "^ Cole & Judson, Big Rapids, was born ■ ' "^ in Lysander, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. ( >' I, 1857. His father, Jonathan Cole, was ;:>;. born in 1813, and was engaged during his i^ later years in the combined pursuits of farmer and lumberman. His mother was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1815. His father dying when Myron was about 14 years old, Mr. Cole went to live with his half brother, N. M. White, at Bald- winsville, N. V , and he remained there four years, attending school. At the age of 18 he came to Schoolcraft, Mich., where he attended school, and afterward entered Parson's Business College at Kala- mazoo, completing his conunercial studies in five months. He obtained a position as lumber inspector for the firm of Putnam iV Barnhart, at Fife Lake, f^ Grand Traverse Co., where he operated one sum- T mer, returning to Schoolcraft the following winter to I,, teach school. In the spring lie entered into partner- ^i ship with Charles Barnhart, in the grocery and provis- ^ ion business. His partner died a year and a half ^^ later, and Mr. Cole bought his share of the stock and 'J continued the Inisiness successfully about a year, ^r^.^ jy^j^. «^..^^iy.^ Wn^^^^^ ^^7^^ '■vEv 4^^^((svii' ^ > Y s 262 t m MECOSTA COUNTY. While here he was burned out, but his stock was well insured, and the loss slight. He closed his business affairs, and connected himself with the banking house of E. V,. Dyckman & Co., acting in various capacities, and at the expiration of 1 1 months he acquired a one-third interest in the bank by pur- chase. The institution continued to operate nearly two years longer, but on the death of Mr. Dyckman the remaining partners sold out. In February, 1882, Mr. Cole came to Big Rapids and went into the hardware house known as Cox, Overton iV' Cole. Mr. Cole purchased the interest of Mr. Cox, in October, 1882, and transferred the stock to his pres- ent stand. In December, 1 882, he admitted C. P. Jud- son as partner. The firm is considered one of the lead- ing business houses of Big Rapids, and is having a successful and increasing trade. They carry a full line of the goods common to the hardware business and such as the local trade demands. They are agents for the Standard Oil Co., and are dealing ex- tensively in coal. Mr. Cole was married Oct. 9, 1879, to Libbie, daughter of Willis and Elizabeth Judson, and was born in Schoolcraft, Oct. 16, i860. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have one child — Clarence M. — born at Big Rapids, Sept. i, 1882. '^'X n' ph li Hill, farmer, sec. 29 Deerfield Tp., was iKI^Ia;-;'' born in Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1856. atwcjI* He is a son of Calvin C. and Louisa M. ^> (Stanbrow) Hill, natives of New York, who went "■a i to Ohio and located in Steuben County, where the father died. The mother, on the occurrence of tliat event, came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and afterward to Van Buren County. In the fall of 1878 she took up her residence at Morley. Our subject accpiired a good common school edu- cation in the educational institutions of Ohio and Michigan, and in 1879 came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of land in its primeval condition. For four years he rented and carried on a farm, but in the spring of '83 occupied his own farm, of whicli he had cleared 20 acres. He was married Aug. 12, '76, in Van lUiren Co., Mich., to Agnes, daughter of Ceorge and Ann (Lover- ington) Grant. Their three children were born in the following order: Geo. C, Aug. g, '78; Frederick E., March 12, '80; Alonzo L., Fel). 10, '8r. Mr. Hill is a Republican in political belief and practice. I dward W. Hudnutt, of the firm of Crocker & Hudnutt, architects, contractors and build- j|y5^ ers, and proprietors of the Falcon Planing Mill at Big Rapids, was born at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 15, 1852; is a son of Joseph O. and Marcia (Webster) Hudnutt. His father was a civil engineer and was many years chief of the con- struction corps of various canal and railroad com- panies. In 1859 the family settled near Waverley, Bremer Co., Iowa, and the following year the father represented that district in the Legislature of the State, resigning on the breaking out of the civil war and returning to Waveriey, where he enlisted in the 3Sth Iowa Vol. Inf., with the rank of Major. He was chiefly on detached duty and assigned to the staff of Major Gen. Herron. He served as engineer of for- tifications, and was in severe engagements with his regiment. It was badly disrupted and finally con- solidated with the 34th Iowa Vol. Inf., when he was promoted to a Colonelcy and afterward to the rank of Brigadier General. He served the Union cause three years, and on leaving the army went to Chicago and entered the L^niversity as Professor of Civil En- gineering. Later he was employed by the Chicago & Illinois River Canal Co., and afterward by the Chi. cago & Northwestern R. R. Co.; was on the Union Pacific and Nor' hern Pacific R. R's. ; surveyed the route of the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., and went to .South Carolina and surveyed the Richmond & Atlanta .Air Line R. R. He came to Big Rapids in 1869 and bought into the Tioga Manufacturing Co., afterward selling out and buying the 'i'ioga Flouring Mill, where he operated for a time and then went to Leadville, Col., and became interested in mining and in mining engineering. He went thence to Montan.-v to survey under a Government contract, where he i^ occupied at present. Mr. Hudnutt, of this sketch, was at the age of 14 connected with the engineering corps of the Union Pacific R. R., and continued three years, when he became connected in the same capacity with the I 1 % p :-) 2 1 - J •:yv<:Dll>:Cll>> v ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■3*^^^ •i^i^ 263 (i. R. & I. R. R., serving two years. He passed the winters of these years in the University at Roches- ter, N. Y., where he was grailiialed with the class of 1873. He was employed by the Rochester Water Works Co. as drauglitsniaii two years, and in 1875 came to Big Rapids and bought the Falcon Planing Mill, with Caleb S. Hanks and Luther D. Hender- son, the firm name being Hudnutt, Henderson, Hanks & Co Mr. Henderson sold to his partners the next year, and in 1877 John M. Crocker suc- ceeded to the position and interest of Mr. Hanks. Messrs. Crocker and Hudnutt have built the prin- cipal business blocks of Big Rapids and many of its residences. Their works are turning out a large amount of sash, doors, blinds and all builders' ma- terials. As their business has increased they have made additions to their mills in proportion. They are located in upper Big Rapids, near the u|)per bridge. Mr. Hudnutt was married^at Big Rapids, to 'I'hyrza J., daughter of Ferdinand and Julia Fairman. She is a native of Adams, N. Y.,and is the motlier of one child, Marian Hudnutt. Mr. Hudnutt is a member of the order of Masonry and Knights of Pytliias. -4— <-^G .-^'N, I ;• uther O. H. Ward, farmer, sec. 34, Austin Tp., is a son of John and Catharine (Quig- V ^3~-i-? ley) Ward, natives of New York and lioth %^ now deceased. They wore of mixed English, "iX Irish and German ancestry, and liefore their marriage liad moved to Ontario, Can., where Mr. Ward was born, in the county of Brant, April 3, 1 841. He jiassed the years of his early life on his father's farm and at school, and when he was 20 years old he went to an adjoining county and worked as a farm and mill hand until the spring of 1863, when he settled in Austin Tp. and bought 80 acres of tmibered land. He built the usual pioneer's cabin, with punclieon floor, and had no sawed lum- ber in the house except in the door. After a few months Mr. Ward returned to Canada and mar- ried, at St. George, Brant Co., Dec. 9, 1863, Clarissa A., daughter of David and Martha (Cornell) Davis, of English descent and natives of Canada. .She was born Nov. 29, 1841, and died Feb. 8, 1873, at her home in Austin Tp., leaving four children : Laura, born Nov. 15,1864; Rosa, May 7, 1866; John. April 6, 186S, and George, May 31, 187 i. Mr. Ward has been actively engaged in farming since 1863, has put his place in first-class con- dition, and owns 40 acres of land in an adjoining township. He was again married June 8, 1874, to Mrs. Sarah McGill, widow of Wm. McGill, who was born in Ontario, Can., Aug. i, 1845, and died Nov 8, 1873, at Grand Rapids, leaving his wife and one child, Mary, born Feb. 12, 1871. Mrs. Ward was born in Ontario, Can., May 25, 1845, and is the daughter of John and Sarah (Bruley) .Austin, natives of New England and of German descent. Of the second marriage of Mr. Ward there is one child, William, born May 12, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are members of the M. E. Church, of which Mr. Ward is Steward. He is a working Republican, and has been Supervisor of his township one year. Treas- urer one term, etc. f ^ c A V rederick Rose, harness - maker, at Big Rapids, was born in Germany, June 3, 1823. At the age of 14 he entered \\\)0\\ his apprenticeship, and after a service of three ^1^ years enlisted in the German army, enrolling in 843 and remaining four years and three months. Mr. Rose came to America in 1854, and settled at ISuff.ilo, N. Y., where he established himself in busi- ness, and remained about iS months. He next went to Waterloo Co., Canaila, and there carried on his business 15 years. In 1S72 he came to Big Rapids and formed a business connection with Duncan McClellan, whi^ -^^¥^ ir^^^'Mli m i))(^t#^ > V ^ 264 Mecosta cotiNTV. (|; O^ died in Canada, in 1859, and Mr. Rose was a second time marrieil, Aug. 16, i860, to Rebecca Mosier, a Canadian by birth and of Cernian descent. The parents of Mr. Rose were Christian and Kli/.abeth Rose. ^>feS? enry R. Brown, fanner, sec. 27, Deerfield £ ., {s/r i'p-, !*• O.. Morley, was born Oct. 16, 1855, '^^ '•• in Pennsylvania. His parents, Michael and Catherine (Moser) Brown, were natives of Germany and came to America in 1850, finding a home in the Keystone State, where they are spending their final years. Mr. Brown passed the first 23 years of his life in Pennsylvania, in farm labor and studying at the com- mon school. He came to Mecosta County in 1 87 q and bought 120 acres of timber land, and still holds 80 acres of his original tract. He has built a frame house and made other improvements on his estate. Mr. Brown was married at Morley, April 4, 1883, to Sarah E., daughter of Wm. and Ann M. (Belles) Brink. She was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 31, 1861. They are attendants at the M. E. Church, of which Mr. Brown is an active member. He is a Democrat in political sentiment and aetion. i evi S. Menere, farmer, sec. i, Millbrook Tp., was born Sept 7, 1S26, in Canada, son of James and Rachel (Mayhew) Menere, the former a native of Ireland and the lat- ^ ter of Canada. He remained at home until he ' ' was 25 years old, when he started in life for *- himself. His father deeded him 100 acres of land upon which he lived six years, and managed with profit. Later, he sold the place and bought another, which he rented to a tenant for two years and sold at the end of that time. In the winter of 1865 he bought 80 acres of unimproved land in Mill- iirook T]>. To this he has added 40 acres in this town- ship, and also purchased 40 acres of land in Isa- bella County. He has yjlaced 80 acres under first- class improvements, and has a finely located and valuable farm. He was married in Canada, May 26, 185 i, to Mary ^^^* ^:^^^^ — '^tK' in : E., daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker, who was born in the Dominion April 26, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Menere have had 14 children, 12 of whom are living: Mary A., born July 25, 1853 ; Rachel, April 25, 1855 ; Sarah J., Feb. 20, 1857 ; Dinah A., Dec. 'i 1858; James G., July 27, i860; Edward S., April 26, 1862; Ellen E., June 13, 1866; Josephine, April 2, 1868; Wm. S., Aug i, 1870; Caroline, Oct. 11,1872; Ruth, Sept II, 1877; Floyd A., Feb. 29, 1880; Eliza, born March 11, 1852, died Sept. 9, 1855 ; Catharine, born Feb. 16, 1864, died May 20, 1865. Mr. Menere is independent in politics and has held several official positions. He is a member of the ancient order of Odd Fellows. 'homas P. Mortensen, senior member of the grocery firm of Mortensen & Mynning, ^ at Big Rapids, was born in Denmark, Feb. 26, 1846. He came to the United States in 1873, and in 1874 established a laundry on Canal street. Grand Rajiids, which he managed until 1879. Mr. M. then came to Big Rapids and em- barked in the same enterprise, which he continued three years. This was the first establishment in that branch in the city. In the fall of 1S82 he formed his present lousiness relation. The house is carrying a stock worth $2,000, and is transacting a profitable and growing business. Mr Mortensen was married at Grand Rapids, Nov. 25, 1S73, to Matilda Anderson, a native of Nor- way, born April i, 1845. The five cliildren born of this marriage are — Clara H., Alfred (dec). Alma, Thora and Hannah. The family attend the Luther- an Church. Mr. Mortensen belongs to the 1. O. O. F. Besides his residence he owns a house and lot on the east side of the Fifth ward, and a farm of 40 acres on sec. 12, township of Big Rapids. m. M. McCamley, farmer, sec. 6, Austin Tp., was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. June 8, 182S. His parents, Eleazer and Ruth (Wheeler) McCamley, were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to the Lhiited States, locating in the county where the son was born. They came with their family in 1832 to 0, :«nii-:>A#^ — a^^K- # ^^ 4 •■* .^j^-> J -:ii^K — crv<:Pn:»:nii^>v zj^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. (S, A -^ V (5) •: 'm 267 Calhoun Co., Mich., where Ihey lived uiiiil Jaiuiaryi 1847, when William enlisted as a soldier in the Me.\- ican war. He enrolled in the Michigan Vol., Co. G, under Capt. Hicks, with Col. Stockson in command of the regiment, which was attachetl to the division of Gen. Taylor. He was in considerable active service but escaped without injury, and was honor- ably discharged in Novemlier, 1S48. He then re- mained at home until 1850, wlien he moved upon a farm in Calhoun County, and lived there until tlie S|iring of 1852. In that year he made an overland journey to California, passing through the Mormon "City of the i)lains." His search for gold continued two years and he then returned to his home. In the fall of 1856 he purchased a farm in Mecosta Tp.) where he was resident until November, 1S64, then bought 80 acres on sec. 6, Austin Tp., to which he has since added, by purchase, 40 acres more, and is now the proprietor of a valuable farm of 120 acres of finely improved land. Mr. McCamley was married Dec. 4, 1850, to Martha S., daughter of John and Emma (Woodward) Fish, respectively of Welsh and English descent, who was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. i, 1832, and came to Michigan wlien but five years old. Of this marriage six children have been born, Delisle, Jan. 18, 1856; Alice R., June 4, 1858; Flora M., May 31, i860; Mary J., March 30, 1862 ; Wm. B., July 9, 1864; Lou. A., Sept. 12, 1873. Mr. McCam- ley is a Democrat in politics, and has held the post of Township Treasurer two terms. elson Higbee, farmer and lumberman, resi- dent on section 9, Deerfield Tp., was born ^ |*s^ ^ in Broome Co., N. Y., Dec. i, 1825. He '^ ^^ is a son of Loring and Mary (Roberts) Higbee, jG the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Connecticut. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Higl)ee settled in Broome County, in 1796, when his son Loring wasonly a boy. The father of Mr. Higbee died in 1862; the mother is living on the home- stead with a younger son, and has attained the vener- able age of 91 years. Mr. Higbee received a fair education at the public schools and finished study with a partial academic course. He passed the years of his minority in the home of his parents, and on reaching man's estate he went to Tioga County, where he was occupied with farming and lumbering three years. In [853 he came to Michigan and located in Croton, Newaygo Co., devoting his attention to tlie same pursuits. He bought there 300 acres of land and placed 200 acres of the tract under fine improvements; he also erected a number of buildings in Croton and exerted all liis iiitluence toward tlie substantial progress of the place. Meanwhile.in the year 1865, he purchased of John AV. Forbes, John W. P>rooks and Robert S. Watson, of Boston, Mass., 1,700 acres of i)ine land in Deer- field Tp., for which he paid ten dollars an acre. The advance in value has swelled the estate (numerically) to a comparatively enormous amount. Without de- tails of purchase the following statement exhibits his estate in Deerfield, aggregating 4,080 acres, sectionally located as follows : On sci-linii 1... .1-2(1 7. . . . 10 8.. . . S( 1 9.. . .040 10. . -.440 n. . . 1 -JO i-> . L'lO i;i. . .200 14. . .:!20 1)11 scrlinli l."i. . . .(iOO luTCS. 11; 40 •' 17 12() •' 20 240 •• 21 ICO " 2-2....:i20 •• •2(;.... 40 " 27....1G0 •• 30.... 200 •' Aside from his lands in the township of Deerfield, Mr. Higbee owns, in company with others, 15,000 acres of land. He also owns 300 acres of valuable land adjoining the city of tJrand Rapids. He has owned at different periods 5,000 acres in /Ktna Tp. alone. His home farm (so called), on which he lo- cated in 1878, includes 720 acres, with 500 under advanced improvement. He keeps 15 horses, 10 oxen and 15 cows to supply the wants of his estate and employees, and even these are inadequate to the necessities of the case. He cures five tons of pork annually, raises 1,500 bushels of onions, 2,000 of corn, 1,200 of wheat, 2,000 of oats, 2,000 of [wtatoes cuts 150 tons of hay and has a flock of sheei). In 1873, in company with A. B. W'atson, of drand Rapids, Mr. Higbee built a dam on his property in Deerfield. He bought the claim of Mr. Watson soon after and in company with William Hugh, Sr., built the mill they are now managing, and connnenceil the manufacture of lumber and lath and added pl.niing works to the mill facilities. Mr. Higbee was married in 1849 to Catherine A., A ^: r -'^'^f^ — 9^^^0!i>:on>:> r-? A. .3^^^ "•S^ <7i) $ "M^ mi iS s^^rr*- 268 TrrT<^HII^nilr>rT- MECOSTA COUNTY, XJ~ J > 1 Y daughter of Joiiatlian and Phebe (Hoagland) Truesdell. The latter venerable personages, aged re- spectively 86 and 85 years, reside with and are the special care of their son-in-law. The daughter and wife died July 7, 18S3. Mr. Higbee is a Republican in ])olitical sentiment. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee's por- traits are given in this work. a^ eo. M. Gottshall, of the lirm of Cannon & Gottshall, Big Rapids, was born at Canton, ^ Ohio, June i, 1845. His parents, Daniel and Rebecca (Martin) Gottshall, were of Ger- man lineage; the father was born in West- moreland, Pa., June 12, 1803, and mother, in i8i5,in Lancaster, Pa. Mr. Gottshall learned the printer's trade when a mere boy, but abandoned the craft temporarily to contribute his part toward his country's defense. His father was instrumental in raising a cavalry company and was put in command of Company K, 3d Ohio Cavalry, in which Mr. Gott- shall enlisted, though but 16 years of age. Capt. Gottshall contracted camp diarrhea and was sent home to recuperate, but died June 18, 1862. The mother still survives and resides at Canton. Mr. Gottshall was in action at Chickamauga, Stone River, Kenesaw Mountain and at the siege of Atlanta un- der Sherman; was with Kilpatrick on his raid in Georgia, and at the battles of Jonesboro, Ga., Frank- lin and Nashville, Tenn. His period of enlistment expired in Sept., 1864, but his command was net mustered out until Dec. 30 of that year. He re- turned to Canton and again enlisted in Company D, 2d Ohio Cavalry, Capt. H. C. Pike. This regiment was in Custer's Brigade at Five Forks, Va., which intercepted Lee and compelled him to place himself beyond the Appomattox previous to his final surren- der. At the close of the war the regiment was sent into Southwestern Missouri and the Indian Territory, and was mustered out in September, 1865, at St. Louis, Mo. Previous to the engagement at Stone River Mr. Gottshall was promoted as Corporal. At the battle of Chickamauga and also at the crossing of Elk river near Deckert Station, he received slight gunshot wounds, but throughout the entire period of his army life he was not seriously injured or ill. j Daniel H. Gottshall, a lirother, enlisted in Company | F, 4th Ohio Vol. Inf., and Martin V. B. Gottshall, i another brother, in Company B, 43d Ohio \o\. Inf., both of whom served their time of enlistment safely. Mr. Gottshall returned to Canton and resumed the printer's business, himself and brother, M. V. B., starting a weekly paper — '//le National Dciiwcral. After two year's successful prosecution of this enters prise he sold to his brother and engaged with E. Ball & Co., manufactures of agricultural machinery, op- erating alternately in the office and shop as contrac- tor. He continued until 1869, when he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., in the capacity of book-keeper with a furniture house. After a year he entered the employ of a lumber company — Beaver, Miller & Co., — where he acted as accountant, general manager, salesman, etc., remaining five years. He came to Big Rapids in 1876 and in company with B. A. Webster estab- lished himself as a lumber dealer, the firm adopting the name of Gottshall & Webster. This relation was dissolved at the end of three years, when Mr. Gottshall accepted an engagement with F. Fairman as travel- ing salesman, selling lumber, etc. He afterward went into the office of Mr. Fairman 's manufacturing establishment known as the Big Rapids I:on Works and officiated as manager and book-keeper. In Oct., 1882, Mr. Edwin Cannon and himself bought the Iron Works which they have since continued to operate, con- structing all machinery necessary to the manufacture of lumber and shingles. They own the building and site (315 X 195 feet) and have all the best facilities for making light or heavy work, from simple bolts to com- l)licated engines. Their products sell in the lumber districts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and even Texas. Mr.Gottshall was married at Canton, May 23, 1868., to Frances A., daughter of John E. :,nd Maria T. (Rodgers) Whitney, who was born Dec. 9, T849, at Cazenovia, N. Y. Edith A., their only child, was born at Fort Wayne, Ind., Dec. 7, 1870. c, J i v> () eo A. Boof, dealer in boots and shoes, at Big Rapids, was born at Plessis, Jefferson "T^l^S^ Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, 1852. His parents, ^^W^ Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaver) Roof, came to Big Rapids in August, 1871. Mr. Roof re- ceived his business training under the personal supervision of his father, who was a boot and shoe ^ A#V®>->^:DIl>:>:-^^^ :J^^ •\isr I f) /N MECOSTA COUNTY. 269 dealer and manufacturer in Jefferson County, and founded the same business at Big Rai)ids. He built the structure on Michigan avenue, row occupied by T. D. Mulbury. In July, 1S73, Mr. Roof entered into partnership with his father, an association which proved successful, as their business included a con- siderable jobbing trade. Jan. i, 1879, he Ijecanie sole owner by purchasing his Cither's interest. The lat- ter died Feb. 13, 1880. In June, 1883, Mr. Roof r.ioved the building he occupied to Maple street, and then proceeded to the erection of the "Roof Block," one of the finest in the city. It is i)uilt of brick, 50 .\ 100 feet in size, with tliree stories above the basement. Mr. Roof was married at Ottawa, Can., Jan. 12, 1874, to Laura McT-aughlin, wlio died May 10, 1875, leaving an infant, Charlie 1)., born at 15ig Rapids, April 28, 1875. Mr. Roof entered into a second matrimonial alliance Nov. 20, 1876, with Mattie \., daughter of Jonas and Mary A. Crouse, who was born Nov. 20, 1857. Tliey have two sons, J. Fred, born at Big Rapids, Aug. 26, 188 1, and an infant not yet named. Mr. Roof is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Council, No. 174. He owns a fine residence, which he built in 1882. li W. Foglesang, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrouk Tp., was born in Ohio, March 19, 1842. His parents, Eli and Mary (Shoup) Fogle- sang, were born respectively in Ohio and Penn- sylvania. In t86i he came to St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he worked one year on a farm. In the following year he came to Clinton County and enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, enrolling Aug. 5, 1862, in the 23d Regiment Michigan Vol. Inf,and served until July, 1865, when he received honorable discharge. Among other engagements in which he took part were the siege of Knoxville, Duck River, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville and siege of Atlanta. His regiment was for a time attached to Sher- man's command, and detached to join the corps de- tailed to follow up the retreat of Hood's army. After being mustered out of the United States service he came to Bay City, Mich., and worked for a short time in a shingle mill, going thence to Clinton County, ,where he was resident about three vears. In the spring of 1869 he bought 200 acres of unimproved land in Millbrook Tp. Of this tract 160 acres have passed from his proi)rietorship: the remaining 40 is now his homestead and is practically all under culti- vation. He was married in Hay Co., Mich., Aug. 23, 1868, to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Johnson) Hested, who was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Foglesang have had two children: Cora 15., born May 10, 1870, and Lewis W., May 14, 1 87 2. In politics Mr. F'oglesang is a Republican and has held several township offices at various periods. ^^^^^ 'V^/^/^-^ ^(5 ^^^. K^ ^y-^,jifl! illiam A. Bell, farmer on sec. 12, JVXwx M»Mi" ' ''■' '^ ^ native of Canada, and is a son of _ 4?. John A. and Margaret (Johnson) Bell. *"G^P He remained with his parents until he was •4'Cr. ^^ years of age, acquiring his education and fitting himself for the vocation of farmer. At that age he bought 80 acres of land, under par- tial improvements, where he now resides and on which he has recently built a fine barn Sixty acres of his land are cultivated. He is a Republican in princi|)le and action, and himself and family attend the M. E. Church. He was married at Grand Rapids, July 6, 1S74, to F.dna J., daughter of Edmund and Mary (House) Groom, and their children are Alverla M., born Dec. ^3) '877. and Ray I!., born Sept. 8, 1879. >: Ijp^^ijbel C. Osborne, proi)rietor of the Palace > jS^j| '( Barber Shop at Big Rapids, was born at IIJS""'' (-"•'»''-'"ov':% N. Y., June 3, 1841. He is a •ajk?^ son of Thomas E. and Salome (Hanks) Os- borne, and was sent to school in his native (^ place until he was 16 years old. His first f occupation of any imixjrtance was in the capacity of ,?. page to the Sergeant-at-.\rms of the New York ;f .\ssembly, at the State Capitol at Albany, N. Y. At H/ the age of 18 he began to prepare for his vocation by ^^ obtaining a iwsition in a barbershop at Oswego, N. Y. \J In the fall of 1863 he went to Toledo, Ohio, and J^,-,, (^)^r^i^^^ -^^^^ ^V<^Dn>:llIls>r iiii^. t 270 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ I ^ established himself in business, remaining about two years. He then went to Fulton, N. Y., where he again embarked in business and operated until 1867. In this year he made his first essay in his calling at Big Rapids, associated with George Jones. In iS6g he went back to Fulton, N. Y., and remained two years, when he returned to Big Rapids again and purchased an interest in the business owned by B. F. Brazee. They sold out to J. E. Lalone, and Mr. Osborne entered the employ of L. T. Loveless, engaging a year later with Langsworth & Van Haun. After six months he purchased the claim of the senior member of the firm, and after another six months he became sole proprietor by buying out Mr. Van Haun. He opened the Palace shop in December, 1881, and the establishment is acknowledged to be the finest in the Peninsular State. He employs two assistants, and owns another shop in a different locality under the management of William Disley and one assistant. In cohnection with his shop he has a fine set of bath rooms which, with his operating «, are fitted with the best of modern fixtures. - assistants are skilled in their business, and his '>lishment is deservedly famous throughout Michigan. Mr. Osborne was married in Oswego, N. Y., June 21, 1865, to Sarah E., daughter of Stephen and Mary Hare, born April 7, 1850, in Pictou, Canada, t'layton, the eldest child, was born in Toledo, Ohio, June 6, 1S66, and is now a messenger in the employ of the W. U. Telegraph Co. Minnie was born Oct. II, 1869, at Big Rapids. Mr. Osborne belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has held the offices of Past Grand, and of P. C. P. eorge W. Green, lumberman, resident at !ig kiipids, was born at Amity, Allegany "* Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 1834, son of William D. and Anna (Belden) (ireen. His father was a farmer and lumberman, and he was early put in training for the same occupation, upon which he entered at 17 years of age. The business career of Mr. Green represents in miniature the liis- tory of Mecosta County, whither he came in 1855- Tlie township of Green permanently and fitly com- memorates tiie family name, Mr. Green, with iiis father and brother Andrew, being among the earliest settlers within its limits, and the founder of a con- siderable proportion of " first things " there, as they were the heaviest land-holders at that period. They located about 1,400 acres of land and entered zeal- ously upon the work of clearing and prosecuting their lumber interests. Mr. Green was associated with his brother Andrew in the lumber trade and in farming about 12 years. They bought large tracts of pine land, in Clare County, principally; emiiloyed many men, and put logs in the river, which were sold afterward, as is the custom in this section. Mr. Green, of this sketch, built the first frame house and barn in the township of Green. The former was erected on sec. 9, in. 1857, the latter on sec. 4, in 1859. The residence was the first frame dwelling in Mecosta County. At the time of his arrival, there was but one-half of an acre of ground cleared where Big Rapids now stands, whereon was located a small hut owned and occupied by Zerah French, the only inhabitant living there at the time they located their lands. Mr. Green and his brother were often obliged to carry some part of their provisions long distances on their backs. In 1872, associated with his brother — Lewis H. Green — he bought a saw-mill on the river in Big Rapids, at the foot of Hemlock street. The follow- ing year they sold out, and each proceeded to Iniild a mill on his own responsibility. Lewis H. erected a lumber mill on the north side of Mitchell Creek, and Mr. Green of this sketch built a shingle mill on the south side of the same stream, which he sold in June, 1875, to S. H. Gray iS; Co. He continued to put in logs up the river, and in 1877 engaged with Bailey & Hardy in the meat business at Big Rapids. This relation closed at the end of a year, and Mr. Green went to the Black Hills, where he engaged in lumbering and mining until 1881, meeting with satisfactory success. The death of his wife recalled him to l!ig Rapids and he resumed the lumber trade. In 1882 he bought a saw-mill in the village of Mecosta, which he sold in June of the following year. He still owns and manages a lumberyard there and, in company with D. F. Glidden, is engaged in the lumber busi- ness. His property at Big Rapids consists of a fine residence, and two lots on the corner of Elm and Ives avenues; a residence and lot adjoining on the north; a store on the north side of Michigan avenue. \^ ^^ ^ A i&"t!j( -yi^^ — 6v<^:nn:t:onr:>: ^ *|5^^f^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ about 5,000 acres of stump land in Clare, Missaukee ^K and Osceola Counties; and 160 acres of farming 't- land in Dakota. I Mr. Green was married March 27, 1S62, in (Ireen A. Tp., to Mary A., daughter of Tliomas and Nicholas (Stott) Shaw, and a native of Lx)ndon, Eng. Three chil- dren were l)orn of this union: Lola M. B., Grace G., and George W. The mother died at Big Rapids, May II, 1881. Mr. Green was again married, Oct. 17, 1S82, at East Dennis, Mass., to I'.llcn M , daughter of Stillman Kelley. He is a mcnilicr of the City Council of Big Rapids, of which position lie was the incumbent in 1877-78. He has served ten years as Dejiuty County Surveyor, and was Deputy under the first County Clerk, Ojrin Stevens, elected at the organization of Mecosta County, which posi- tion he filled two years. While a resident of Green Tp. he was Justice of the Peace four years, was Deputy Township Clerk a number of years, and has served at Big Rapids as Deputy Sheriff under A. S, Mason. He is a member of the Blue I-odge, Ma- sonic Order, and is a Knight Templar. A ^ -'-^/\/\,f' Sff^ffi^-v^—- jj.rSfi eo Losie, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield Tp., I't is the son of John and I'^leanor (Waite) Losie. The father was a native of Canada, and the mother of New Brunswick. In 1861 the family removed to Port Huron> Mich., where the mother is still living. ller husband died in the summer of 1865. Mr. Ix)sie was born in Canada, June 18, 1828, and was resident there until 1863, in the winter of which year he settled in Mecosta County and "took up" 40 acres of land in Deerfield Township. His log house home and laborious eflbrts in clearing the forest to make way for the support and advancement of him- self and family, though the same trite experience so often recounted, is no less the strong central (wint in his career because it has a counterpart in so many personal histories. Mr. Ix)sie was married in Canada, Nov. 8, 1853, to Esther, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Ros/ell) Burss, natives of Canada. They afterward settled in Allegan Co., Mich., where the father died. Her mother resides with a daughter, Mrs. Henry Mills, of Deerfield Tp. Of this marriage seven ciiildren have been born, recorded as follows : Asenath A., born April 15, 58; J5ertha A , July 17, '60; Lizanna A., Oct 29, '62; Elon A., March 16, '65; Earl J., May 7, '67 ; Sarah E., Sept. 21, '54 (died Aug 15, 58); John E., March 3, '56 (died Aug. 21, 58). The deaths occurred but si.x days apart. Mr. and Mrs. Losie are members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Rei)ublican. W dwin Cannon, manufacturer at Big Rap- ids, is a native of England, and a son of Charles and Nancy (Matthews) Cannon. He was born in Buckinghamshire, Nov. 17, 1837. His father came to the United States in 1847, accompanied by his two sons, [George and Ed- win, the latter a lad of ten years. They went to Lenawee Co., Mich., where, two years later, Mr. Cannon (Sr.) bought 80 acres of land in a wild state. The wife and mother joined her family in Blissfield Tp., about this time, bringing with her the remaining < hildrcn, Jane and James. They experienced all the inconvcniencies of first settlers, but, api>reciative of their privileges under a popular government, went heartily to work to secure all the benefits accruing to them from independent citizenship. Their log cabin was humble and deficient in modern apjiliances, but it was their own, and the ])rivations of that ])eriotl are less in their memories than its charms and free- dom. Mrs. Nancy Cannon died in 1S79. At 19, Mr. Cannon went to Blissfield, Lenawee Co., to learn wagon-making, where he worked two years, and then engaged in agriculture four years. In 1862, in com- pany with Mark Cannon, a cousin, he bought a steam saw-mill, which they managed together about five years. The enterprise was jirosperous and Mr. Cannon sold his moiety to his partner and pro- ceeded to establish a new mill in the vicinity. Six months after its completion, he formed a jiartnership with James Tibbals and removed the mill and fix- tures to Hastings, Barry Co., Mich. This was about the year 1869, and the mill was utilized in sawing ties for the Grand River Valley R. R., then in proc- ess of construction. Afterward the mill did cus- tom work at Hastings until 1871, when a second transfer was made to Byers, of this county, and the power devoted to the same line of business. In the I A C< (^ 1 ■^"^f^ JL <^n!l>:DDi>^ --^¥^^^^^j^i m - ^^M " • -^^^ — ^7<^nn§ T^ -l^^((s\^' ') ^ f MECOSTA COUNTY. winter of 1873 the firm took a contract to saw lum- ber for Charles Barstow, at Hungerford, and the mill was again removed. Mr. Cannon bought the inter- ests of Mr. Tibbals in the summer of iroprietor by purchase of the manufacturing establishment of F. Fairman, and has since been engaged in constructing edgers, tram-cars, engines, and mill machinery generally. The annual transac- tions reach an aggregate value of $90,000. Mr. Cannon 'owns a half interest in 600 acres of land in Hungerford besides his residence, and eight city lots on S. State street at the west end of Oak street. • He was married at Mattawan, Van Buren Co., Mich., April 20, 1872, to Leavana, daughter of Levi Butler, a farmer and carpenter of Mattawan, who was born Nov. 21, 1845. Mr. Cannon is a mem- ber of the Order of Masonry. ;-^ 'O 1;^ ranklin C. Terrill, M. D., was born in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 1849. /i\ He is the youngest son of Lyman and t Catherine (Clark) Terrill, and was reared on a farm to the age of 18. He attended the ^ common district school until the age of 14, when he entered the high school at Northville and two years afterward entered the union school at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he pursued the English course. In the fall of 1869 he was chosen Principal of the union schools at Ovid, Mich., which position he held during tlie following year, when he went to Kansas and was elected to the same position in the schools at White Church. Dr. Terrill followed the calling of teacher, reading ad interim for his profession until 1875, when, owing to ill health, he abandoned it and returned to Ovid, Mich., where he embarked in the drug business with Geo. C. Beebe; this relation and business continued until the fall of 1877, when he entered the Depart- ment of Medicine and Surgery at Ann Arbor, Mich., completed the course of study prescribed, and was graduated June 26, 1879. He formed a partnership for the practice of his profession with Dr. J. W. Pat- tison at Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and there practiced until September, 1881. In that month he came to Big Rapids and established his business, which is now in a prosperous condition. Dr. Terrill is a member of the Union Medical Society of Northern Michigan, and was elected first Vice-President on its organization. He belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows. In 1872, while resi- dent at White Church, Kan., he connected himself with the Order of Masonry, joining Delaware Lodge, No. 96; he was made Senior Warden in 1872-3, and was elected Master of his Lodge Dec. 29, 1874, serving one year. Lyman Terrill was born March 13, 1802, in On- tario Co., N. v., and came to Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where he was a prominent jjioneer. He set- tled on a farm, which he put under first-class im- provements and continued to reside there until his death, April 13, 1877. Mrs. Terrill, his wife, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 13, 1810. Her marriage to Mr. Terrill occurred Dec 13, 1880, at Ann Arbor, Mich. Of seven children born to them six are now living, viz: Charles C. is an architect in California ; was a member of the Legislature of the Golden State for three successive terms ; Nancy resides at Ovid; Martha C. is the wife of Chas. M. Morrison, a farmer at Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich.; Jared D. is Chief Clerk in the Indian Bureau at Washington, D. C, which position he has occupied for 18 years. Francis G. is a farmer on the home- stead at Plymouth; Hobert H. is deceased. The mother died at Plymouth, Jan. 11, 1863. '.igH^9 enry D. Brown, Postmaster at Millbrook, was born in New York, Aug. 23, 1829. He is a son of Elijah and Abigail (Strong) yfv^ Brown, the former a native of Massachusetts, 4v the latter of New York. They were married I in the State of New York and there passed their entire lives, the father dying at the age of 82 years; the mother died in 1832. Mr. Brown was nearly 25 years of age when he took a final leave of his childhood's home. A brief visit to Wisconsin in earlier years had given him a favorable impression of that State, and on leaving home he made his way thither and remained three years, being a i)art of the time in the employ of his brother as clerk. In 1857 he returned to New York, and during the ne.xt two years carried on the grocery trade in his own inter- 1 MECOSTA COUNTY. ■z^^^^ 4^*^ * 273 ests. He disix>sed of his business, and in the fall of 859 came to Michigan and located in Uranch County, buying a farm and there operating two years. He again sold out and removed to St. Joseph County, where he rented a farm and worked a few months. The continuous calls for men to aid in crushing the Southern rebellion awakened his patriotism, and he enlisted in the 17 th Michigan Vol. Inf, and served until the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis- charge at Detroit. Among the most memorable ac- tions in which he participated were the battles at Jackson, Miss., Knoxville, Tenn., battle of the Wil- derness and Spotlsylvania Court House. At the last named his regiment was nearly cut to pieces, the sur- vivors being few. .After tliis he was on detached ser- vice until the close of the war. After his discharge in 1865 he came to Mecosta County and settled in Wheatland Tp., where he bought a farm and oper- ated until 1878. He sold his place in that year and came to the village of Millbrook to live In the fall of 1879 lie received his appointment as Postmaster from President Hayes, and has since occupied the position. While a resident of Wiieatland he held the office of Township Clerk several times, besides other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. 15rown was married in New York, to Mary E., daughter of Chauncey and Lorenna Hrown. Their \ only child died in infancy. The mother died Jan. 3, 1853. Mr. Brown was married in 1865 to Cassie, only daughter of John D. and Margaret (Hopkins) (."lemment, and they have two children, Charlie D. and Lottie C. :■) 5§ ^ s rederick W. Joslin, merchant tailor, clotli- ier and hatter, Hig Rapids, is a son of Will- ■yj^&'^j-- iam and Cynthia (Crecnwood) Joslin, and ^'(fe was born in Hubbardston, Worcester Co., Mass., 3i^^ May 25, 1845. He was reared on a farm and J received the education of a farmer's son until he was 17 years old, when he entered the Military .Academy at Leicester, Mass., and remained one and a half years. He then came West to Fort Wayne, Ind., and entered the employ of Messrs. Woodward, Young & Co., clothiers, as clerk. In 1870 he formed _ ^ a jiartnership with N. B. Young. This relation e.\- ni) isted nearly two years, when it was dissolved, and >^ Mr. Joslin came to Hig Rapids in 1872. Here he associated himself wi>h W. C. Peters in the clothing trade, and the firm transacted a prosperous bus- iness until November, 1878, when he became sole proi>rietor by purchase, and has since conducted his business alone. He carries a stock of §25,000 value, consisting of a full line of cloaking, gentle- men's furnishing goods and lumbermen's wear. In the spring of 1882 he added merchant tailoring, and is doing a good business in that de|)artment. Mr. Joslin was married at Fort Wayne, Feb. 16, 1 87 I, to Etta K., daughter of Isaac and Kate (Bow- man) Beckley, who was born Feb. 23, 1847, near Harrisl)\irg, Pa. They have two sons, Frederick W. and Roy G., the former i)orn at Fort Wayne, April 3, 1873, the latter at Big Rapids, June 9, 1878. Mr. Joslin's place of business is situated on the cornerof Michigan avenue and Maple street, fronting on lioth. He owns his residence and two lots, on the c urner of Stewart avenue and Linden street. D. Moody, liveryman at Big Rapids, was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1844, ■? and is a son of Daniel and Sophia (Rogers) p Moody. He was reared on a farm and came with his parents to CJrand Rapids in 1852. In 1856 his father bought 320 acres ol land in .\lpine Tp., Kent Co. Mr. Moody enlisted, when 18 years of age, in the army, enrolling Aug. 12, 1862, in Co. E, Second Mich. Cav., under Capt. Nicholson. He went into the service as a pri- vate, and during his period of enlistment passed the various promotions to that of Sergeant He was in the battles of Perryville, Carter's raid in East Ten- nessee, Chickamauga, through the Georgia campaign under Sherman, at Franklin, Nashville, Wilson's cavalry raid, siege of Tuscaloosa, and was captured by the rebels at Taladego. .\s the war was practi- cally at an end, he was held but three days, and was discharged from the service in June, 1865. His father enlisted in the same regiment, and was killed at his side by a cannon shot in a skirmish near Ix)uis- ville, Ky., Oct. i, 1862. Mr. Moody returned to Kent County at the close of the war, and engaged in farming. In 1873 he abandoned agriculture and en- gaged as traveling salesman for W. C. Dennison, manufacturer and dealer in agricultural implements. In December of the same year he came to Big Rajv V ( ^ A C< V ^ ^3*€^^ !|PS/®>)«^^ 274 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^^^5((®VS I 1 T ids and opened a livery barn, connecting there with an omnibus line. He moved to his present location in July, 1882, where he has as fine an establishment as can be found in Northern Michigan. He keeps about 40 horses, and connects sales and board with his regular livery business. In June, 1883, he sold out his omnibus line. On opening his l)usiness at Big Rapids he was associated first with L. .S. Scranton, of Grand Rapids, this relation existing until March 26, 1881, when John Moore was admitted to a partner- ship. Mr. Moody bought his interest April i, 1883, and is now operating alone. He sold his farm in Kent County, in Feb., 1882. The building he occu- pies is situated on a lot 115 feet face, by 160 feet deep, connected with a lot in the rear, 150 x 150 feet, whereon is located a barn. The building has a fine brick front and makes a creditable apjiearance, at the foot of Maple avenue. Mr. Moody owns his res- idence and several vacant lots at various jioints in the city. He was married Dec. 25, 1865, to Izora, daughter of John and Jane Coffee, a native of Alpine Tp., Kent Co., born Nov. 27, 1847. Two children were born of this marriage — Daniel B. and Geo. F., de- ceased. The mother died at Big Rapids, Feb. 22, 1876. Mr. Moody was again married, in .Alpine, Sept. 20, 1878, to Viola Coffee, a sister of his first wife, Ijorn in Alpine and died Jan. 10, 1881, at Big Rapids. Feb. 25, 1883, Mr. Moody was married to Miss Elizabeth Currie. christian Johnson, farmer, sec. 36, Wheat- L|^g^' land Tp., was born in Germany, Dec. 30, ^^ 1835. He is a son of Josejjh and Rachel pfe (Miller) Johnson, natives ot Germany, who nlv? came to the United States in 1839, and set- tled in Jefferson Co., Wis. Mr. Johnson was married June 25, 186 1, to Rachel, daughter of Fred and Laura (Boarland) Miller, natives of Germany, who was born in Wittenburg, Germany, March 15, 1842. She came to Wisconsin with her mother when she was 20 years of age, and there lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson remained in Jeffer- son County until the fall of 1875, when they came to Michigan. Mr. Johnson bought 80 acres of land in the Township of Wheatland, on which he has made many improvements. He is in sympathy with the Republican party and acts in accordance with their principles. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had nine children, viz : Sophia, born March 15, 1864; Henry, Aug. 17, 1867; Christian, born in 1870, died in early infancy; Lewis, March 14, 1872; Ida, born Dec. 26, 1873, died June 23, 1874; Alice, Aug. 28, 1875; Otto, Jan. 30, 1876; Irwin, .Sept. 25, 1879; Frankie, July 20, 1883. The family attend the Lu- theran Church. ji^ark Munn, farmer, sec. 23, Wheatland Tp., (S is the son of Henry and Jane (Snyder) liiS'"'^ Munn, natives of Pennsylvania and of -^ Scotch and German descent. 'iCf'd He was born in .yi'V. Bradford Co., Pa., Sept. 12, 1857 ; received'his '' education chiefly in the common schools of his native county, and resided there until he was of age, when he came to Michigan. In 187S, he settled in the township of Mill brook, where he worked on dif- ferent farms for two years. In 1880 he went to Isabella County, and was employed on the farm of William Broomfield. (See sketch.) He was married Dec. 23, 1 88 1, to Ida B., daughter of William and Ellen (McLin) Broomfield. Mrs Munn was born in Canada, March i, 1861. Her parents came to Isa- bella County when she was an infant. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Munn located on a farm in Wheatland Tp., containing 160 acres belong- ing to Mr. Broomfield, which they arc conducting with prudence and profit. They have one child — William H. — born Nov. 26, 1882. Mr. Munn is a Democrat. I < •irv< i v; :;c;;;,;ot'»..f^. "eonard Hyatt, farmer, sec. 26, Green Tp.,^ was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1829. His parents, James and Martha (Smalley) Hyatt, were natives of the State of New York, and located in 1832, near Lodi Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr. Hyatt grew to manhood in the manner conmion to the sons of farmers, being trained to lionest, thrifty habits, and acquiring a fair elementary education at the district schools. He was married in m\\-^>^ '1^ I J^ a, ^'^r^<^^'7Z. v<>nD^:nn>>r^^^ — ui^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 1856 to Catherine Gallady, born May 23, 1839,111 Stark Co., Ohio. In 1858 he entered a claim of 80 acres of land, and proceeded vigorously with the work of cultivation and iini>rovcinent. (%. Children : Marion M., James E., Walter L., and Martha B. Ida May and Alice are deceased. ) 1 I iil^ 'RBB(?atrick Erikson, of the firm of Erikson & Iwd''*' Hoehn, proprietors of the Big Rapids City \^^-%- l^rewery, was horn in Sweden, Feb. 14, 1848. 'K-0< He is a son of Cliistopher and .\nna (Peterson) ^K Erikson, and in his native country followed the 'r calling of a drover. He came to America in 1872, and proceeded at once to 15ig Rapids, where lie settled and commenced to work on the railroad ; he afterward contracted to build grades. In 1S73 he took a contract to lay the water pipes in the city, and in August of that year lie opened a saloon near his present location. In 1S75 he associated himself with Fred. Hoehn and built a brewery, where from the outset they have done a prosperous business, and contemplate an extension of their facilities. Mr. Erikson was married at Big Rai)ids, June 20, 1875,(0 .\nna Shaw, a native of Sweden. They have two children, Nellie E. and .Anna. Mr. Erikson was elected member of the City Council in 1877, and filled the position four years. He operates to some extent in real estate. We give Mr. Erikson's por- trait upon the opposite i>age in this volume. &ohn S. Evans, dealer in musical merchandise T«Sfl - '^' "^'^ Rapids, was born at Ale.xandria Cen- wC:."4' '<^fi Jefferson Co., N. Y., July 19, 1835. His Jlp* parents, Columbus and Friendly (Fisher) Evans, «p are still living in Jefferson County, aged respect- (!^ ively 89 and 87 years. Both are natives of New Hampshire and of Welsh ancestry. .\t 15, Mr. Evans left the farm to learn the trade of carpenter, in which line of employment he was chiefly occupied for five years. At the age of 27 he enlisted as a soldier of the civil war, enrolling at his native place, .Vug. 6, 1862, in Co. F, Tenth N. Y. Artillery, under Capt. J. S. Vanderberg. He entered the service as a private, and during the period of his enlistment was in 64 engagements; among them were Winchester, Petersburg, Bermuda Hundred on the James River, and at the capture of Richmond. In the last he was, throughout the action, involved in hand to hand encounters with the rebels. His regi- ment suffered severely in all the battles in which it participated, necessitating frequent recruiting. Mr. Evans had charge of one of these expeditions. His command was also engageil in the battles of the Shenandoah, at Newmarket and Cedar Creek, under Sherman, and was mustered out June 25, 1865, at Petersburg, Va., after three years of almost unremit- ted warfare. After the engagement at Winchester, Mr. Evans was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant. He returned to Jefferson County and entereil the employ of Butler & Co., hardware merchants, of Utica, N. Y, as traveling salesman, acting in that capacity two years. In the fall of 1865 he settled at Big Rapids and commenced dealing in furniture. He conducted tne business about four years, traffick- ing meanwhile in real estate to some extent. The crash of 1873 produced considerable stringency in his affairs, and shrinkage of values involved him in a loss of several thousand dollars. He sold his busi- ness in 1874 and began to read for the profession of law in the office of Frank Dumon. In 1877 he was admitted to practice, opened an office at Big Rapids, and, in connection with his legal operations, trans- acted the branch of professional business styled "Soldiers' Additional Homesteads." In 1881 he made an entire transfer of his projects and interests and opened trade in |>ianos, organs and all varieties of musical merchandise. He deals ni the pianos of Henry F. Miller, Harper, Chase, McPhail, Decker Bros., and Mathushek, and is agent for the Ithaca, New Era, Wesiern and Chicago Cottage Organs, etc. His l)usiness was small at first, averaging two musi- cal instruments monthly, and at jiresent (1883) amounts to $30,000 annually. He has established a branch store at Muskegon, Reed City, Cadillac, Manistee and Chase, and employs eight traveling salesmen. For variety he sometimes engages in a law case, but in no sense follows the profes sion as a business. \^ A .A, ( 1 Mr. Evans was married March 4, 185S, to I'liilinda mj\<^^(^^ i^ -"^^^ ■Mmm^>^ — ^^€^ "^^^'cy 278 -^^^K — ^nr^^ mmw ■^ai^j^^^sr -H^^(^ MECOSTA COUNTY. A ^ > S., daughter of Parley and Submit Brown, of Alex- andria, N. v., a native of Orleans, Jefferson Co., same State. Her father was a Baptist clergyman and an old resident of Jefferson County. George B., oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Evans, is married and engaged in real-estate brokerage, and is a resident at St. Paul ; Corielle P., also married, is employed in the counting room of J. Cummer & Son, of Cadillac, Mich.; Nora S., only daughter, is a popular teacher in Mecosta County. ^^f esse Williams, farmer, sec. 23, Green Tp., v_ was born Sept. 9, 1836, and is a son of % Lyman and Lucinda (Boyden) Williams. \fy His father died when he was but 12 years of age, and when he was 16 his mother died. From that time until manhood, his fate was that of those who are left to tlie cold charities of the wodd. He did the best he could for himself without guidance or care. He obtained a fair educaton, and was compelled to work most of the time to secure himself from want. He was usually employed as a farm assistant, and worked, as he found oppor- tunity, at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Williams was married in 1863 to Ruth E., daughter of Joseph L. and Johanna I. Dickerson. In 1865 they became residents of Mecosta County, Mr. Williams buying a claim of 80 acres of land, of which 65 are in tillage. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have five children: Ida I., L. 1)., Capitola, (ieorge and Clarence. Mr. Wil- liams is a Democrat. .s^^SFaron S. Clement, farmer, sec. 26, Wheat- WAW jan^ '^Yi was born in Cayuga Co., N. V. His parents, John D. and t I M ^ Dec. 6, 1817. "4}^ Betsey E. (Dilch) Clement, were natives re- |3^ spectively of New York and New Jersey, and j died when Aaron was but 14 years old. Tiirown thus early upon his own resources, his o])- portunities for education were limited, his energies being directed chiefly to the labor wiiich earned for him the necessaries of his existence. He was indus- trious and of good habits, and readily found work in the section where he was born until he had entered inan's estate. In the autumn of 1839 he came to St Joseph Co., Mich., where he entered upon the career of a farmer. He was married July 25, 1841, to Sarah C, daughter of Isaac and Persis (Wayne) Wat- kins, natives of Massachusetts, and soon after their marriage went to Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., where the daughter was born Dec. 3, 1820. Mr. Clement rented a farm in St. Joseph County for a period of 25 years, and in the fall of 1866 removed his family to Wheatland Tp., Mecosta Co. They located on 160 acres of land, one-half of which has been placed un- der good tillage. Mr. Clement is a Republican, but not an aspirant for official notoriety, having always persistently de- clined election to any position. He is a membcv of the Masonic fraternity. Children: Eliza Jane, born Nov. 2, 1842, diedAjiril 11, 1843; Mary J., April 20, 1844; Amine P., July 29, 1846; Viralda M., Dec. 28, 184S; Sarah E., Jan. 5, 1852; Lyda R., July 8, 1862. ^3= =£S- enjamin F. Powers, farmer on sec. 28, j; Austin Tp , was born near Montreal, May ^^^f^ '%'^'i 7, 1817. He is a son of William and §» Elizabeth (Cutter) Powers, natives of Ver- mont, who were pioneers of Canada, remov- ing to the Dominion soon after their marriage. Mr. Powers received a fair common-school educa- tion, and at 20 years of age left h's native county and went to London, Ont., where he was a farm laborer until 1849. In that year he came to wliat is now Newaygo Co., then unorganized. When its municipal condition was made self-sustaining by or- ganization according to law, Mr. Powers was one of the organizing Board. When Mr. Powers first be- came a resident of Croton Co. (now Newaygo) there was no habitation nearer than 25 miles. He exerted all his energies and influence for the advantage and and prosperity of tlie people. In 1869 he removed to Austin Tp., this county, and bought 80 acres ot land, to which he has since added 40 acres, making a farm of i 20 acres, with 60 under good good culti- vation, which places it among the foremost in the county in point of beauty and value. Mr. Powers was married Dec. i, 1840, to Martha D., daughter of 3S;Dllri>AS a>«?i«^ " <> S ^ 0) ■©f^ I I <-Ilti:o:iltl^>v MECOSTA COUNTY. ■^4>^5f®vS 279 A Garrett and Vesta (Tousley) S:evens, born near Lon- don, Ont., Aug. 26, 1819. Her father was a native of (".erniany, and mother, of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have had 1 2 children, six boys and six girls. Three sons and four daughters yet survive. Their births occurred in the following order: Iran C, March 22, 1845; Elizabeth, April 17, 1847; Lucy A., Jan. 20, 1849; Charlotte, Feb. i, 1851 ; Benja- min F., July 19, 1853; Mary A., July 13, 1856; Charles H., Oct. 14, 1862. The following are de- ceased: William, born .Vug. 28, 1841, died Oct. 29, 1841 ; an infant child was born and died Sept. 17, 1844; Caroline M., died eight days after birth; Martha, born May 25, 1859, died July 29, i■ r I ■:J^K ^^VC'illD^CDBf^r^ MECOSTA COUNTY. '^^^- -i>^^ (£> X^ < i< "- -5-^^^ Ty '7<^\imm>r ry -^^^^^ V MECOSTA COUNTY. 281 March 9, 1879; Ernest J., Feb. 22, 187 i ; Elizabeth M., Feb. 5, 1873. Mr. Bennett contracted a second marriage April 9, 1874, with Margaret, daughter of William and Lydia (Wample) Smith, born in Michi- gan, July 2, 1855. They have two children: Emma M., born Nov 9, 1874, and Minard I., May 7, 187-. Mr. Bennett is a radical Republican and has held all the important township and school offices until he declines farther duties. -» A A ■7~~r €^ ^^ar ?arvey O. Williams, farmer, si'C. 29, Wheat- land Tp., was born inKnox Co., Ohio, Dec. 17, 1842. His parents, Louis and Olive (Owen) Williams, were of German descent and natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1844 they settled in Kosciusko Co., Ind. Mr. Williams attained to man's estate in In- diana, and was just past his majority when the notes of civil war in the United States startled her loyal sons to activity in behalf of herthrcatened integrity. Mr. Williams enlisted Oct. 19, 1861, in Co. K, 12th Ind. Inf., under Capt. T. G. Morrison, and was dis- charged May 19, 18C2. Less than two months subseijuently he re -enlisted, enrolling July 10, 1862, in Co. F, in the same regiment to which he had pre- viously belonged. Of the acknowledged prowess of the " 1 2th Indiana," Mr. Williams was a part. His record bears the undying names of Richmond (Ky.), Vicksburg, Jackson (Miss.), Missionary Ridge, Rcs- aca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, the repulse of Hood at Atlanta, on July 20, 22 and 28, Jonesboro, Savannah, Gris- woldsville, Columbia (S. C), Bentonville and Ra- leigh. In these, as well as in the numberless minor engagements in which he was an actor, he escaped without injury, although his uniform frequently suffer- ed from flying fragments of shell and spent shot. Mr. Williams wasdischarged from the service at Washing- O ton, D. C, June 8, 1865. Meanwhile his parents had settled in St. Joseph ^ * Co., Mich., and he repaired thither, remaining an in- (^ mate of the parental home until the f^vll of 1S67, ^^ when he came to Mecosta county, and resided about (^ one year with his father-in-law, in Wheatland >^ Tp. In 1868 he located on 80 acres of wild land, where he has since resided and improved until he has 63 acres under the plow, and good farm buildings. His residence, which was in every way suitable, was destroyed by fire .-Xug. 13, 1883, and at this writing is in the process of rebuilding, and will cost about Sr.ooo.. Another considerable addition to the value of the place is an orchard, containing 160 trees in the best condition. Mr. Williams was married Feb. 24, 1867, to Amine P., daughter of Aaron S. and Sarah C. (Watkins) Clement (see sketch). Four children have been born of this marriage; Frank A., born Feb. 13, 1868, died July 16, 1868; Lettie O. Oct, 24, 1869; Siddie S., July 30, 1872; Warren T., June 15, 1879. Mr. Wil- liams is a Republican and is a School Director in his district. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and holds the office of Financier. 2;i;tt3,£ saac W. Ferris, Justice of the Peace, Township Supervisor, and member of the Council of Mecosta village, was born in t'lT Sherwood Tp., Branch Co., Michigan, Jan. 25, 1840, and is the son of John C. and Mary A. (Watkins) Ferris. At the age of 23 years Mr. Ferris went to Placer Co., California, and was engaged one year in farming; thence he moved to Omega, Nevada Co., and be- came a clerk in a grocery and provision store, where he was engaged about eight months, and then re- turned to St. Joseph County. He was there occu- pied with agriculture five years, when he went to Branch County and engaged in the same pursuit two years. He went to Vergennes, Kent Co., and in September, 1873, opened a grocery, which he kept until 1878. He sold out, went back to St. Joseph Co., and took an interest in the mercantile establish- ment of his brother-in-law, S. J. Schutt, in Leonidas. He sold out in the fall of 1878, and in the spring of 1S79 went to Butler Co., Kansas, and, after a brief stay at Eldorado, came, in August, 1S79, to Mecosta village, then comprising three houses, two saloons and a grocery. He erected the Iniilding where he operates, and owns n lots on Main street, on the west side of the river; also 80 acres of land on sec. 14 of Morton Tp. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1S80, which jwst he has since t ,11. » I V \ ( ^ A ^: V ( V I ^^¥^ ^m'^M'^y^ — ^€^^ •'^-^^•>^ ^^w >^4 ^ 282 k MECOSTA COUNTY. "ST |^^5C(^^* m ih ^ :-« V held, and was elected Member of the Village Coun- cil in the spring of 1883. In the spring of 1881 he was elected Township Treasurer. He is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Ferris was married at Union City, Branch Co., Dec. 10, 1868, to Carrie, daughter of Leonard and Thankful (Havens) Wilson, born in the Tp. of Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1842. Of this marriage two children have been born, as follows : Eva, in St. Joseph Co., Nov. 17, i86g, and Georgia, in the same place, Sept. 7, 1879. #^ -^— 1? athan Denney, Postmaster and jeweler, ii^S? Remus, was born in Jay Co.,Ind., Nov. 25, 1849. His parents, James M. and Lois E. (Scranton) Denney, were natives of New Eng- land, the father of German and Irish lineage, the mother of Welsh and Scotch. They settled soon after their marriage, in the State of Indiana, and in 1864 removed to this county. On reaching the period of his majority Mr. Denney learned the carpenter's trade, which he pursued up to the date of his appointment to the office of Postmaster. With his official duties he combines the business of a sil- versmith, the details of which he learned when 16 years old. Mr. Denney was married in Millbrook, Jan. 16, 1872, to Ella, daughter of David H. and Sarah (Al- bert) Humphrey, born in Knox Co., Ohio, Oct. 26,1844. Her parents were natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Denney have had three children, one daughter and two sons, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. Denney is a member of the Order of Good Templars, and himself and wife are members of the Church of Christ, in which he occupies the position of Elder. =r 15 wen Shantz, farmer, sec. 26, Wheatland ; Tp., was born in Ontario, Can., near the ' city of Guelph, Jan. 27, 1S50. His parents, saac Y. and Catherine (Clemence) Shantz, were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Shantz received a fair education in the common schools of his native province, and when 20 years old, Feb. 27, 1870, was married to Sarah, daughter of George and Nancy Shoemaker, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The year following his marriage, Mr. Shantz resided with his father, moving upon a farm in the vicinity at the expiration of that time. Meanvhile he came to Mecosta County and bought the farm on which he now resides, and where he located in 1880. Nearly one half of this is now improved. Mr. Shantz is a progressive farmer, and is making rapid progress in putting his place into the best possible condition for agricultural purposes. Although his residence in the county has been brief, his persistent efforts to advance its place and position have made known his value to the community to which he belongs, and he is secur- ing a firm hold upon the respect and consideration of all. Mr. and Mrs. Shantz have five children, born as follows: Addison M., May 22, 1871; Nancy, Feb. 22, 1873; Ellen, Jan. 11, 1877; George, Nov. 2, ■ 1879; Lizzie, Nov. 30, 1882. The parents are mem bers of the old Mennonite Church. Mr. Shantz is a Republican in politics, and is present Assessor, an of- fice he has held for several terms. Mf «E5]||.harles W. Calkins, Clerk of Mecosta vil- 3l^Hk^ ^^S^' ^"^ dealer in all kinds of furniture, il'l^" coffins, caskets and undertakers' goods. ^fe) was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May 15, 185 1. y^ His parents, Lorenzo and Lurena (Payne) \ Calkins, removed to Ann Arbor when he was 1 1 years old, and he there had the advantages of the schools of that place. Tliey made another transfer of their interests four years later, going to London, Monroe Co. There his father was a farmer, and also worked at his trade of carpenter and joiner. When Mr. Calkins was 20 years old, he left school and learned his father's trade, under his instructions. He followed the business several years, coming to Mecosta in tlie fall of 1879. He establislied himself as a mechanic, and after working at his trade two years, founded his present business. He keeps a stock that includes all merchandise common to his lines of trade, and is prospering. He became agent for the American Express Co. Dec. 16, 1881. On the incorporation of Mecosta village he was elected 0) t '"^:Sf< )l:.Z>'^ fe^)«^f|- Ta»€^ -^;V<-nIl>:llIl^■>r— MECOSTA COUNTY. ^^^^A'H' :^ V 283 % Clerk of the Board. He served as Township Clerk a part of the year 1881, in 1882 and 1883. Mr. Calk- in.s owns his store, fixtures, adjoining building and lots. He was married in London Tp., Monroe Co., April 8, 1875, to Lillie E., daughter of John and Harriet Taft, a native of Adrian, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Calkins have one child — Mabel E. — born in Ix)ndon, Monroe Co., Mich. f'illiam Warren, farmer on sec. 22, Hinton ^(fJ!- "^P-' ^^^^ '^°'^" J"^y '^' '^^5' '" Carroll ■? Co., Ohio. His father, Peter Warren, was uf English descent and birth, and both his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they moved to Ohio in its pioneer days. The father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and followed both callings most of his life. The mother's name before marriage was .\nn Guthrie. The school IJrivileges of Mr. Warren were limited, and at 17 he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade. He worked under the instructions of his brother-in-law, and continued to follow that vocation until i86i. He opened a confectionery establishment in Augusta, Ohio, which was finally extended into a general store. This he managed nearly si.\ years and accumulated $3,500, which he lost in financial disaster. In April, 1867, he came with his family to Mecosta Co., Mich., and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in Hinton Tp., where he now resides. In ix)litics Mr. Warren is independent. He has held the office of Supervisor of Hinton T[). four years, Township Treasurer three terms, and School Director ten suc- cessive years. The years of his labor have their reward in the fine farm and convenient buildings thereon. He was married in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1849, to Jane, daughter of John and Han- nah (Shaw) Harrington. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and went to Carroll Co., Ohio, where their daughter Jane was born Nov. 14, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have had three children: John J., born in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, May 8, 1853, is the only one surviving. He was married May 8, 1S78, in this county, to Delia .\. House, daughter of Elias and Mary D. (Walrath) House, and they have r '^Si— • — ^1 — »—C£*' homas Cahill, farmer, sec. 15, .-Etna Tp., was born in Canada, July 8, 1834. His parents, James and Catherine (Lebo) Ca- hill, were natives respectively of Ireland and Canada; they passed the greater jmrt of their lives in Canada and there died. Mr. Cahill spent his eaily life after the manner of fanners' sons, and at 16 was apprenticed to learn the business of a butcher. He devoted four years to the accomplish i two children; Ethel M. born Nov. 20, 1880, and /» Alice M., born March 9, 1883. Samantha A. was d born Nov. 22, 1850, and died Aug. 26, 185 i ; Mary K. was bom Jan. 10, 1863, and died Nov. 25, 1876. Mrs. Warren belongs to the Advent Church. |l|^ominick O'Brien, member of the Council U^ of Mecosta village, and proprietor of the sr(^y^ Mecosta House, was born Dec. 26, 1853, '''l'>\sr ;^t New Castle, County Limerick, Ireland, and is the son of Dorr and Mary (Coffin) O'Brien. His father died when he was nine years old, and he was reared on the farm by his mother until he was 17 years old, when he left the Emerald Isle and came to New York, making the passage on the British steamer " Manhattan." He landed June 10, 1869, and was a resident of New York about one year, then came to Saginaw, where he engaged in lumbering for a period of four years, working a portion of the time on a section of the Chicago, Sagi- naw & Canada Railroad, and was also engaged firing on a locomotive for some time. He came to Mecosta village, July 12, 1879, and built a saloon on Main street. May i, 188 1, he pur- chased the Mecosta House, which he still owns and manages. The building is 40 x 80 feet on the ground, three-stories high, and with accommodations for 50 guests. The saloon conducted in connection with the hotel is well fitted up, and stocked with choice articles common to similar establishments. Besides these buildings, Mr. O'Brien owns three lots in con- nection with them, and two lots with bams on James street. He transacts an annual business of $12,000. Mr. O'Brien was married to Maggie, daughter of Michael Dittell. They have one child, Johnny. ^ A C< r -s^Ki — ^v^^od'^nni-^: /^- -4»g ^^f MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ ^ ment of his purpose, and the succeeding four years fM was occupied in buying stock and speculating. He :!^; then located at Ypsilanti, ^Vashtenaw Co., Mich., I and worked at his trade two years, resigning his bus- iness to enroll as a soldier in the Union cause. He enlisted in 1861, in the 24th Mich. Vol. Inf, and after six months service received honorable discharge. He went at once to Saginaw, where he found employ- ment as a lumberman about two years, and in the fall of 1863, came to this county and passed three years in the pineries. In 1866 he purchased 80 acres of timber land and proceeded to jHit it in a habitable condition. He built a house and cleared 70 acres. A later purchase of 200 acres has swelled his real estate to 280, acres where he is earnestly engaged in the prosecution of agricultural pursuits. He was married in Canada, Sept. 14, i860, to Eliza, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) Houghton. Of this marriage one child was born, — Katie, March 14, 1861. The mother died at Ypsilanti, Mich., in September, 1861, and Mr. Cahill was again married, at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 9, = 1864, to Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Mary •^ (Mitchell) Lovesy and widow of Ephraim G. Tucker, = who lost his life in the war of the Rebellion. Her Y father is an Englishman by birth and is yet livmg m ■* this county; her mother was a native of New York and died in 1870. Mr. Cahill is a Democrat and has held the office of Supervisor four years. Town Clerk one year, and has occupied other important town and school offices. A ) -^"^'WV^ oseph A. Armstrong, farmer, sec. 20, Millbrook Tp., is a son of Isaac and Lu- cinda (Hiney) Armstrong, natives respect- „,y ively of New Yink and Pennsylvania. Mr. Armstrong was born in the Keystone State, July 28, 1847. His mother died when he was very young, and for two years subsequently he was cared for by a friend of his parents. In the fall of 186 1, when but 14 years of age, he resolved to be- come a soldier, and enlisted in defense of the Union in the 51st Pa. Vol Inf, Co. H. He served three years, and was in action at the siege of Richmond, f® at Fredericksburg, and in the battle of the Wilder- ness. He received a wound in his right arm in the Sjj^t JSii^fi^ fight at Fredericksburg, and was incapacitated for duty three months. He received his discharge at Washington, D. C, and returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside until the fall of 187 1, when he came to Millbrook, and bought 160 acres of land. He now owns no acres, under partial im- provement. Mr. Armstrong was married in Millbrook, Sept. 22, 1872, to Johanna, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Johnson) Histed, who was born in Bay Co., Mich., June 27, 1853. Children : Myrtle M , Nora A., Sarah J., Joseph N. and Gertrude B. In political sentiment and ac- tion Mr. Armstrong is a Republican; has served one year as Constable, and three years as School Director. |f> dward Langworthy, farmer, sec. 25, Green Tp., was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., March 5, 1825. His parents, Elisha ^^ and Elizabeth (Guile) Langworthy, were na- ^^ tives of Columbia Co , N. Y. The father was a mechanic and followed his occupation until 1843, when he came to Michigan and located 80 acres of land in l.apeer County, wjiere he farmed until his death, which occured April 25, 1845. The mother died March 4, 1874, in the township of Grant, Mecosta Co. Mr. Langworthy was 17 years old when he accom- panied his parents to Michigan, and until he reached man's estate, gave his father all the assistance in his power, during the "seed time and harvest" seasons, attending school winters. Soon after attaining his majority be became a farmer on his own account ani.' owned 120 acres of land in Lapeer County, where he was a resident about 25 years. He sold his place and went to (lenesee Co., Mich., and settled near Flint. Six years after, in the spring of 1875, he bought the property he now owns in Green Tp., consisting of 80 acres of land, which he has put under good improvements. He is an adherent of the Republi- can party; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877, and has held the office continuously since. His posi- tion in the community is one of credit to himself as a man and citizen. Mr. Langworthy was married Dec. 25, 1865, to Maria Perkins, a native of Canada, born Jan. 31 \k I 1 fo) ^mM^<>^ * '^;;^^;%;?^ I ^o-i^c^^^L^ (RjO-O- ajf 1828. They have six children; Willard E., Albert (^ H., Harvey J., Minerva, Susan and Ophelia. Aniiin- C!^ da and Charles are deceased. The parents are nieni- j bers of theM. E. Church, at Big Rapids. ^^ , oaglas Roben, of the firm of Roben, Ben- jf' nett iV Gill, insurance, real-estate, and loan ^ agents, of Big Rapids, was born May 4, 1847, near Mount Gilead, Ohio; he is a son of Matthew and Esther (Albach) Roben, a grand- son of Walter Roben, Esii-, of Ryegate, Vt., and a great-grandson of Matthew Roben, of Ren- frew, Scotland, a gentleman of means and influence, who was one of the chief founders and early pioneers of the Scotch colony in Caledonia Co., Vt. On his father's side, Mr. Rol)en is descended from an excel- lent Scotch stock, whose line of descent is traced back several hundred years, and is allied to various fy^ Lowland families of distinction. S His maternal grandfather was John Albach (or ^ AUpaugh, as the name was formerly and more cor- ° rectly spelled), a prominent and wealthy citizen -of ^ Northumberland Co., Penn., who was of good Hol- S land Dutch ancestry. His father, Matthew Roben, ' . j was a native of Ryegate, Caledonia Co., Vt., a teacher, and after- ward a merchant by occupation. (See sketch of Matthew Roben.) Mr. Douglas Roben, the subject of this sketch, ob- tained a good education in the public and high schools of Mount Gilead, and at 15 received an ap- pointment to the U. S. Naval Academy, then located at Newport, R. I., and passing the initiatory examina- tion, entered u])on his academic course as niidship- nTan in 1862. In 1863, his class (126 in number) was dispatched to the East Atlantic on a practice cruise, stop|)ing at various ports of England, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Madeira Islands, sailing from the latter place to New York. Several other practice cruises were made on the coasts of the United States, during the course of studies at the Academy. Mr. Roben was distinguished while at the Naval Academy for proficiency in mathematical studies, and graduated high in his class, in 1866, at Annapo- lis, Md. 1-' Soon after graduation he was ordered to join the ^^ U. S. steamer " Ossipee," then at Philadelphia, for duty on the Pacific station. The " Ossipee " left the United States in November, 1866, crossed the At- lantic to the Madeira Isles, and after a brief visit there went south to the Cape de Verdes, thence to Rio Janeiro, and finally through the Straits of Magel- lan to the Pacific Ocean. After a visit to various lX)rts in Chili, Peru, and the Isthmus of Panama, Ihe " Ossiiiee " reported at San Francisco, in August, 1867. Soon after arriving on the station, the " Ossi- pee " was ordered to convey the U. S. and Russian Commissioners to Alaska, that territory having recent- ly been purchased by our Government. Mr. Roben was a participant in the ceremonies of transfer, the hauling down of the Russian flag from the Governor's palace, the hoisting of the stars and stripes, and the firing of the international salutes. His name apiiears as a witness on the deed of trans- fer of the Territory, executed and delivered at Sitka, whereby Alaska became part and parcel of the United States. The "Ossipee" relumed with the State papers to San Francisco, encountering a terrific storm a short distance out from Sitka. She was then ordered to the South, to visit all ports on the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. This she pro- ceeded to do, calling at each important harbor in succession, till she reached the southernmost ix)rt of Costa Rica. Returning north to Nicaragua, the yellow fever broke out on board the " Ossipee," and a number of men and officers died of the disease, Mr. Roben fortunately escaping the contagion. The ship pro- ceeded to Acapulco, in Mexico, on her way to San Francisco. At Acapulco, Mr. Roben received the news of his i)romotion to the grade of Ensign, together with orders to proceed south by mail steamer to Panama, and there to join the U. S. ship " Cyane '» (originally a British vessel, and captured by the "Constitution" in the war of 181 2). During Mr. Roben's service on board the " Cyane," she was the greater part of the time stationed at Panama, to ob- serve the progress of a rebellion then existing in the United Stales of Colombia, and to guard the interests of our countr)'men on the Isthmus. Returning to San Francisco in the " Cyane " a few months later, Mr. Roben received his second commis- sion as Master in the Navy, together with three months' leave of absence. The Union and Central Pacific Roads having just I been completed, he crossed the continent by rail. ] A • ^ rp 7 ^#' MECOSTA COUNTY. -^4^^5C<®V" i n i At the expiration of his leave he was ordered to join the U. S. ship "Supply," at Boston, in the capacity of Navigator. The " Supply " went to Eu- rope for the purpose of establishing a U. S. naval storehouse and depot at Spezzia, Italy ; but on arrival there, diplomatic difficulties were found to be in the way, and the depot was finally placed at Nice, France, where it still remains. The expedition occupied nearly a year, including time spent in various other Mediterranean ports, and Mr. Roben received his third commission as Lieutenant while in Europe, dating March, 1870, he being then only 22 years of age- After arriving at home he was ordered to join the U. S. steamer " Severn," flag-ship of the North Atlantic Squadron; but a serious difficulty having developed itself in Mr. Roben's eyes, during the last cruise, arising from the use of astronomical instruments in taking solar observations, he re- quested to be assigned to duty on shore, and was accordingly ordered to the naval station at Mound City, 111., as executive officer, where he re- mained four months. He was then ordered to join the (J. S. steamer " Shawmut," at New York, for a cruise in the South Atlantic. When the vessel reach- ed the AVest Indies, the trouble in Mr. Roben's eyes having become much worse, he was granted " sick- leave," and brought by the "Shawmut " to Pensacola, Fla., where he landed and proceeded home to Ohio. In the month of November, 1S72, he was summoned before the Retiring Board at Washington, and after an examination of his eyes by the medical officer's of that Board, he was placed upon the retired list, with the rank of Lieutenant, for " disability received in the line of duty," which position upon the retired list lie holds at the present time. Krom Wasliington he went to Cassopolis, Cass Co., Mich., where he resided until May, 1873. While at Cassopolis he passed a successful examination for admission to the bar, and was admitted to practice in the State courts of Michigan. In May, 1873, he came to liig Rapids, and opened his office, practicing as an attorney, and giving his attention chiefly to real-estate cases. In 1876 he formed a partnership with E. J. Marsh, under the firm name of Roben & Marsh. This relation continued two years, and in August, 1878, he associated himself with A. W. Ben- nett, in insurance, real-estate, ar.d loan business. (See sketch of A. W. Bennett.) In June, 1883, John G. Gill was admitted lo the concern, which since its inception has been transacting a successful and extending business. Dec. 26, 1876, Mr. Roben was married to Stella, daughter of Judge William P. Bennett, of Cassopolis, and a grand-daughter of Rev. Cephas Bennett, a pioneer Baptist missionary at Rangoon, British Bur- mah, who has done missionary work there for the past 55 years, and has charge of the Baptist mission- ary press of Burmah ; she is also a great-grand- daughter of Rev. Alfred Bennett, one of the early and leading Baptist ministers of New York State. She was born in Cass Co., Mich., March 3T, 1859. A son, Donald B., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roben, July iq, 1878; a daughter, named Pansie — an exceedingly sweet and beautiful child — was born May 10, 1882, and died March 26, 1883. Mr. Roben is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. *'elkirk A Stewart, farmer, sec. 14, Wheat- land Tp., is a son of Neil and Angeline (iISS^^ (Baker) Stewart, natives of New York, and |\ of Scotch and Irish descent. He was born in Genesee County, N Y., Sept. 14, 1826. He commenced a life of active toil at the age of 1 1 years, leaving the homestead of his parents and engaging in the capacity of a farm laborer. He continued to work in various localities, until the spring of 1844, when he went to Waukesha Co., Wis., and there engaged in agriculture in a similar manner until his marriage, Nov 5, 185 r, in Waukesha County, to Angeline H., daughter of Isaac and Jerusha (Estc-. brooks) Wood, who was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1832, and went to Wisconsin with her parents when she was eight years old. The latter were natives of the Empire State. Mr. Stewart took farms on shares, until the fall of 1862, when he re- moved with iiis family to Michigan, and purchased 240 acres of land on sec. 26, Wheatland Tj). He made consideralile progress in improving his land, but sold it finally, and bought the homestead, con- sisting of 160 acres, where he has since resided. Seventy-five acres of this he has improved, and has one of the best of farms as to quality of the land, etc., in Mecosta County. It is traversed by a stream of flowing water, fed ijy living springs. Mr. Stewart is ^f^d* U^ M^wn^<> zu^. ^!^h(^ ^rf- -^^^^ 'rrr -trr MECOSTA COUNTY. >it\^- : J» 6 making preparations to build a new house, and ex- l>ects to invest about Si, ooo therein. He is a Re- publican in i)olitical faith; has been Township Treasurer three years, Justice of the Peace three years, and held other minor offices. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been the parents of (our children — Clara A., born Feb. 2, 1853; Cora E., July 31, 1855 ; Mary F., iiorn July 28, i860, died Feb. 31, 1874; Ida A., born Oct. 31, 1S66, died Oct. 7, 1879; Edward H. (son by adoption) was born Aug. 2, 1869, and died i^ept. 14, 1879. ) r^ -=<£t>- "l^&li^ eorge W. Precious, Millbrook village, =||^M^i ^^''** born in Canada, Aug. 27, 1850. His ■^Iv^ parents, M'illiam and Eve R. (Jones) t ''/;'* Precious, were natives respectively of Eng- j^ land and Germany, and are both deceased. \ .About 1863 Mr. Precious came to this State and located in Washtsnaw County, going afterward to Detioit. He came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich., in 1872, where he lived until 1879. In the suiTimer of that year he made his entry into the village of Millbrook, and embarked in the livery business, which he continued to operate until May, 1883, when he sold out and established himself in a saloon. He was married April 22, 1874, to Laura A., daughter of Orrin N. and A. Jane Hoisington. Her parents were natives of Michigan, and she was born Oct. 7, 1859, in Montcalm County. Of two children born of this marriage but one survives, Cora A., born Set t. 7, 1882. One child died in infancy. Mr. Precious is a Democrat. ^f^^> phraim J^a Grange, liveryman at Me- costa, Morton Tp., was born in Albany Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1833, and is a son of Christopher and Jane (Blessing) I,a (Grange. About the age of 13 he began to drive stage in the State of New York, and made that his business for .about 22 years. In .\pril, 1873, he came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., and there engaged in the livery business one year, and afterward ran an omnibus line, transporting mail and express matter, and passengers. This he continued two years, and then engaged in drawing lumber. In 1879 he came to Morton Tp., and cut the timber on the site of the village of Mecosta, and i)ut it into the mill of George Webber. He built the Mecosta House, which he managed two years, and finally exchanged with 1). O'Hricn for his residence and the adjoining store building. Immediately upon his arrival here he established the livery business, and has continued it since. He added the drug trade to his store for six months, but sold the stock, and is now exclusively attending to his affairs as liveryman. He has usual- ly eight horses in his stables, with all necessary livery adjuncts. He is Street Commissioner, and belongs to the A. O. U. W. Mr. La Grange was married in Schoharie Co., N.Y., to Mary Townsend, a native of New York. Rufus, elder child, is now clerk in the Mecosta House. Mary L., only daughter, is the wife of Henry Wal- ler, M. D.. of Mecosta. 51? gQry c. Evarts, farmer on sec. 28, Green " Tp., was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1S33. His father Shadrach Evarts, was ,;jC born near Sariitoga, N. Y. ; was a farmer by vo- cation, and in 1845 came to Grand Rapids and there engaged in agriculture. He is yet living^ in the care of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Patten. The mother, Eunice (Plumb) Evarts, was a native of Con- necticut, and died in November, 1879. Mr. Evarts was educated in the common and high schools of Grand Rapids, residing with the family of Porter Reed uniil lie reached man's estate, after which he engaged in summer in the vocation of a farm laborer and taught school two winters. He came to Big Rapids in June, 1856, and entered 160 acres of land under the gradation act, and in M,irch, 1858, began to Ituild, and otherwise improve the land on which he has since made his home. He enlisted as a soldier for the Union soon after the outbreak of the rebellion. He was enrolled in the Third Michig.an Cavalry Oct. 12, 1861, remaining in the service four and a half years. He was in action at Corinth, luka. New Madrid, etc. He obtained the commission of Second Lieutenant, for meritorious services, and nine months later was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, serving until the end of the V^ >: r 9i '■* >:diIv>a^^ — 2^^^ :5|ph/D)€^#* ^2!^^^ trv <^nii^ntir>r rr r^^^S^ 290 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ y^ V > (^ % war, in the Fourth U. S. C. C. Cavalry, stationed at Port Hudson, and was mustered out at New Orleans. He came back to his farm and has since personally supervised the same. He is a Republican and has held the posts of Town Clerk and School Inspector. Mr. Evarts was married Jan. i, 1858, to Martha J. Boynton, a native of Jackson Co., Mich., born March 4, 1833, and died June 26, 1867, leaving one child, Mary L. Aug. 28, 1867, Mr. Evarts was married to Hannah A., daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Boyn- ton, natives of Vermont. She was born in Grass Lake, Jackson Co., Mich., June 8, 1843; the follow- ing are their children : Edgar C, Lizzie B., George C, and Willie H. Herbert P. Blanchard, of the firm of P. G. Blanchard & Son, dealers in lumber and ^^ brick, Blanchard, Isabella Co., Mich , is the son of Philip G. and Caroline M. (Touns) Blanchard, and was born in Pennsylvania, April 30, 1856. The parents are natives of Maine, and early in life settled in Michigan. Mr. Blanchard came to Michigan in the fall of 1872, and' located at Grand Rapids, remaining there nearly three years. In the spring of 1876 he came to Blanchard, where he has since been a citizen. He is a Republican in politics, and has served in the capacity of Treasurer of the village three years, and Supervisor one year. He was married in Grand Rapids, May 13, 1880, to Nora, daughter of John and Johanna Condon. Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have two children — Belle and Edith. ■g^I^Slr ranklin M. Williams, liotel proprietor, '* 'p ^\ Remus, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov., J rjc 27, 1843. His parents removed to Kos- ciusko Co , Ind., the year following his birth. 4L,. He received his education there and resided { with his parents until he v/as 18 years old, at which time he enlisted as a soldier for the Union in the I 2th Ind. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co, F. His com- mand was attached to the Army of the Tennessee and was under fire in 28 engagements, among which were the battles of Richmond, Ky., Missionary Ridge, Jackson, Miss., and the fight at Atlanta. Through- out his entire period of service he escaped all wounds and casualties. After three years of hard fighting he was discharged at Indianapolis, June 20, 1865. During the war his parents had removed to St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he rejoined them and resided two years. In the spring of 1866 he went to Missouri, where he passed a summer, returning at its close to his parents' home. In March, t867, he came to Wheatland Tp., and passed two years in farming in the vicinity of Bloomfield. He purchased 80 acres of land in sec. 26, preparatory to the es- tablishment of a home. March 4, 1869, he was mar- ried to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Mary (Smith) Ruxton, who was born in Waterloo, Can., Feb. 17, 1847. Her father was a native of Scotland and her mother of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Elizabeth was educated in the Dominion, and was for several years a teacher in the common schools of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two chil- dren ; Ralph, born Aug 4, 1876, and Maud M., Aug. 18, 1878. Mr. Williams is a radical Republican and has been Supervisor five years, Tp. Clerk several terms and held other minor offices. The hotel kept by Mr. Williams at Remus is one of the best country establishments for public en- tertainment in Northern Michigan. Its cost was about $3,000. The house is well furnished and has a good run of custom, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Williams took [possession of the hotel in Jan., 1882. •*^ \\ harles W. Clifton, farmer on sec. 3 1 , Green / Tp., was born at Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 10, Iij5?^ 1838. His father, William Clifton, WIS an Sfe Englishman by nativity, and came to this country when about 22 years old; located at I Cleveland and married .\bigail Locke ; re- sided on a farm near the city during eight years, and in October 1845, came to Kent Co., Mich., and set- tled on a farm. He was crushed to death April 10, 1848, by a falling building. The mother died at Clinton, Lawrence Co., Dec. 28, 1882. Mr. Clifton obtained his education at the public and high schools of Grand Rapids. He was trained to the pursuit of agriculture, but in 1861, when the country was plunged into the abyss of war by the in- sane South, he became a soldier. He enlisted in the First Michigan Regiment of the Engineers and Me- ^ (i) t -rrr ■7r i MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ > rr^. 291 <. chanics, and served three years. He participated in several engagements, and was mustered out at Nash- ville, 'I'enn. On his return North he came to Mecosta Co. and spent 10 months in the employ of T. Lazell, of Big Rapids. He then became a resident at Grand Rapids, where he was married, Oct. 2, 1866, to Julia E. Sunderland, daughter of Myron and Louisa (Searles) Sunderland, a native of Kent Co. Mr. Clifton was a farmer near Grand Rapids two years, and then bought 160 acres of land in Green Tp., where he has since resided. The family in- cludes six children : Frank S., Effie L., George M., Grace, Lois and Charles E. ilbert S. Palmer, farmer, sec. 14, Green _ Tp., was born Feb. 8, 182 1, and is a son of J~^ Nile and Catherine (Wing) Palmer, the ^ 7^ former a native of Vermont, and the latter of ^' Elizabethtown, Canada. Mr. Palmer was \ reared on a farm, and, when 16 years of age, went to Elizabethtown to learn the shoemaker's trade, which was his business in life for many years. He was a resident of the Dominion until the spring of 1867, when he became a citizen of Mecosta County, buying 80 acres of land, which he has increased to 1 20 acres. He was married in 1842 to Maiy, daughter of William and Lydia (Lee) Robbins, who was born in Canada and died in July, 1847, leaving one child, Anna E., wife of Waller Clow, residing in Linn, Can- ada. For a second wife, Mr. Palmer married Me- lissa, daughter of Reuben and Hannah (Graham) Moot. Siie and her parents are natives of the Do- minion. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have six children, Mary A., Charlotte O., Hannah P., George M., Wil- liam H. and Nile E. >.^ 5- illiam Davidson, farmer on sec. 1 2, I'^tna Tp., was born in England, July 16, **;, I "^lo- His parents, Joshua and Sarah '^1^' Davidson, were also natives of England, and "''^" emigrated to Canada about the year 1842, and remained there until their death. Mr- Davidson resided in the Dominion until he was 23 years of age, when he came to Newaygo County, and three years later bought 135 acres of land in Mont- calm County, on which he lived 12 years. In the fall of 1 87 I he came to ^iJtna Tp. and bought 1 60 acres of unimproved land, where he settled and be- gan to make improvements. He sold 40 acres, and retains 120 acres of his original purchase, with 70 acres under advanced culture, having in late years built a good frame house in which he now lives. Mr. Davidson is a Democrat and has been School Treasurer 1 2 years. He was married in Canada in the fall of 1851,10 Mary, daughter of Kmber and Valina (Smith) Smith, natives of Vermont: the father is deceased, and the mother resides with a daughter in Deerfield Tp. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have had 10 children: Abraham, born Aug. 18, 1852; William, Sept. i, 1854; Joshua, Aug. 18, 1853; Chauncey, Oct. 18, i860; Henry, Dec. 0, 1863; Elmer, June 18, 1866; Mary, Sept. 8, 1868; Jehu, Aug. 8, 1S70; Alonzo, born Oct. 18, 1858, died July i, 1880. One child died ill infancy. It was supposed that Alonzo died from the effects of poison. =£:s- "'"^^'■ichard Vandewater, farmer, sec. 22, Hin- ton Tp., is a son of Peter and Catherine |]T^^" (K^'t^") Vandewater, natives of New Jer- fji^v^ sey and of Holland descent. They were pio- \X^ neers of Washtenaw County and afterward !• removed to Barry County, where the mother died. The father lives in Adrian, with a daughter. Mr. Vandewater was born in New Jersey, Dec. 19, 1821, and accompanied his parents to Michigan. They were in limited circumstances and the son felt it his duty to contribute to the relief of the household. He did this many years, even after he was legally released from obligation, was married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Feb. 28, 1847, to Nancy Jane Fuller, who died in June, 1848, leaving one child, George W., born June 28, 1848. Mr. Vandewater was again married in 1850, to Elvira J. Heath, a native of the State of New York. Of this marriage one child was born, Catherine E., who died when about two years old. The mother died, and Mr. Vandewater was again married May 28, 1864, to Esther A., daughter t V ( ^ A c^: V ( I I (g))f^#«-" 292 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ 'S V of David and Sarah Ann (Bennett) Moulter, who was born March 31, 1844, in Chemung Co., N. Y. Of this marriage were born Peter E., April 6, 1865; Sarah E., Nov. 25, 1869; Elvira J., March 2, 1S77. In August, 1863, Mr. Vandewater was drafted to serve during the war. He served nineteen ar.d one- half months, was honorably discharged Feb. 12, 1866, at Newberry, N. C. He was assigned to the 23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and was afterward transferred to the 28th Mich. Inf. In justice to Mr. Vandewater it should be said that he was prevented from enlist- ing by the smallness of the number of settlers in the township and his feeling thai he was needed at home. He was in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and when Hood was captured his regiment pursued the rebel general until his surrender. Mr. Vandewater originally purchased 40 acres of wild land, and later on, another 40. He has now 33 acres cleared and under tillage. In the spring of 1883 he sold 40 acres. Both himself and wife are members of the Second-Advent Church. Mr. V. was one of the earliest settlers and circulated the peti- tion for the division of the four townships : Hinton, Deerfield, Millbrook and ^tna. On the organization of Hinton Tp., in January, i860, he was elected first Supervisor. He has since held various offices, among them that of School Treasurer, to which position he has been three times elected and of which he is the present incumbent, In politics he is independent. &ohn R. Snyder, farmer on sec. 32, Green JC. Tp., was born in Barton Tp., Canada, July '^% 27, 1836. His father, Abraham Snyder, t a was born in Maryland, and was of German de- scent. He went to Canada and followed agri- culture for a livelihood. He married Mary Rammage and died in 1876. His wife died in 1861. Mr. J. R. Snyder resided in Canada until he was 19 years old, then came to Mecosta County and located the farm which he now owns — a soldier's claim of the war of 181 2, owned by his father — to which he has added another 80 acres by purchase, and has 60 acres under tillage. Mr. Snyder was married March 12, i860, to Sarah A., daughter of William and Abigail Clifton, who was born in 1843, at Cleveland, Ohio, 'i'he children of this marriage are ten in number: William C, Sarah A., Grant, Fred, Nellie M., Glenn W., Mary and Martha (twins), John and Dora V. Politically, Mr. Snyder is a member of the National party. \b ^W^M- ohn P. Runyan, fanner on sec. 19, Deer- wM. fi<^ld Tp., was born in Franklin Co., Ind.^ ■ IS?'*^ Aug. 18, 1822. He is a son of Thomas ^1^ and Hannah (Stein) Runyan, both natives oi New Jersey, where they were married. In the year 1812 they removed to Indiana and there resided 14 years, going thence to Ohio, wliere they remained till death. Mr. Runyan was born two years before the admission of Indiana into the Union, and accompanied his parents to Ohio. He was at home until the age of 19, attending school and working on the farm with his father. At that age he was employed on the public works, building locks three years. Afterward he followed the occupa- tion of carpenter and joiner until 1878, with the ex- ception of the period spent in the Union army. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the 14th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., Co. A, and was in the service four years, receiv- ing honorable discharge in October, 1865. Among other engagements he was on duty in the battle of the Wilderness, siege of Richmond and before Peters- burg. He received a slight saber wound by accident, which was his sole casualty. Mr. Runyan came from Ohio to Michigan in 1878 and bought 40 acres of land, which had been partly improved, on sec. 30. This he afterwards sold and bought ])roperty in Morley, of which he retained pos- session but a short time. In politics he is a Rejiub- lican, and is a member of the ( )rder of Odd Fellows. He was Deputy Sheriff while in Ohio and tilled sev- eral minor offices. He was married in Indiana, Oct. 5, 1S44, to Lizzie, daugliter of Piatt and Orilla Squires. She died Sept. 18, 1881. Two children born of this marriage are both deceased. He was again married June 29, 1882, in Big Rapids, to Sarah J., daughter of Jolni H. and Minerva (Bullock) Un- derwood, and widow of Krastus .\. Watrous, who died Aug. 19, 1880. The parents of Mrs. Runyan were natives of New York, where the mother died, in Chautauipia County. The father died near Peters- i Si/ (H^. .<2t„ -^^^^f^ — ^7K-^ii!i:A £^- 4^^5C<®Ai if5-«^ ■>««€^ ■t=r-7 <:Ilti:o:illlr>r -?t^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. A :« V 293 burg, Va. Hale S. Watrous, born May 18, 1880, was the only issue of the first marriage of Mrs. Runyan. She is prominent in the Baptist Church. ustice W. Tenney, deceased, was a native & of Livingston Co., N. Y., born Sept. 28, 181 1. His father, William Tenney, was of English e.\traction, and a farmer by occupa- tion. Mr. Tenney remained at home until the age of 20, when he came to Walled Lake, Oakland Co., Mich., where he was married, in 1839, to Marilla Loomis, a native of Michigan. Af- ter their marriage they moved to Kent Co., near Grand Rapids, and lived on a farm. Mrs. Tenney died in 1853. In 1856 Mr. Tenney came to Green Tp., and settled on sec. 30, where he purchased 300 acres of land. He was again married in 1857, to Mrs. Maretta Willis, widow of George S. Willi;, of Muskegon County, who died in 1853. Slie was born in Water- ville, Lamoille Co., Vt., June 4, 1833, and is a daugh- ter of John and Mary (Lowater) Millington, the former a native of England and of Scotch-Irish an- cestry; both parents are deceased. Of her first marriage, one child was born, Lyman G. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tenney are Herberts., Minnie M., Frank J. and Charles H. ^\'illian1 is deceased. Mr. Tenney died March 8, 1859. Mrs. Tenney is living with her four children on the homestead, consisting of 105 acres of land, a large proportion of which is under tillage. Mr. Tenney's children by his first wife are, Orlando L., Maynard T., Harriet M. and P^lla M. ; Alonzo and Frederic are deceased. =«==i- I? n \ aniel Horton, book-keeper and clerk in the |[f mercantile house of T. C. Gardener at Remus, was born in Tioga Co., Penn., July 1;, 1850, and is a son of Seneca and Catherine (Uuckbee) Horton, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother of New York. The family came to Michigan in 1864 and settled in Wheatland Tp. Mr. I lorlon passed the first 20 years of his life after tlie method of farmers' sons generally, and was married Fel). 4, 1870, to Mary, daughter of Ezra and Jane (lirown) Mansfield, who was born Feb. iS, 1S54, in GeneseeCo., N. Y., of which State her parents were na- ^ tives. She accompanied them to Michigan when (juitc (4 young. Mr. and Mrs. Horton settled on a farm of *-:^' 40 acres on sec. 25, Wheatland Tp. On this Mr. 1 Horton labored until he had put 20 acres in a fit con- \ffj dition for cultivation. He operated as an agricultur- ist some years, eventually leaving his farm to engage in the general store of his brother at Millbrook, where he remained until February, 1881, the date of his entering upon his present duties in the establisli- ment of Mr. Gardener. He has the entire manage- ment of the business at Remus, and enjoys the un- restricted confidence of his principal, who is a non- resident, he having during the current year {1883) fixed his dwelling place at Big Rapids. Mr. Hoiton is a Republican in politics, and has been for some time Township Clerk. Mr. and Mrs. Horton have had four childien, viz.: Orville E., born June 15, 1871; Fred E., Sei)t. 21, 1874; Effie J., Oct. I, 1876 (died Nov. 4, 1S.S7); Carrie M., Oct. 15, 1882. -'^MsA: Ijfj^tephen A. Gates, M. D., practicing phy- \gf- sician, Millbrook village, was born at Al- C s <> :< Ky W*^ bany, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1855. His parents, A A. A. and Jane (Averill) tiates, were natives \ of Otsego Co., N. Y , where the mother died when the son was but two years of age. The father died in 1872 Mr. Gates attended the ward schools of Albany until he was 17 years of age, after which he was a student at the high school of Otsego, and was engaged in the jirofession of teaching nearly three years. On reaching man's estate he began the study of his profession in the office and under the direction of Dr. J. W. Still, of Morris, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he read medicine one year, going thence to Buffalo, to attend a course of medical lectures. He ne.vt went to Albany for the same purix)se, and studied in the office of Dr. J. S. Mosher until the spring of 1878, when he comi)leted his studies and received his diploma. He remained in Morris during the first year after entering ujwn the career of a medical practitioner, and met with flatter- ing success; but owing to ill health, relinipiished his business, with all its promise, to seek another field I better adapted to tlie exigencies of the case. In C i ^7^^r 6 1 (^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 1879 he came to Michigan and engaged in teaching in Ionia and Montcahn Counties, where he was occu- pied nearly two years, when he resumed the practice of medicine in Ionia County, coming shortly after to Mecosta County, and fixing his residence at Mill- brook in the fall of 188 1. His business has increas- ed satisfactorily from the outset, and he has an extending practice and a permanent place i)i the con- fidence of the community that patronizes him. Dr. Gates was married in Ionia County, July 21, 1882, to Arminda E., daughter of John and Eliza Taft, who was born in Ionia County, whither her parents removed from New York, their native State. One child was born of the marriage of the Dr. and Mrs. Gates: Myrtie M., born July 8, 1S81, and died July 16, 1883. Dr. Gates is an adherent of the Republican party, and himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. ♦• ^=^ 4^1^^ ? « r fffUA',^ aleb V. Hane, druggist, Remus, was born t' Lk-il )''^ '" Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1853. He %^^^ is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Barron) |JlV| Hane, natives of Pennsylv,Tiiia. In 1855 the W parents came to Lebanon, Clinton Co., Mich., where the son attended the common schools until he was 15 years old. He finished his educa- tion at the graded school at Maple Rapids, where he was a pupil three years. On completing his course of study he entered the drug store of Mr. McDon- ald at that place, where he was a clerk three years. In 1873 he returned to Lebanon and worked two years on a farm. He was married in Clinton County, March 26, 1875, to Flora, daughter of Albert and Lydia (Anersley) Cross, natives respectively of New York and Ohio, and of English and Welsh descent. Mrs. Hane was born in Madison Co., Ill, April 18, 1854. Her parents removed to Maple Rapids when she was eleven years old, where she was educated. Mr. Hane passed the year succeeding his marriage on a farm. The next year he went to Maple Rapids and operated a few months in the grocery business, going thence to Pompei, Gratiot Co., and there em- barked in the drug trade. He ct)ntinued to carry on his affairs there until the fall of iSSo, when he went to Fowler, Clinton Co., and a short time after founded his present business at Remus. His stock includes all druggists' goods and is valued at $r,5oo, with an- nual sales aggregating $2,000, and business interests constantly increasing. Mr. Hane is a Republican and is Clerk of the vil- lage of Remus. One child is included in the family circle, Jessie, born June 28, 1876. The property of Mr. Hane embraces 120 acres of partly improved land in Isabella County, 80 acres of timber land on sec. 21, 40 acres on sec. 16, of Wheatland Tp., Me- costa Co., and 120 acres in the township of Sheridan. Vrl oseph A. De Long, fanner, sec. 22, Wheat- ^ffl,'_ land Tj)., is the son of Martin and Mary ?^/;Pn' (Edmonds) De Long, natives of New Eng- land, and of French descent, who located in the State of New York soon after their mar- riage. Mr. De Long was born in Erie Co., N. Y., July 31, 1826. In 1830 his parents removed to Victoria Co., Can., where he was married May 20, 1847, to Almira, daugliter of David and Anna (McKague) Brintnall, who was born Oct. 18, 1826, in Northumberland Co., Ont. Her parents were natives respectively of Vermont and Ireland. Mr. De Long was occupied in farming in various locali- ties until the autumn of 1864, when he fi.xed his resi- dence in Wheatland Tp., on 80 acres of wild land, where he has since lived and [irosecuted his farming and other interests. Mr. De Long is a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Children : Laura, born June 16, 1848; Eliza A., Nov. i, 1850; Almeron, May 18, 1852; Clarissa, March 13, 1854 (died Jan. 2,. 1858); Harrison, March 10, 1856; William, April 20, 1858; Melissa, June 29, i860; Benjamin, Sept. 24, 1862; John, March 18, 1865, and Martin, Aug. i, 1S67. — i- -^M^ -S- ^ athan Swishei', farmer, sec. 21, Wheatland Tp., resident at Remus, was born in Allen Y^ Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1837. His parents, Michael and Salome (Stukey) Swisher, were 4 natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. ' Previous to their marriage they were residents of Ohio and removed tlience, later in life, to Whitley I ^e^|« -^^^^ — '^A^^nnr^^niif^ 4=4- •^^^^ i^'^m zr-i^*- ■>i<^^^ *7<-^ni]:o:iinr> MECOSTA COUNTY. r^^^ -•*-.rf\ I] > A >^ V 5. -s m 297 Co., Ind. Mn Swisher enlisted when he was 24 years old as a soldier for the Union. He enrolled in the 17th Ind. Vol. Inf., Aug. 28, 1S62. Hisioin- niand was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and during his period of service he participated in 42 imiwrtant actions, besides taking part in numer- ous minor affairs. Among the [jrincipal battles were Hoover's Gap, Duck River, Columbia, Tenn., and Nashville, Farmington, Lookout Mountain, etc. He went through all without wound or capture, though his clothing was more than once riddled with bullets, and a horse was shot under him on- one occasion. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865. On his return from the war he was married in Van \\ert Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1865, to Esther, daughter of Lot and Margaret (Arnold) Meeker, natives of New York. After farming two years in Ohio, he came to Michigan and bouglit a farm containing 80 acres of forest in Wheatland Tp., now the site of the village of Remus. Later he bought 120 acres additional, making 200 acres, which is in good condition. Mr. Swisher is erecting a substantial residence, at an ex- penditure of $1,500. Mr. and Mrs. Swisher have had nine children: Joseph M., Roscoe P., Enos, I^. G., William, A. O., Arnold, Stukey, Nathan R. and Lou. B. Arietta M. is deceased. Mr. Swisher is a Republican in politics, and has been Treasurer of Wheatland nine years. He is a member of the Order of Good Templars, and himself and wife belong to the M. E. Church. !____, illiam T. Jones, manufacturer of lumber, >L|Uj|! shingles, etc., resident at Morley, was born at Waterdown, Wentworth Co., LTp- P per Canada, March 10, 1847. His father, Ezekiel Jones, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to C'anada when he was 1 1 years of age. He readied man's estate, and married in the Dominion, where he resided until 185 1, in which year he came to Micliiganand settled in Croton, Ne- waygo County, where he interested himself in lum- bering, and kept a hotel until his death in 1854. This journey to Micliigan was made by Mr. and Mrs. Jones and family in a wagon, the distance from Waterdown being 400 to 500 miles. Jane (Thomp- son) Jones, mother of the subject of this sketc h, re- turned to her native i>rovince after t'r.e death of her husband, and is still living at Waterdown. Mr. Jones obtained a fair education in the schools of his native town, and there commenced his busi- ness life, working as a salesman in a mercantile house six years, after which he established himself in busi- ness with a ])artner, under the firm name of Jones, Burns & Co., for the sale of general merchandise. He sold out at the end of three years and came to Michigan, locating at Morley. He at once engaged in the lumber trade, and, under the firm name of Cook, Pendleton & Jones, began the manufacture of shingles. This relation lasted one year, when Mr. Pendleton withdrew, and the business was maintain- ed by Messrs. Cook & Jones until the death of the former in 18S2. Since that event Mr. Jones has con- tinued to conduct tlie liusiness in his own interest. He is also associated in the proprietorship ar.d man- agement of a grist-mill at Morley, with William Hugh. The personal history of Mr. Jones is marked by the same qualities which characterize the records of so many of the substantial citizens of Mecosta County. He inherited thrift and energy, was trained to indus- trious habits, and built up his business and fortune by economy and the exercise of good judgment in his operations. He enjoys the confidence of the com- munity where he lives, and has aljly discharged his obligations as the incumbent of various township offices. He has belonged to the Masonic fraternity since 1868, and is a member of the Lodge ''Strict Observance," No. 27, and Royal Arch Chapter No. 2, at Hamilton, Ont. Mr. Jones was married in Mecosta Co., Mich.i .\ug. 24, 1881, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late John T. and Sarah A. J. (Dow) Cook, the former a native of ('onnecticut, the latter born in Boston, Mass. Mrs. Jones was boin in Earlville, 111., Sept. 14, ^'^Al- i'olitically Mr. Jones has always been a member of the Republican party, and has labored for its ad- vancement and prosperity. As a prominent and representative citizen of Me- costa ("ounly, and a gentleman worthy the position, we i)lace the portrait of .Mr. Jones in this Album. )im^^ ^^>^f^ \^M>^ "^€^^ -•»?4-s (« f^rj;^ ev<>nii>^nni> -«sS MECOSTA COUNTY. ) A •^ s> '.) Q^ t.V^ o - — " oOo E-ames HuUinger, druggist, Mecosta village, £. was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., March 6, [sB^'t' 1842. His father, Dr. William Hullinger, was a practicing physician for 40 years. He was a pioneer of Hillsdale Co., Mich., and was connected with its settlement and the found- ing of the village known as Basswood Corners. He cut seven linden trees, from which he constructed a house — the nucleus, as it proved, of a village of respectable dimensions, which received its name from the variety of wood which entered into the con- struction of the first house erected on its site. Dr. Hullinger was a man of adventurous character, and spent much lime in travel. He went to Cali- fornia in 1849, setting out from Reading, with four yoke of oxen, traveling with them on foot from Port Sarnia, at which place he left his company, and reached the land of golden promise six months in ad- vance of the cattle. He went four times to Califor- nia, once to Pike's Peak, and once to the Black Hills He is now living in retirement, at Munica, Ottawa Co., Mich. At the age of 17 Dr. Hullinger went to Hillsdale College, and after two years of study there enlisted in the Union army, enrolling in the Fourth Mich. Vol. Inf., under Col. Dwight A. Woodbury. He was discharged June 20, 1864. During its period of ser- vice the regiment to which he belonged was in 42 engagements. He was detailed as Hospital Steward, and passed the lime of- his enrollment in the dis charge of the duties of that position. On his return from the war he entered upon active preparations for the calling of a carpenter and builder, and was engaged at Stanton two years in the manufacture of shingles. He was making fair prog- ress in that business, when a disastrous fire destroy- ed his mill, and he was obliged to seek employment at his trade. He came to Mecosta, Mecosta County, reaching there the 20th day of October, 1879. He imme- diaiely set about the erection of the building in which he now prosecutes the business that he established, on his location in the village of Mecosta, sheltering his stock of merchandise in a small shanty near his store, until the latter building was in readi- ness for use. His slock was valued at $600: it now represents $2,000, and includes all goods common to a first-class drug store, and suited to the local de- mand. His annual sales amount to $8,000. Mr. Hullinger was married to Vanchie, daughter of Z. B. and Jane A. Stillson, born in Huron Co., Ohio. Two sons — Bailey, born June 6, 1866, and Otto K., born Sept. 16, 1870 — are included in the household. The eldest son is his father's assistant in the drug store. Mr. Hullinger is a member of the A. O. U. W., and himself and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday- school three years. 'vt£a2/©^^*— ^3 ^^^i^.-^Amm^ ■AAi4u |l^^^[lexander Thompson, farmer,' sec. 14, Green S%#lf' Tp., was born in Scotland, July 28, 1814, ?^ter^ and is a son of John and Jeannette (Twed- 'aj|*,^ del) Thompson, natives of " Auld Scotia," ;!?•*■ where they lived and died, — thefatherin 1816, ) when the son was but two years old. Mr. Thompson remained at home with his mother until he was 34 years old, occupied with the business of cloth-making. He came to the American continent in 1848, landed at New York, then went to dault, Can. He returned to the "Stales" at the end of the year and located in Mercer Co., Pa., where he found em- ployment at his trade. He worked there 18 months, then went to the factories at Indianapolis, where he remained four years. In the fall of 1854 he went back to Scotland and was there employed as a wea- ver. In 1858 Mr. Thompson was married to Agnes, daughter of James and Margaret (Richmond) Mor- ton, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Nov. 21, 1825. Her parents were natives of that place, and there lie buried. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had four children ; John, born April 12, 1859; James M., March 21 1861 ; Margaret M., Jan. 18, 1863 (now Mrs. John Lord); Jeannette, June 21,1867, died May 19, 1882. Early in the fall of 1861, Mr. Thompson, with his wife and two children, sailed for the United States. They landed at New York and then went to Trum- bull Co., Ohio, where he followed his occupation un- til the spring of 1868, when he came to Mecosta County. He located at once upon a farm containing ^^^ ■^^Il!l^lllli>^^- 4^^f -^^f^^^^f^ crv<:IlIi:v •1^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. i6o acres of land. Forty acres of his orignal tract are now under cultivation. Mr. Thompson is a Re- publican of the most faithful type. - >t *■ t-'fs-c ^^-J<- V ^ 1 ? ^fe^B^'atthew Dopp, farmer, sec. 25. Wheat- /liWHTlfi ].||^^j j-jj^ ^^^ \)ox\\ July 12, 1840, in Ivorain Co., Ohio, and is a son of John 5'^^ and Permelia (Reynolds) Dopp, who came /y!jS to ^[ichil;an in 1S43. He was cared for by h> liis parents until he was nine years old, when he went to live with a neighbor. When 11 years old he began a life of labor, finding employ- ment on farms as best he could. He was just entering manhood when the civil war broke out, and, not long after he had passed his minority, he yielded to the influences which swayed the entire nation, and became a soldier, enlisting in the First Michigan Cavalry, Aug. 22, 1861, under Col. Broadhead. He saw much active service, being in action at \\in- chester and Cedar Mountain, as well as in numerous minor engagements. He was discharged Dec. 18, 1S63 and re-enlisted within the same month in the same regiment, with Col. Tower commanding. He was in the Army of the Potomac, and was in much hard service, receiving his final discharge March 22, 1866. He was wounded once, and once taken pris- oner, being sent to the famous " Libby " at Rich- mond, Va., but was exchanged after three montlis confniement. After being mustered out he came to C'ass Co., Mich., and July 31, 1866, was mariied to Hattie, daughter of W'orden and Louisa (Spicer) Wells. After that event he located in Kalamazoo County, and a year later came to Mecosta County, where he has since been a resident. He is a farmer, on 40 acres of land in Wheatland i'l). Children : Laura J., born Sept 24, 1872 ; Mary A., May 5, 1878 ; John R., June 15, 1880; Hattie P., Aug 17, 1882. Jl^^^athaniel Mitchell, farmer on sec. 26, .'Kina Tp., was born July 29, 1840, in Vates Co., N V. He is a son of James and Susan (Weston) Mitchell, and until he was 21 years ,1^ old he remained at home occupied with agricul- tural matters on his father's farm. In 1861 he came to Mecosta County, and, becoming interested in the fate of the Union, he enlisted Jan 4, 1865, in the 1 oth Michigan Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was in action only twice during the period of enlistment. Previous to entering the army he was actively interested in farming projects, and on return- ing he again threw all his energies into the plans and purposes of his life. He owns 80 orres of land, with 20 acres under tillage. He is a Democrat and is at present serving his township as Overseer of High- ways. Mr. Mitcliell was married in 1861, to Emily M., daughter of David and Electa (Woodford) Ackerman, of Newaygo County, who was born Feb. 24, 1839. Freddie O. Mitchell, adopted son, was born Feb. 15, 1876. They are Universalists. ^^a,; illiam H. Bump, farmer, sec. 25, Wheat- ^^®J||^ land Tp., was born in Wyoming Co., X. Y. "^i^-"'"''^ Oct. 7, 1832. He is a son of William and '*Q> Anna (Baker) Bump, natives of New York. .'i\fs All the education he obtained was acquired before he was 1 2 years old. At that age he be- gan life for himself as a farm assistant, working for the common compensation of the kind of labor he was able to perform — $3 per month. Tiiis career was followed until the fall of 1849, when, in company with his |)arents, he emigrated to Waukesha Co., Wis. On reaching there he readily found em])loy- nient, and was in various positions as a farm laborer for the six years following. He was married Oct. 7, 1855, to Marcia J., daughter of James and Marcia (Bull) Klock, natives of New York, who was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., June 29, 1836, and in her child- hood accompanied her parents to the Badger State. .\fier his marriage Mr. Bump was engaged in the hnnber trade, together with other [)ursuits, until the period of the .Southern rebellion. Before the revolt of the slavery element had attained a year's growth he became a soldier. He ei.listed Jan. 18, i86i,in the three-months service, enrolling in the Fifth Wis. Reg. Vol. Inf., Co. I'", Captain Bean. At the expira- tion of three months he returned to his former em- ployment as a farmer and lumberman, operating until .•Vug. I, 1862, when he again crlisted, in the 28ih Wis., Co. F, in connnantl of Col. Lewis. Aftera ser- vice of 13 months he was discharged fur disability, and on rejoining his family he resolved on a transfer V^ ( T I ^^^ ■^"^^ ■^m>\w:y^ •:^. Wi m i?i#*- rs^^^ T5^r <^Dn^Dii^> ">s*\k.ir -»^ 300 S T ^ / V > f MECOSTA COUNTY. to the county of Mecosta. In the spring of 1863, he bought a farm in Wheathind Tp., containing 120 acres of land, and moved here with his family. He has since purchased 60 acres additional, making a tract of 180 acres, 85 of which are under the plow. Mr. Bump is a progressive farmer, and is managing his agricultural interests to the best possible advan- tage. He is a liberal Democrat in political principle, and is present Constable of his township. Children: Fannie A., born Aug. i, 1857; Anna S., Dec. 24, i860; William J. G., May 18, 1861 ; Mary E., Sept. 22, 1867; Geo. F., March i, 1866, died March 23, 1866. ^(j'f^^ewis Swarthout, farmer, sec. 36, Deerfield Tp., was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 9, 1833. He is a son of James and Rhoda (Reynolds) Swarthout, natives of the Em- pire State. His father was a farmer and went to Erie Co., Pa., where he remained three years, then returned to Seneca Co., N. Y., where he died, in July, 1847. Mr. Swarthout was brought up in Seneca County in the manner common to farmers' sons of that day. After the death of his father, he in 1850 moved to Erie, Pa., and in 1856 came to this county and took up a homestead under the State law of Micli- igan. This was several years previous to the organi- zation of the township, and the forest was in its primeval candition. Mr. Swarthout has cleared and cultivated 80 acres of land. In March, 1861, a meeting was held for organization purposes, in which was represented the present towns of Hinton, ^■Etna, Millbrook and Deerfield. The delegates were George Gilmore, Samuel Rose, George Brady, Lysander Quigley, George Quigley, Lewis Swarthout, Elam Sanborn, Frederick Luther, Frank Hinton and George Hinton, — ten in number. The meeting was held at the house of Frederick Luther (/Etna Tp), and Mr. Rose was ap^x)inted clerk, and also elected Township Clerk, with George Gilmore, Supervisor. Mr. Swarthout has held various school and township offices. He was inarried Sept. 16, 1854, to Charlotte E. Trowbridge, who was born in the State of New York, and their childien are Ch.irles E., Aliiha T., Minnie, Frank and Bert; James M. and Jessie N. are de- ceased. Mr. Swarthout has acted generally with the Democratic element. He now resides at Lake View, Cato Tp., Montcalm Co., Mich. y^ ^ Hin- ~i? 17?: (\-- dgar O. Phelps, farmer, on sec. 13, • I (^;j*pi^'" ton Tp., is a son of Joseph and Louisa ; _ j^ % (Hogle) Phelps, natives of Vemiont, and pioneers of the State of New York. Mr. Phelps was born in Vermont, Jan. 13, 1830, and lived in the Empire State until the age of 20 years, when he went to Canada and there engaged in fann- ing about 20 years. In the fall of 1870 he came to Michigan and settled at Grand Rapids, working nearly two years in the pineries. He came to Me- costa County in 1872 and purchased 80 acres of forest land in the township of Hinton, most of which is now under tillage. Mr. Plielps is an adherent of the Democratic party and its interests. He was mar- ried in Canada, May 10, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of John and Polly (Johnson) Burrison, natives respect- ively of Vermont and Canada. The mother died Ma) 27, 1879, at the hospital at .\nn Arbor, whither she went for treatment for a tumor. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are all living and were born as follows: Charles E., Oct. 12, 1853; William E., Jan. 13, 1855; James H., in M.-irch, 1857; Edgar O., Jr., in 1859; Truman N., May 21, 1863. ll^^a/lexander N. Tompkins, lumberm2n, resi- dent at Allona, Hinton Tp., was born in '^ I'anada, Aug. 12, 1848. His father, Geo. !)fhs" L. Tompkins, was a native of the State of New ||^ York, and the mother of Canada; in 1867 they j came to Michigan and located in Ottawa County, coming thence to Big Rapids, where the mother died, in March, 1871; the father is living in Wexford County. At 14 years of age Mr. Tompkins was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade, but after eight months was compelled to abandon the project on account of difficulty with his eyes, and he remained at home one summer. The next season he worked on a farm and after that was engaged in lum- bering for two years. When he was 19 years old, in the fall of 1867, he came to Michigan, and in the fall M^^^^^ ■^•^^^ j::^ -^m-^M^Yr^. — "^^^^ " >} ) @xx ^ :> 0) I 1 ^^1 V^)>A^)«X?^^ ">«^i«J,'''i^ J) ^ MECOSTA U^> COUNTY ^^^MM 30 ' S^ of 1868, to Mecosta County, where he has since lived, engaging in milling and lumbering. He is now operating the shingle mill owned by H. J- Brown in Altona and employs nine men. He is working under a four years' contract and the mill [iroduct is about 35,000 shingles daily. Mr. Tompkins is identified with the Republican party, and is a men^ber of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Tompkins was married at Cadillac, Mich., in November, 1877, to Martha E., second daughter of Levinas and Velinda (Scouten) Engle. Her parents were natives of the .State of New York, who came to Allegan Co., Mich., in its pioneer days and afterwards went to Wexford Connty, where they now reside. Mrs. Tompkins was born in Allegan County, July 24, 1854, and after she was 14 years old supported her- self until her marriage. One child was born of this marriage — Carrie, July 23, 1879. orace Eoach, farmer and lumberman, on r sec. 19, Deerfield T\^., was born March 22, 1820, in Argyle, Washington Co., N. V. He is a son of Edward S. and Betsey (Reed) Roach, natives of Vermont, who settled in New York in pioneer days. They afterward 'came to Michigan and located in Monroe County, and later, in Calhoun County, going thence to Barry County, where after a residence of 12 years the father died. His death occurred in the springof 1871 ; the mother is still living, with a son in Barry County. Mr. Roach remained uniler the care of his i)arents until he was [6 years of age, when he came to Mich- igan, and resided in Wliiteford five years, then re- turned to the State of New York, coming back lo Michigan five years later when lie purchased 80 acres of land in St. Joseph County, for which he paid §3 an acre. He built thereon a small frame house and proceeded to improve his property. He was enabled two years later to purchase an additional So acres adjoining, which he increased in five years to 240 acres of farming land of a high grade. This was his home nearly 13 years. In 1857 he exchanged this property for 500 acres of limber land in Cass ^) County, on which there was a steam saw-mill, having ^ a capacity of 12,000 feet per diem., The mill was ^^5^^ — ^^DB:^ destroyed by fire a year later, and was without delay Vf replaced by a more valuable structure, with a ca[)ac- ■■ #^€i^<^# ^"^ I he "christian P. Mynning, Supervisor u f I'ifth ward at Big Rapids, and grocer by ^ ity of 15,000 feet daily. This mill Mr. Roach man- aged two years, employing 10 men. He made a second exchange of i)roperty in i860, for 200 acres of improved land with good buildings, and situated ad- jacent to his old farm in St. Joseph County. 'I'his he 0[ierated si.x years, and sold for $13,000. He then removed to Ionia County, and passed six years in lumbering. He- made a purchase of 180 acres ot land in Ionia County, under partial cultivation, and also 640 acres of pine land in Montcalm County. He combined the business of a clothier in lotiia wiih his other interests, hiring laborers to perform the farm duties. In 1872 he disposed of his entire property by sale, and bought 400 acres of pine land in the townshi[) of -Ktna, Mecosta Co., and also a shingle mill in Morley, which he operated until 1879. He again sold out all his interests and bought 200 acres in Deerfield Tp., with limited improven.ents. Of this latter purchase 120 acres are under a good state ol cultivation. = Mr. Roach was married in Detroit, Oct. 20, 1845, '^' to Caroline E., daughter of Charles and Polly (Burt) =: Macomber, natives of the State of New York, who came to Michigan in 1844, locating in St. Joseph County, where the father died in 1S75. Her mother resides at Three Rivers, Mic h. Mr. Roach saw the first train of cars tlia» passed from Albany to Schenectady, and was also an observ- er of the first train which ran in the Peninsular State, going from Toledo to Adrian. The latter was ren- dered a conspicuous event by the f;ict that hundreds of Indians were present on that occasion. Mr. R. is an outs[X)ken, zealous Republican, has often been proffered offices of trust in the various localities where he has resided, but always declined. The family attend the M. Iv Church. ( ^ A V c i vocation, is a native of Denmark, and was ^'.' 'ilXo ''Of" Jan. 21, 1850. He came to -America in '.y m the fall of 1 87 1, and located at Big Rapids, ^ where he was variously enniloyed until Octo- * J ber, 1 882, when he formed a partnership with Thomas v r'l'mjy M'^*»«^^ iin;:> S!^'^^^ 4^^?^'>(®: \ii.Z.-J trr^iu n "^ n n>^ v'o > g^^ MB.COSTA COUNTY. P. Mortenson, in the grocery trade, which relation still exists, and the firm is transacting a lucrative and increasing business. Their store is owned by Mr. Mynning, and the slock comprises full lines of goods common to the trade. Mr. Mynning was married in Denmark, Sept. ig, 187 I, to Johanna Sorenson. They have four chil- dren — Charles, Holker, Soren and Mary. Mr. Mynning was elected to his present position in the spring of 1881, and re-elected in the spring of 1883. The family attend the Lutheran Church. -JQ= T~T ? 7 ■£i- >:} V 7(^1 rederiek Walch, farmer, sec. 13, Wheat- ■ RS^T ''^""^ "^l'"' '^ '■'^^ *°" "^ Michael and Mar- \k^f^''^'<< garet (Wolf) Walch, both of whom were -, ^fe natives of France, and of German descent. yjk He was born in the Province of Auvergne, J ]'■ ranee A\ig. 20, 1839. He received a fair education in German, and was a laborer on the rail- road and canal which were then in process of l)uild- ing through the section where he was born and reared. He left his native land in thespringof 1857, and came to Ontario, Can., where he was a farm laborer. He was married in Waterloo Co., (Jnt,, in ') March, 1863, to Margaret, daughter of Jasper and Margaret (Horn) ()tteri)eign, natives of Germany, where Mrs. Walcli was born, Aug. 15, 1844. Her parents came to ,\merica and located in Waterloo Co. when she was ten years old. After his marriage Mr. Walch was a farmer in Waterloo County until 1865. In that year he removed to Montcalm Co., Mich., and settled at Greenville. He was there employed four years in a saw-mill. In 1869 lie came to Wiieat- land T])., and bought 40 acres of wild land, to wliich he has since added 80 acres. Of this land he has l)y his own exertions placed 60 acres under the best im|)rovements. Mr. and Mrs. Walcli have buiied five of their nine children. Tiie four surviving are as folio »'s: I'hilip, born Feb. 14, 1862; Margaret, Oct. 2, 1865; Fred- eric, Nov. 15, 1872; Dora, Feb. 18, 1879. John , died in infancy; Angeline, born July 5, 1868, died in ^ August, 1880; Michael, liorii Ocl. 2 I, 1870, died Oct. ■',) 31, 1876; I.aura, liorn Jan. i, 1875, died July 25, ^ 1879; Ivillie M., iiorn Nov., '76, died Aug. 1, 1879. ^ f Mr. Walch has not yet procured his papers of citizen- ■ship; himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. eorge Helms, farmer on sec. 23, Deerficld Tp., was born in the Keystone State, Jan. * 3,1810. His parents, Conrad and Mary ^ (Swaggart) Helms, were born in Pennsylvania, and removed to Muskingum Co., Ohio, where they were among tlie first settlers. They went thence to Whitley Co., Ind., where they round- ed the period of their lives. Mr. Helms passed nearly 30 years of his life in tlie Huckeye State. Removing thence, he came to Mecosta County and purchased 80 acres of land, with nine acres cleared, and an orchard of 50 apple-trees. He has been a thrifty and judicious farmer, and has 40 acres under . the plow. He afterward purchased 1 20 acres more, which he has since sold He has been an active and zealous Republican since the organization of the party. Mr. Helm was married in 1834, in Muskingum Co., Ohio, to Sarah, daughter of William and FJiza- beth ((Jougar) Linton, natives of Pennsylvania. Of I I children born to Mr. and Mrs. Helms, three died in infancy — Henry W., James H., and Wesley C. 'I'he record of those yet surviving is as follows : Geo. W., born Oct. 20, 1838; Joshua H., Dec. 11, 1840; Catherine E., April 24, 1845; Hibbard C"., Sept. 6, 1846; Cassius M. C., June 23, 1849; Wil- liam H., June 16, 1851; John L., Jan. 30, 1854; Charles C, April 29, 1858. Aeafifi/tS^^ ^^ — K^il^titWVtv. ohn H. Foster, mason and builder, and IW'' dealer in masons' supplies. Rig Rapids, was born l<"el). 11, 1S42, at Franklin, Me. ^ <>Da>:DDr>^ rivTiyTi. A i< Jp" He is a son of Joseph W. and Harriet (Scani- nions) Foster, and after he had attained the age of 17, s[)ent four years in learning his trade under the sui)ervision of William D. Moore, in Franklin. October 15, 1861, he enlisted in Co. M, First Maine Cavalry, Capt. P. M. Brown, and was in the service nine months, during which time he was in (?i> k wr -^^^K &v<:lll]>:DIlv>r ■5tf€^a;r -*4^^^^^KvA^(^: '^ MtiCOSTA COUNTY. J ) A V .^ .^ 303 V one of the heaviest engagenienls of the war — that of tlie Shenandoah Valley — during the retreat of Gen. Banks He was discharged at \Villianisi»rt, Md., and returned to his engagement with Mr. Moore. A year afterward he went to Calais, Me., spent a year there in pursuit of his trade, and worked a year successively at Richmond, Va., and Portland, Me. He went from the latter place to New York City and vicinity, and there and at Jersey C'ity he constructed a number of fine residences. In 1870 he settled at Big Rapids, wliere he lias since carried on his business, and engaged in lumber- ing on tracts of pine land which he purchased, and put the timber on the market, :uid operated to a con- siderable extent as a contractor, employing 50 men in the busy seasons. Among the buildings of his erection at Big Rapids, are the Baptist Church, the Water ^^'orks, Northern Hotel block, two Teifer blocks, Collins block, tlie L'nion School house, Wil- co.x hardware store, etc., etc. He belongs to the Masonic Order, has l)een Alderman five successive years, Superintendent of the City A\ater Works, and Street Commissioner two years, and is now a mem- ber of the School Board. Mr. Foster was married at Haverstraw, N. Y., Aug. 13, 1868, to Georgiana, daughter of 'I'homas ai:d Mary Dykins, a native of Haverstraw, X. Y. Four ciiildren have been born to them — i'ercv I., Howard \V., Charles and Bertie (deceased). wmK avid W. Barto, fanner on sec. 29, Decr- nJP field Tp., is a son of Orrin M. and Esther (.\verill) P>arto, wlio came from their native , X'ermont, to Kalamazoo Co.. Midi , 111 1S40, and there jiassed the remaining years of their lives. David W. was born in Kalamazoo County, July 4, 1843. He liveil there the first 22 years of his life, and spent the suc- ceeding r8 months in Kansas and Nel)raska. He returned home, and remained two and one-half years, when he again rejiaired to Kansas and pre-empted i6o acres of land. He sold out at the end of four and one-half years, at which time he purchased 80 acres of land in Mecosta County, now his homestead and under partial improvement. Mr. Barto was married in Barry Co., Mich., N'ov. ?»s<4- ^»«S« — =-^m: i Oct. 3, period of enlistment, Aug. 10, 1865. Among the en- gagements where he was under fire were those of the Valley of tlie Shenandoah, Culpepper, Second Hull Run, .\ntietam, ("hancellorsville. Cold Harbor, Beth- esda Church, siege of Pelersbiirg, and a large num- l.'er of skirmishes. On leaving the army he went to Omaha and en- gaged in the insurance business in Nebraska and Iowa. He afterward engaged as traveling salesman for the crockery house of Egner, Foutts & Co., of Liverix)ol, Ohio, in which capacity he served two years. In l''ebruary, 1872, Mr. Beebe came to Big Rapids, and purchased ;i half interest in the grocery of John Wiseman, and six months later purchased the entire stock. In November, 1875, '''^ **o'<^ 'o C. A. Stickney & Co., and in April, 1876, bought out the business of J. H. Kilburn, which he managed until Jan. 9, 1S78, when he formed a co partnership with J. G. Gill, and established his stand where he has since transacted business. May i, 1883, he pur- chased the interest of Mr. (lill. He carries a stock of fancy and staple groceries, flour; feed and grain, valued at $5,000, and transacts an annual business of §65,000. Mr. Beebe was married at Lo: hW rrr -*^%i^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 25, 1870, to Amy L. Pollard, born at M^ilson, Niagara Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe liave three children — Kern, Elmer and Nellie. ^*-^;ffe A 'T^^*ames T. Huntei', farmer, sec. 30, Mecosta "irrfi ^ Tp., was l.iorn Dec. 21, 1S57, in Essex Co., 1(3???'^ N. V. His parents, Robert and Sarah (Curry) Hunter, were born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestors, and soon after their marriage came to Essex Co., N. Y. When Mr. Hunter was 15 years old he came vvith his parents to Big Ra|)ids, and thence, in the fall of 1872, to the township of Mecosta. His father located a tract of land, where he proceeded to found a home for his family. He died in the winter of 18S1, and Mr. Hunter of this sketch received by will 60 acres of this farm, 50 acres of which is in fine farming condition. Mrs. Mary Hall, his sister, acts as the housekeeper and manager of the domestic department. Mr. Hunter is a young inan, but is already estab- lished as a citizen and farmer. His future is promis- ing and he seems destined to a fair rank in the community to which he belongs. He holds to the Presbyterian faith in religious views. filliam H. McPherson, farmer on sec. 1, Hinton r|)., is a son of Cyrus and Mar)' ^i^^^^yryu: L. (Pamfrey) McPherson ; the father a na- 'S^^Otive of Maine, and the mother of New Bruns- wick, where they were married; they fixed their place of residence in Maine and still live there. William H. was born June 2, 185 i, in New Brunswick, where he lived until he was 19 years of age, occupied winters in the lumber woods and spending the summer seasons in the slate ipiarriesof the section where he was reared. For about six years, until he was 25 years of age, he was engaged i solely in the cpiarries. In the spring of 1875 he •,','.' came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land S'. in this township, which is now his homestead, with ^ 32 acres now under advanced improvement. Mr. *) McPherson is a third-degree member of the ()r(!er ^ of Masonry and in [lolitics is a Republican. He was married in Maine, March i, 1870, to Sarah E., eldest daughter of Luke L. and Hannah H. (Daniels) Perry. They were natives of Maine, where Mrs. McPherson was born Sept. 8, 185 i. The house- hold includes four children : Mabel L., born Feb. 2, 187 I ; Melissa E., Aug. 4, 1873 ; Cyrus F., Oct. 3, 1879, and William H., July 21, 1S82. ^ Egff^ dward Gilchrist, farmer on sec. 28, Me- l^^^f costa Tp,, was born in Canada, May 28, 1855. He is a son of Philip and Paulina '^i{£ (Rake) Gilchrist, natives of the Dominion. His i)arents came to Saint Clair Co., Mich., when he was one year old. After a few years they returned to Canada. They afterward came back to Michigan to make a permanent settlement, and located near Port Huron, going thence three years later to Sanilac County, remaining about six years. Edward Gilchrist continued to reside there, antl in the summer of 1871 began to interest himself in lumbering, where he was occupied until 1876. In that year Mr. (Gilchrist bought 40 acres where he now resides in Mecosta Tp. It was then a dense forest and required laborious and unremitting exertion to reduce it to a condition suitable to comfortable sup- port. The place has 15 acres under tillage. Mr. (iilchrist is a Democrat of but moderate pretensions. He is now Director of School District No. 5; has liberal religious views. He was married in February, 1878, to Emma, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Wadsworth) Mong. Her [larenls were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. The daughter was born in Ve- nango Co., Pa., Aug 31, 1859, and came with her par- ents to Michigan in 1869. The tivo children of Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist were born as follows: Jt)hn J., Sept. 9, 1876, and Pearl, Sept. 27, 1880. rfjU^^jr enry B. Wolcott, farmer and lumberman, * T' sec. 15, Millbrook Pp.. was born in iSrad- vl'S^"* '°'^*^ ^'"■' '''^■' •'■'"■ '^' ''^--1' '"^'^'^ '^ '^ ^°" '^^ A Benj. and Betsey (Merrell) Wolcott, the father "r a native of New York, the mother of Pennsyl- I vania. The family went to the State of New N'ork when Mr. Wolcott was 22 years of age, and he ^ I 1 -^^>^if^ — ^^^^-^^Dfl^niiv^ ^ ' O ^^ v?^_ ..•Sa ■<^ ■^ T :N/^v$^«i«ts^" "i^Tii- MECOSTA COUNTY. >^ -i-s- ^ remained an inmate of the household four years longer. He was married at the age of 26 and con- V, tinned to carry on the business of farming there y until he was 31 years old, when he came to Michigan -< and settled in Shiawassee County. He remained ^^ there 18 months and went to De Kalb Co., 111., and engaged in farming three years. His health becom- ing impaired he went back to his native Stale. Dur- ing tne six years of his residence there he held the ]X)sitions of Constable and Collector, and passed the remainder of the time in farming. He came again t to Michigan in 1866, and settled in Millbrook Tp., r where he entered 160 acres of land under the pro- ^ visions of the Homestead Act. f)n this land he erected the second frame house built in the town- ship, and set about clearing the land for agricultural purix)ses, working three years without a team. The results of his persevering energy are manifest in the ap|)earance of his farm, no acres of the original 160 acres being under excellent cultivation. Although ^ ^ lie has bought and sold several hundred acres of land in the townshi)), he has always held his first claim as a homestead. Mr. Wolcott was married in Bradford Co., Pa., Nov. 8, 1849,10 Ruth, second daughter of WnLi.. and Sally (V'osbinder) Taylor. The parents were natives of New York, and settled in Bradford County, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Wolcott was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., March 22, 1832. Of 14 children of Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott, eight are still living, born as follows : Sarah S., Oct. 30, 1850; Lewis E., May 7, 1852; Benjamin L., Dec. 5, 1853; Betsey E., Feb. 29, 1856; Ettie L., Dec. 4, 1863; Ruth A., June 16, 1869; Maurice D., Feb. 26, 1872; Alice M., Nov. 8, 1876. The de ceased are as follows: Ceorge J., born Feb. 17, 1858, died Sept. 19, 1863; Laura L., born June 17, i860, died Sept. 17, 1863; Emma E., born Dec. 30, 1861, died Sei)t. 22, 1863; Charles A., boin April 9, 1868, died April 11, 1868; Mary E., born July 8, 1874, died Feb. 3, 1881; William H., born Dec. 24, 1865, died Nov. 7, 1881. iMr. Wolcott has held the office of Justice of the .,,. Peace four years. Road Commissioner three years. School Director nine years in succession, and lias been a member of the School Board nearly every , year. Both himself and wife are active and prom- ^ ment members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wolcott :0 A yk V > ^ ) was four years a circuit preacher, was regularly or- dained and has officiated two years as a local jireacher. His impaired health compelled him to abandon circuit work, but he is still engaged in his ministerial labors and expects to be so occupied tlie remainder of his earthly life, believing that if he is faithful to the end a crown of eternal happiness will be his reward. *'amuel L. Newton, of the banking house _ of I'airuum \- Newton, Big Rapids, and |;-S^^ whose portrait we place in this work, was ^ born at Hagersville, Ont., Aug. 6, 1861, and is ;Y^ a son of Luther G. and Mary J. (Waters) Newton. In 1865 his parents went to Buffalo, ' N. Y., where his father associated with his uncle, J. S. Newton, embarked in the lumber trade and carried on an extensive business under the style of J. S. & L. G. Newton. Mr. Newton was a pupil at school in Buffalo from four years of age until the second removal of his family to Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where he was again placed at school, and remained a student there until he was 17 yeais old. In 1877 he began a course of study at Hmigevford Collegiate Institute, where he remained four years. At the expiration of that period he came to Big Rapids and engaged as book-keeper in the banking house of Ferdinand Fairman, his guardian. In C)c- tober, 1881, Mrs. Newton purchased an interest in the bank with Mr. Fairman, which her son in turn bought from her on reaciiing his majority (.\ug. 6, 1882), becoming owner of halfits business relations. In every respect he seems fitted for the honorable and imiKjrtant |)rofcssion wliich he has chosen, [hjs- sessing all the essential characteristics reipisite to the calling. The house ol Fairman & Newton ranks among the most solid and reliable of the banking institutions of Northern Michigan. Its affairs are conducted with a sagacity and business acumen which secures the confidence of the public and amplifies its financial relations. The Fairman & Newton block, ranking among the most substantial buililings in Big Rapids, is owned by the firm whose rame it bears. The building on Michigan avenue, occupied by the Mich- igan Cigar Co., is the private properly of Mr. Newlor. I. V ( ^-" ? f ■' ■ • (i % r<'il]|]:>T- M ECO ST A COUNTY. ~*^ r^^ f ffe^^h^?iUiaiii Corbett, fanner, sec. 22, Mecosta Tp., is a native of Scotland, wliere he was born Dec. 7, 1849. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Spears) Corbett, were also atives of "Auld Scotia," and came to this ntr)' with their family, settling in Canada in 53. Si.x years later they came to Michigan. Mr. Corbett was but a lad when he was brought to this country, and was still in early youth when he be- came a resident of the Peninsular State. Until 1873 he worked at various places as a farm assistant, and in that year purchased 120 acres of land ni the town- ship where he is now a citizen, which acreage he has increased by purchase until he now owns a valuable farm containing 160 acres, with 140 acres under cul- tivation and in extraordinarily good condition for agri- cultural purposes. He has made rapid strides in the improvement of his place, and has already erected, in modern style, all buildings necessary to first-class "^ farming, except a suitable residence, vi'hich will soon ^ be added to the substantial attractions of the place. ^ Mr. Corbett was married at Hastings, Mich., May 19, 1877, to Esther J., daughter of Jonas and Re- becca A. (Stanley) Hall. She was born Jan. 17, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Corbett have three children, born as follows: George, Sept. 27, 1879; May E., May 12, 1881 ; Maggie M., Oct. 5, 1882. Politically Mr. Corbett is a Democrat and has held various offices in the gift of his townsmen. The family altend the Presbyterian church. ) -5 <• |fe^.5.>..^ 'jharlesW. Kelley, farmer, sec. 3, Millbrook Tp., was born in Canada, Jan. 16, 1845. H'ffr'"*" ^^ '^^^ '"* °^" fortune to carve, and at ^ ^ the age of 13 commenced the struggle for o|^ home and the future. He was employed as \ a farm laborer, and durnig the first year received fsix dollars a month. He passed some years in this manner in Canada, and in the fall of 1864 came to Ionia, Mich., returning three months later to the Do- minion. After spending a winter at home he re- ^ turned to Ionia County, and not long after, in the \~^ autumn of 1865, came to Mecosta County and r bought I 60 acres of timbered land in Millbrook 'i'p. He has made such good use of his energy and labor that he has put 65 acres in a good state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Kelley was married in Millbrook, April 17, 1870, to Mary E., third daughter of James E. and Rosanna (Purceley) Riley, who was born in New York, April 5, 1854. Her parents came from Ireland and settled in the Empire Slate. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have had six children, five of whom are liv- ing: Rosa M., born Feb. 20, 1872; Myrtie I., March 10,1874; Nora B. Sept. 24, 1876; Ada, March 19, 1877; Eva, Jan. 9, 1879. Rosanna died in infancy. Mr. Kelley belongs to the Republican party. He has held important official po.sitions in the affairs of his township, and himself and wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. ^^^^^*^ Henry Mansfield, farmer, sec. 35, Wheatland Tp., was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. II, 1818. His parents, Josiah and Lucre- tia (Byani) Mansfield, were natives of Massa- chusetts. He passed the years preceding his majority under the care and supervision of his father, attending school and receiving the training and instruction necessary to fit him for his life's work. On leaving home he spent the next four years as a farm laborer. At 25 years of age he was mar- ried to Charlotte, daughter of Elijah and Abigail Brown, that event taking place at Byron, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1842. Mrs. Mansfield was a widow, and survived her second marriage until Dec. 6, 1847, when she died, in Genesee County. Her illness was long and involved her husband in debt to a considerable ex- tent. He was again married May 25, 1848, in Gen- esee County, to Caroline M., daughter of Chauncey and Lorena (Wells) Brown, natives of New England, and respectively of Irish and English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield lived on a farm in the county where they were married until 1867. In the spring of that year they settled on the farm where they are still resident, containing 1 20 acres of land, with 70 acres under advanced cultivation and sup- plied with necessary and suitable farm buildings. The family includes three children, as follows: Chauncey R., born July 12, 1849; Evert J., Jan. 26, 1852; Mary A., May 8, 1855. The parents are in advanced life, but an \ G A n ^ ^^e^^ -^^€»^ .^i^ K-^n!)^iiDi>^ 4>^f M ECO ST A COUNT\ :-.. is a son of Benj. and Betsey (Merrill) Wol- cott, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Connecticut. In early life they settled in Bradford Co., Pa., where they lived more than 40 years. In the spring of of 1856 they came to Shiawassee Co., Micji., .uul after a brief stay went to Illinois. Five years later they returned to the same i:ounty in Michigan and remained three and one-half years, going then to Pennsylvania, and residing there until the fall of 1868, when they came to Millbrook, and lioth died here in the spring of 1878. Mr. Wolcott was born in Bradford Co., Pa., I'tb. 20, 1831, and was the support of his parents as long as they lived. On coming to Milll)rook he entered a claim of 120 acres of land under the homestead a< t, and afterward, in 1869, l)ought 80 acres of land ad- joining. In 1878 he sold 40 acres of this land and in April, 1883, he sold 80 acres; he still holds a valu- able farm containing 80 acres under good improve- ments. He was married in Bradford Co., Pa., Oct. 27, 1881, to Countess 1)., daughter of .A. P. and Es- ther Wolcott. Her parents were natives of Pennsyl- vania, where Esther was born Mr. and .Mrs. Wol- cott had one child, Viola, born May 5, 1883, and died Sept. 10, 1883. Mr. Wolcott is identified with the Democratic party, and lias been Scliool Assessor ten years. dward Harmon, landlord of the Millluook hotel, Millbrook village, was born in Maine, Feb. 14, 1832, and is a son of John and .\nn E. (Martin) Harmon, natives of Maine. The father died in California in 1867' and the mother resides at Boston, Mass. At the age of 16 Mr. Harmon engaged as a lumberman. and also in the river service, which he pursued as a vocation 25 years. In 1859 he left Maine and came to Clearfield Co., Pa., and there engaged in lumber- ing 14 years. He left the Keystone Stale in the fall of 1873 and came to Mason Co., Mich., pursuing the same business at which he had spent so many years of his life, about iS months, during which time he also kept a boarding house. At the termination ol the period named, in 1875, he came to Blanchard, Isabella Co., Mich., and, forming a jjartnership with H. P. Blanchard, continued to jirosecute the lumber trade. At the end of one year this connection closed antl Mr. Harmon .:ame to Mecosta County, and in December, 1876, located at .Millbrook and estab- lished himself in the hotel business, which still monopolizes his time anil energies. His house is the leading one in tliat section antl is the only one in town. Mr. Harmon was married in Pennsylv.inia, May 24, 1861. Mrs. Harmon was born in Center Co., Penn. She has one child by a former marriage, Deb- orah. Mr. Harmon is a Democrat. He has been connected with the Order of Odd Fellows about 20 years; has held the office of Dei)uty Sheriff two and a lialf years, and been Constable one year. Olson Whitbeck, farmer, sec. 22, Mecosta I'p., was born in Wayne Co., N. V., Jan. 26, 1834. His parents, Jasper and Mary "^^rrx' {'^"I'P) Whitbeck, were natives of the State of (, New York His mother died in Michigan, in the 'P spring of 1878, aged 93 years. His father died in Oakland Co., Mich., in the fall of 1882. He was a centenarian, and distinctly remembered the first election of Washington to the Presidency of the United States by ballot. He was a soldier of 181 2, and lived to see the fifth generation of his descend- ants grow up about him. The family removed from Xew York to Michigan, leaving the Empire State Nov. 4, 1838, where the boyhood, youth and early man- hood of .Mr. Whitbeck were passed. After reaching his majority he attended to the conduct of his father's farm, and fnially the old homestead (lassed into his [jossession. In the fall of 1882 he came to Mecosta Tp. and bought 160 acres of land, with 120 acres in good condition ^or farming i)urposes. On this Mr. VS- V I -^*€y^ ■A<^D!i:<>:iiii;>-v=^ — ^^'^cy^ 3'° f o V 1 <>OIi:^OIIv>r-T- MECOSTA COUNTY. ra^^^^ VVhitbeck is at present engaged in progressive farming. He was married March 19, 1857, to Sarah, daugh- ter of Horace and Annie (House) Atwood, of Rose, Oakland Co., where she was horn June 16, 1838. Her father was born in New York and is still living. The mother was a native of New Hampshire. Ada G., born Apiil 27, 1859, and Howard M., born Feb. I, 1S52, are the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Whit- beck. *^ ^- ames Stephens, tarmer, resident on sec. 34, Hinton Ti). (P. O., Lakeview), is a son of ^^r?% Ebenezer and Sarah (Vincent) Stephens. They settled in Canada, where James was born, Jan. 25, 1836. There he resided until Y December, 1865, and then lived in Ottawa Co., -Mich., two years. In the summer of 1867 he bought 80 acres of wild land, of which he has since sold 40 acres, with 18 of the remaining 40 under till- age and on which he lives. He is a Republican in jjolitics. Mr. Stephens was married in Canada, Nov. 10, 1864, to Annie, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Bar- ton. The father was born in England, and the mother is a native of Pennsylvania Mrs. Stejihcns was born in Canada, May 2r, 1844. The five chil- dren of whom slie is the mother are all living, born in the following order: Sarah, April 7. 1867 ; Jesse M., Nov. 30, 186S; Abigail, Dec. 21, 1870; Ebene- zer J., Nov. i6, 1873; Allen J., Dec. 21, 1881. ^^Pjggj harles Main, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook Tp., ^^l^^^iF is a son of George and Margaret Ann pfi^" (Chandler) Main, and was born in Canada, |A^ May 3, 1 84 1. He came to Michigan in *!j<.' the spring of 1865, when nearly 23 years of J age, to prospect and locate land, and in the s[)ring of the following year came to Montcalm County, and was there engaged two years in farming. In the spring of 1868 he came to Mecosta County and bought 100 acres of land, with some improve- ments, in Millbrook Tp. He conducted affairs on this place nearly two years, sold it and purchased another, containing 100 acres, which he likewise sold, and in the spring of 1872 moved into the village of Millbrook to engage in a general mercantile business, having previously formed a partnership with E. S. Decker, under the style of Main & Decker. After conducting their business a year, another partner was admitted and the firm style became Main, Decker & Co. This connection existed five years; during a portion of this period Mr. Main was also interested in the lumber trade. Becoming embarrassed finan- cially, the firm closed its affairs, and Mr. Main again turned his attention to farming; is also keeping a hotel at West Milbrook, which he built in 1882. He is a Republican in politics and has served three years as Supervisor of his township. Mr. Main was married in Canada, Sept. 26, 1864, to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Hunter) Long, all natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Main have had three children, but one of whom, Irving H., sur- vives. Blanche and Richard A. died in infancy. ^JlHJMif^ 'i^ ff)$«$«#« - V <^IID ^^gj' ichael Degear, farmer on sec. 28, Deer- i;.&g4," 'ntXd Tp., was born in the Dominion of i> Canada Feb. 6, 1822. His parents, Mich- WW\" ael and Charity (Cupps) Degear, were also born in Canada, where the former died, in April, 1857, and the latter Aug. 15, 1847. Mr. De- gear remained at the home place until the age of 20, and was variously employed about nine years. He then bought a farm containing 47 acres, which he sold ten years later and removed to the township of Lan- caster, Canada, there renting a farm wliich he car- ried on three years. At the end of that time he went with his family to Kent Co., Mich., and soon afterward selected his present location in this county. He purchased 80 acres of uncultivated land, which he has increased by the addition of 120 acres; he now has 84 acres under tillage. Mr. Degear is an active member of the Republican party and himself and family belong to the Metliodist Church. He was married in the summer of 1S52 to Eliza- lieth, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Drake) Kitchen, natives of New Jersey and residents of Canada. She was torn Jan. 10, 1822. The father died in 1824, the mother two years later. Three of the chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Degear are living, and were \e < ^ (:' ^ j«^ -rv ■Zi^^^ar ^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. born as follows: Berthelda, Sept. i, 1857; Reuben J., Feb. 22, i860; Henry K., Sept. 24, 1861. Sarah died aged 1 2 ; two children died in infancy. I t. >:: V > rederick R. Luther, farmer on sec. 30 .,-Ktna Tp , was borii in Clinton Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, 1808, antl is a son of William and Eunice (Allen) Luther. He was under the paternal roof until 23 years of age, when he came to Michigan and settled in the vicinity of Detroit, and was there engaged in various kinds of farm labor three years. He then went to Wash- tenaw Co., Mich., but reniainetl only a short time, and settled in Lenawee Co., where he pursued farm- ing for five years. In 1839 he went to Ingham County, where he was the first settler in Delhi 'I'p. He was engaged in fanning there until 1869, when he came to Mecosta County and settled in ^Ktna Tp. He owns 160 acres of land, with 60 acres under good improvement. In politics Mr. Luther is a Democrat, and in religious views he is a liberalist. He was married in September, 1835, '" Cornelia, daughter of Peter and Clara (Frisby) Lamoreau.v, natives of New York, born June 19, 1814, and died Aug. 24, 1856. Mr. Luther was married again in Lenawee Co., April 10, 1858, to Mrs. Margaret Priest, daughter of Robert and Phebe (Denney) Shultz. By this marriage one child was born, Aug 21, 1859. Mrs. Luther, by a former marriage, has five children. jj'''obert D. Parks, of the firm of Parks Bros., Mecoslu village, Morton Tp., was born at t^A South Lyon, Oakland Co., Mich., .\pnl 2, 1^^ 1847, and is a son of William R. and Ann E. (Dunlap) Parks. He remained on his father's farm until jo years old, when he Iwas occupied about two years as a farm assist- ant, and then learned the carpenter's trade at .South -•'- Lyon, which he pursued about four years. In company with Robert Dunlap he built a saw, grist and cider mill, which they managed together imlil 1% 1879, when Mr. Parks sold his interest and resumed ^ farming, buying 120 acres of land in Lyon, on which ■^ he resided until May 21, 1883. He then sold out his agricultural interests, came to Mecosta and [luri based the interest of his brother's partner, and has since been engaged in managing the business devolving upon him as half owner of an e.xtensive trade. Mr. Parks owns, besides his property at Mecosta, two village lots in South Lyon. Mr. Parks was married at South Lyon Dec. 9, 1879, to Sarah A., daughter of Walter and Henrietta Bow- ers, born in New Hudson, Oakland Co., Mich. They have two children — Floyd, born at .South Lyon, Sept. 21, 1880, and Stanley, born in Mecosta, June 3, ■883. ^ tn'r. I, aniel H. Ruger, farmer on sec. 32, .Ivtna Ij^^f* Tp., was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Feb. ^f^^r^ 22, 1 814. His parents were David and j^^ Elizabeth (Hagaman) Ruger, and were na- X tivesof New York. When Mr. Ruger was two i years old his father died, and his mother was left with the care and responsibilities of maintaining and educating her children, which she did in the most creditable manner. When Daniel H. was 16 years old he was apprenticed to Wm. Phillips, of his na- tive town, and remained in that service until the death of Mr. Phillips, which occurred in the winter of 183 1. Soon after that he went to Poughkeepsie, N. \'., where he stayed but a few months, then set out to pursue his trade on the "trami) journeyman" plan. I-n 1848 he came to Cass Co., Mich., and pur- chased property in Edwardsburg, where he remained four years following his profession, and was justly considered the leader in the calling which he pur- sued. He next went to Elkhart, Ind., and was there settled until 1863. In that year he enlisted in the Union army, enrolling in the First Michigan Sharp- shooters. He reached a Sergeant's rank and was dis- charged July 23, 1865, having been in si.x severe engagements, each time escaping unhurt. Leaving the army he went to CassoiX)lis, this State, resumed his trade and operated there seven years. In 1S72 he came to .Etna Tp. and settled on 160 acres of land on sec. 32, where he has since operated in farm- ing and lumbering. Mr. Ruger was married in Ontario Co., N. Y., March 13, 1.S36, to Mary I,., daughter of Newbery V. A M- I >:illlsy- .^Sl^'^t^^ J ^•■H'^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -*^ \ ) ?■ A '^ V and Mary (Smith) Lay. The parents were natives of New York, where Mrs. Ruger was born, July 6, 1818. Of 13 children born of this marriage, seven are living: Catharine, born May 21, 1838; Mary E., May 2, 1840; Arabella, Jan 7, (842; Alice A., Jan. 5, 1844; Edna, Jan. 30, 1852; Lillian A., Jan. lo, 1854; Clementina A.. Oct. 10, 1856. Silas H., born April i, 1837, died in infancy, Anna, born March 25, 1840, died in July, 1872; Daniel Smith, born Dec. 10, 1850, died in 1852 ; Dan S., born July 6, 1858, died May i, 1859; Louis, born March 15, i860, and Josepliine A., born Feb. 2, 1848, are deceased. ,'■ f P-'|>)^harles Wilkinson, farmer, sec. 25, yfctna 1 Lliyf^ I'P-) ^V'ls born June 28, 1833, in Harrison ij|»#3^'*' Co., Ohio, and is a son of Philander and ^fe) Thankful R. (Leach) Wilkinson. On attain- p^ ing his majority, Mr. Wilkinson took his final i leave of the paternal home, and sought his fortune in the Peninsular Slate, and made his first essay in business for himself in Hillsdale <.'ounty, finding employ on a farm for some months. He went thence to Barry Co., Mich., where he made another investment, and secured a wife — Harriet, daughter of Peter and Susan Mosier, who died April 8, 1882. Of this marriage three children were born : Francis L., Sept. 19, 1857; Emma R., Oct. 31, 1S59, and Ella v., Aug 23, i860. Mr. Wilkinson was engaged in fanning in Barry County until the fall nf i860, when he went to St. Joseph Co., Mich. On tiie first call for troops in 1861, when the cry of an im]nigned nation rang Hke a trumpet blast over a startled world, Mr. Wilkinson enlisted in defense of that nation's integrity, enrolling in the Sixth Mich. Vol. Inf., for three months, and on the expiration of that period again recorded his name on the list of defenders of the Union. He enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, and was in the service eight months. After a brief stay at home when his [leriod of enlist- ment had expired, he re-entered the army as a hired substitute, and served until the close ot the war. June 19, 1864, he was again married, to Mrs. Wealthy Day, and immediately came to -Etna Tp., since which time tliey have resided on a farm of 40 acres near Morley. Of the second marriage four children have been born, as follows: Franklin H., March 10, 1S65; Elmer E., Sept. 30,1867; \Villie C, born Oct. 8, 1877, and died Nov. 14, 187S; Nora died in infancy Mr. Wilkinson is a Republican. -l-~w^.^^f^^/^— ■'^tssm/'S^^'-^^- ^,^^1/innrt^ fff^? awrenee Sours (derman, Sauers), larmer t on sec. 36, A'Ana. '!"p., was born at Battle Creek, Mich., April 24, 1850. His parents, Mungus and Teresa (Boteshaim) Sours, were of Cierman nativity. When Mr. Sours was but a child, his parents went to the wilderness of Wisconsin, but remained only a few months, going thence to Rochester, N. Y., and residing there until 1867. In that year they came to Kent Co., Mich., where they engaged in farming and lumbering three years. 'I'hey went to Montcalm County, where they lived one year, coming thence to this county, settling in the township of .I'Una. They bought 200 acres of heavily timbered land on the bank of the Muskegon River, and have 70 acres improved. The father of Mr. Sours was born Sept. 5, 1818, and was killed near Morley, Sept. 5, 187 8, by V^ ^l^^lhomas E. Crocker, overseer for Crocker, Hudnutt & Co., builders at Big Rapids, was born at Milwaukee, Wis., March 18, 1854. He is a son of William H. and Mary »i" (Holloway) Crocker. ^Vhen he was four years I old his parents removed to Manitowoc, Wis., where his father was engaged in the occupation of a builder, and constructed several fine buildings there and at Milwaukee, being also engaged in building steamer cabins for Goodrich, Ward & Co., at Manitowoc. Mr. Crocker was a school-boy until 14 years of age, when he commenced learning his father's trade, virhich has been the calling of his life. He came to Big Rapids in 1874, and was for a time connected with his brother in building. When the firm of Crocker & Hudnutt was formed in 1877, he took charge of their outside business, and has since super- vised the construction of a number of the principal buildings of the city of Big Rapids. (See sketch of John M. Crocker.) A rr? k ..:3i,^^f^ -^<■^ll!):o:^tl^> A. >Tj>^y>(i.'l. ^/ru^ m ^rf* MECOSTA COUNTY. :• >j^.>=5 3'3 A a passenger train on the (1. R. & I. R. R. 'l"he mother was born April 25, 1820, and is still living witli her son. The latter has thus far devoted his life to the care of his parents. He is now owner and manager of the homestead. The family iielono; to the Catholic Chunh. ..^ amuel W.Rose, farmer, sec. 22, Hinton Tp., was horn in New York, March 20, 1829, and is a son of Williani and Sarah (Elmondorph) Rose; the former was a native of the Kmpire State, and died in March, 1876. The latter was born in Holland, and died in the State of New York. Mr. Rose came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1853, and was married Oct. 23, 1856, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jolin and Phebe (Rihble) Hinton. Her father was horn in Wales, and her mother in Germany. Mrs. Rose was born Feb. i3, 1835, and died May 12, 1866, leaving five children, born as follows: James E., Sept. 3, 1857 ; Mary E., Nov. II, 1858: John E., Feb. 26, i860; William. E., Se[)l. 21, 1862; Absalom E., Oct. 29, 1864. Mr. Rose contracted a second marriage in Mecosta Co., July 4, 1867, with Lydia A., daughter of Thomas and Ann (D.ay) Thomas, natives of England; her father is still living. She was born in Canada, Aug. 30, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have five children : Hubert E., born Aug. 29, 1868; George E., Jan. 4, 1870; Addie E.,Jan. 5, 1872; Alice E., Feb. 3, 1874; Lottie E., May 18, 1877. In 1S77 Mr. Rose bought 80 acres of land, on which he resides. He has held the office of Town- ship Clerk and Highway Commissioner. 1^ illiam Lowe, farmer on sees. 32 and 2,2,, Green Tp., was born in Oxford Co., Eng- *?r«S>^ land, June 3, 1828. His parents, George X^> ^"d Elizabeth (Athaway) Lowe, lived and died in their native country, the father (lying when William was a child of seven years. He remained with his mother until the age of 15, when he went to London, and there was em- ployed as gardener by a Mr. .\nderson, where he re- mained three years. Me was married in London, June 3, 1851, to Sarah Beasant, born in Wiltshire, Eng., July 26, 1829. She is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Gay) IJeasant, natives of the same county of England. In 1852, William Lowe came to the United States, and first settled in Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he operated as a gardener. He came to Mich- igan in the full of 1853, and resided in Newaygo County for 16 months, and in 1854 < ame to Mecosta County, where he located land in Green Tp., under the Gradation .\ct, buying 80 acres, for which he paid 75 cents per acre Here he built a house and began to improve his land. He now owns 140 acres in sections 32 and 33. The children of Mr. and .Mrs. Lowe are: Eliza, now -Mrs. C>eorge E. Moore; Louisa, wife of Fred. S. Dickerson ; Anna, William T., Alice M., Oscar L. and Chancey E. Mary A. and Emily are deceased. Mr. Lowe is a Republican. t -i- -.>^.A* -5- frjjl^ dward ^KV.^^ ■^^^^^ -K^>0!1 T. Horton, merchant, Millbrook \iilage, is a son of Seneca and Catharine (iiuckbee) Horton, the former a native of ^ii^ i)liio, the latler of New York. The parents X came to Michigan in the spring of 1866, and I settled in Wheatland Tp., where they still re- side. Mr. Horton was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 19, 1847. He accompanied his parents to this State, and was reared under their supervision to the age of twenty years. The year preceding his ma- jority he spent in various occupations, among them, one term as teacher of a district school. The next three years he passed in the employ of W. S. Howtl, general merchant at Milbrook. In r87o he went to Eaton Co., Mich., and bought a third interest in a planing mill. He entered vigorously into the prose- cution of his business venture, but at the end of two months a distressing accident resulted in the loss of his right hand, and he sold out anil returned to Mill- brook, lie then formed a partnership with his former emiiloyer, W. S. Howtl, which existed two and one-half years. In 1873, associated with A. J. Howd, he purchased the interest of W'.S. Ilowd, and the new firm transacted business one year, when Mr. Horton became sole owner, his partner retiring, and he continued the prosecution of his mercantile inter- ests two years; at the end of that period of time he again connected himself with a jiartner, Mr. T. C. >• nn; .>^— ^^(^^ *^ A ^: r ^ --^r^U^^ 314 -2«^^s: erv<" ^0 D >: 11 lls>r MECOSTA COUNTY ^ ) ;<^. ) Gardner. This relation was of brief duration, the latter gentleman selling to Mr. Horton, who has since managed the business alone. His trade is in a thriv- ing condition, necessitating a stock worth $15,000, comprising aline of merchandise adai^ted to the local demand. Mr. Horton was married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Oct., 17, 1875, to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Electa Tiney, who was born in Ohio, whither her parents removed from New York, the State of their nativity. Of this marriage one child has been born, Thad S., Sept. 21, 1880. Mr. Horton is widely known and universally es- teemed for his business integrity, as well as for his personal traits, which render him a popular and val- uable member of society. His industry and atten- tion to his business interests have brought him sub- stantial results, and though he is yet a young man he has attained an enviable and permanent place among his fellow men. Himself and wife are ac- tively interested in religious matters and belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. Horton is a Republican and has held various offices in the township. ■'•asjiSJ^^*—'^^ ^^Qiesmnv ^ I tohn Maguire, farmer on sec. 24, Green \, T])., was born near Prescott, Can., in Octo- ber, 1812. His father, ISartholomew Ma- guire, was a native of New York, and was in the war of 181 2. His grandfatlier was in the Revolutionary war, in which he fought five years; he settled in the State of New York and mar- ried Eleanor Bresee. Mr. Maguire was married in the Empire State in 1855, to Mary Miller, removing soon after to Penn- sylvania, where he bought a farm and resided six years. He then sold liis jjroperty and returned to the State of New York. Three years later he went to ("anada West and remained 12 years near Port Harwell, Elgin Co., where he was engaged in lumber- ing. In i860 lie located in Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he remained a year, and in the winter of 1862 came to this C'ounty, where he passed a year on the farm of A. Clark. Meanwhile he honiesteaded 80 acres of land and now has 45 acres under tillage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Maguire are these: Hugh, Francis, Emma and Amanda E ; two are de- ceased. Mr. Maguire was one of the early settlers and is a Democrat. Moyd Palmer, farmer, sec. 22, Green Tp., was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1830, and is a son of William and ,^te Elizabeth (Lowry) Palmer, natives of New u^^ York. His father was a soldier of the war I of 181 2, and was stationed at Sackett's Har- bor. His maternal great-grandfather was a na- tive of Germany and was kidnaped by a press- gang in 1732, when about the age of 18, and brought to this country. He was compelled to labor during his passage, and on landing upon the American continent was sold for a pretended balance due for his transportation. He died at 100 years of age. The Palmer family can only be indefinitely traced to English origin. William Palmer came to Michigan with his family in 1835, and settled in Washtenaw County, going afterwards to Ionia County, where the son was reared and educated. When Floyd was 13 years old his mother died, and since that time he has been the architect of his own fortune. In 1858 he was mar- ried in Washtenaw County, to Eliza A., daughter of Samuel and Maria (Masten) North, born in October, 1830, in Ulster, N. Y. Her parents were born in New York, and settled in Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr. Palmer sold his interests in 1881 and bought a fine farm of 95 acres in Green Tp., Mecosta Co. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have had six children, of whom five survive: Alice M., Arthur E., Helen O., Wilsey C. and Jennie I. Nettie S. is deceased. ^rri-i ^A** ; 'y'f''^\, arrison J. Brown, miller at Altona, Hinton Tp., was liorn in Warren Co., Pa., Nov. 11, 1S35. His parents, Peter and Mary (Lib- m by) Brown, were natives respectively of Con- j necticut and New York. Tjie father died in I Pennsylvania, in 1855 ; the mother is still living, with lier son at Altona. Mr. Brown was a lumber- man in Warren County until 32 years of age; two years he was owner and operator of a steam saw-mill. V6) r^ 'M\\>>^ -csB^^fj'l^ijn. -<'4)^^jf®y" m -ysv- '"^a"=&<^<" ^ A V ^ I '^ When 18 years old he commenced to labor in the 'i"i woods, ■--r.>^r- MECOSTA COUNTY. ■..■*;?r>Si<. M 317 k putting in timber in the winter and rafting it V, down, in which business he continued for three years. ^ In the spring of 1865 he was drafted for the Union service and procured a substitute, to whom he paid ^1,000. Nine days later Lee surrendered at Appo- n'.attox Court-House. Mr. Hrown came to Micliigan in the spring of 1867, and spent some inonths in prospecting in Flint, Chesaning and Greenville; ami then came to Saginaw Co. and bought a farm of 100 acres. The summer following he built a house and laliored in clearing and improving his land. This l)lace he owned two years, when he settled in Me- costa Co., in 1S6S. In the summer of tliat year he built a flouring-mill on the Little Muskegon river, the first in the township. In later years he bought a saw-mill of \\m. Egbert, and is now operating both and employing 12 men. He has recently refitted his shingle-mill, its capacity being now 35,000 per diem. The full product of the flour mill is 20 barrels daily, besides feed grinding. Mr. Brown was married in New York, June 9, 1H65, ^ to Mar)'ette E., daughter of Thomas and Susannah ^\ (Stewart) Thomas. Mrs. iSrown's father was born in t^ Pennsylvania, and her mother in ("anada Flie daughter was born March 26, 1842, and is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Bro« n is a Reiniblican, and comes of patriotic ancestry, his grandfather Libby having been a soldier of 1812. g ^-ames N. Decker, farmer, sec. 10, Hinton _ Tp., is one of the pioneer settlers of Me- f'fX'^^ costa County, and was born in Greene Co., ]^ N. Y., Sept. 8, 1 8 19. He is the eldest son of Gilbert D. and Mary (Stanley) Decker, both natives of New York, who moved to Canada in the fall of 1833, where the mother died. The father came to Michigan to pass the closing years of his life with his children, and died at the home of his son, Edward S., in Millbrook, Sept. 20, 1869. Mr. Decker passed his youth in the care of his parents, and while in Canada was engaged in farm- ing. In the summer of 1865 he came to Michigan, Vf and bought 160 acres of land, principally in an un- ^' cultivated state, paying therefor S750. Its value and *■,."• appearance have been so enhanced by cultivation , and improvements, that it is held now to be worth v^ $10,000. The convenient and suitable buildings lately erected are a great ornament to the place. After the purchase of the land he returned to Canada, and passed the winter of 1865-6; and in the following spring he came back with his son, built a log house, and made such improvements .as were possible, clearing about seven acres of land, which was sown witli wheat. He brought his family in the fall of the same year, and before winter, was finally settled in the Peninsular State. Mr. Decker relates graphic- ally his pioneer experiences, and the clearness of his reniemljrance, with the interesting character of the numberless incidents, entirely divest the recital of uniformity and tameness, though the tale is one olt repeated. Mr. Decker shipped the first wheat from Mecosta County over the G. R. & I. Railroad, and in 1873, harvested the heaviest crop ever raised in the county ( soo bushels froni 10 acres. He has been Town- :^ ( ^r\l^^^^ ^^^^ ship Clerk two years, Highway Commissioner three years. Justice of the Peace 11 years, Townshii) Treasurer one year, and was elected Drain Commis- sioner in the spring of T883, to serve two years. In politics he is a Republican. Our subject was married in the township of Hope, Canada, Nov. 4, 1S40, to Catherine, daughter of James and Mary (Walker) Flanagan, born July 20, I S I S, in Canada. Her parents were of Irish nativity, and settled in Canada in its pioneer jjeriod, and died there many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have buried three of eight children : Nelson, born Sept. 26, 1841, died Oct, 23, 1870; Elizabeth, born Sept. 2, 1843, died Nov. 20, 1870; Catherine, born Nov. 23, 1851, died Nov. 12, 1881. The loss of their children has had telling effect upon the parents. All had reached mature years, and their lives were full of promise. The liv- 'f ing children are: Elir.a, born June 2, 1S45; Hester y A, June 23, 1847 ; Matilda, .April 12, 1S49; Mary ,-' J., Jan. 25, 1854; Amelia R., July 9. 1858. Mr. i/ Decker's father has about 112 living descendants, [i' priui ipally in this lounlry "^ <'I1!]>^DD>>'-^ ^<>^ -^r-'^.U^S^ r ■)(>^r|« ^>I1I1^I1I1>>V- MECOSTA COUNTY. As one of the leading agriculturists of this County, and a gentleman altogether worthy the position, we ."vji* present the portrait of Mr. Decker in connection with ? this sketch. 7ci3 il^s Bi'own, farmer, sec. 15, Green Tp.,was I _ ) :^ :) "^^ !^ born in Knox Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1838, and '- . was the fifth child of his parents. His father, 'I'liomas D. Brown, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. His mother, Elizabeth (Adams) Brown, was also a native of the Keystone State, and she and her husband were among the first settlers of the section where they resided. She died when her son was but 18 months old. Her successor reared her little children with care, and Mr. Brown remained at home until he was 16 years old, when he went to Toledo, Ohio, and obtained employment in a dairy, remaining there two years. Coming thence to Clin- ton Co., Mich., he bought 80 acres of land, and after farming thereon two years, returned to Ohio. He was married in 1859, to Emmeline, daughter of Valentine G. and Margaret (Stanley) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, who was born Jan. 19, 1837, in Ohio. Four of their children are living : Emma E., Annie M., Maggie and Eugene. Two are deceased, Martha A. and Eddie. In i860, Mr. Brown returned to Clinton Co., Mich., residing there about si.x montlis He went back to Ohio, and after a residence of five years came to Me- costa County, where he resided a year at Big Rapids, moving thence to Paris. Six months later he settled on the farm he now occupies, consisting of 60 acres of good farming land. i ra A. Ford, fanner, sec. 26, Green T P-, son. He was an inmate of his father's house until after his marriage, which took place Dec. 6, 1874, to Carrie, daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Cronk) Reed, born in Defiance Co., Ohio, June 18, 1858. Her parents were natives of Ohio, and removed to Mecosta County, where they still reside. Soon after marriage Mr. Ford located on 80 acres of land, which he has since improved and cultivated. He has placed 30 acres under fair improvement. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have one child, Bertie J., born Aug. 10, 1877. Mr. Ford belongs to the Re- publican party. (i**f I ^^ohn Sweet, lumberman and farmer, sees. 14, 15, 22 and 23, Colfax Tp., was born W^^W^ April 8, 1835, in New Brunswick, and is a son of John and Joanna Sweet. In 1849 was born in Kent Co., Mich., July 3, 1850^ and is a son of Richard and Lucinda (God- frey) Ford. The father was born in Ontario, Can., Jan. 18, 1825 ; the mother was a native of New York. Ira A. was reared to the pursuit of agriculture, and received the education of a farmer's ^p- Mr. Sweet came to the "States" with his tb father and eldest sister, his mother having pre- viously died. They settled in Milwaukee, where Mr. Sweet passed the remainder of liis minor- ity. When he reached the period of his legal free- dom, he came to Michigan and embarked in the lumber business, operating alone three years. He then entered into a partnership with his brother Benjamin, and, with their combined facilities, they proceeded to construct one of the largest sawmills at Manistee. This relation existed about ten years, when it was dissolved. Mr. Sweet remained at Manistee, operating in lumber, until November, 1881, when he took up his residence at Grand Rapids, where he now lives, still retaining his lumber inter- ests at the former place. In January, 1883, Mr. Sweet bought 840 acres of land in the township of Colfax, of which 600 acres are under the best type of cultivation. He has a large boarding house, with accommodations for 40 workmen, a good, frame dwelling-house, a large store-house and two barns, ranking as the best in Mecosta County, capable of containing 300 tons of hay, with stone basements, where 1 25 head of cattle can be stabled. The farm is at present stocked with sheep and cattle, and among the latter are some e.x- ceptionally fine thoroughbred Short-Horns. Mr. Sweet has also extensive lumber relations in Colfax, and is now engaged on a contrai't to " put in " the Muskegon River 150,000,000 feet of pine lumber. I n Si/ r^ -^€^^ -4^^^ MECOS TA CO UNT Y. — "*^f^@59v<5) To facilitate his operations he has built a nanow- gaiige railroad, 1 1 miles long, with steel rails, and employs two locomotives in running the logs to the river. He also owns a half interest in a new shingle mill in Rodney, built at a cost of $7,000. It is fitted with a fifty-horse-power engine, and has a capacity of 130,000 shingles daily. Mr. Sweet owns, in connec- tion with his other property, a store of general mer- chandise, at Rodney, in which the postofficc is established and is managed by Uenjamin W. Sweet, eldest son of the proprietor. Mr. Sweet was married in 1857, to Ahnina Rogers, of .Manistee, who died in 1866, leaving four children: B. W., Emma, William J. and Edwin. Mr. Sweet was married again in 1868, to Susan E. l\irr, of Wis- consin. Two children have been born of this mar- riage : Dora and Bertie. In ixjlitical connection, Mr. Sweet is a Republican. He held the office of City Treasurer of Manistee, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Order of Odd Fellows, and Knights of Honor. He is a communicant in the Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Sweet is a Baptist. Residence, No. 41 Sheldon St., Grand Rapids. 4 >, harles H. Montague, farmer, sec. 27, .^^ Green Tp., was born in Vergennes, Kent ^ ^ m Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1848, and is a son of |(fe James and Laura L. (Hungerford) Montague, y^ The father was born Dec. 12, iSio, in Maine, I and is a son of William and Anna (Crawford) Montague, natives of England. William Montague removed with his family to New York and left them there while he participated in the war of 1S12. .After its close he removed to C"anada, where he passed tjie remainder of his life. Jan.ies Montague went to Lowell, Kent Co., Mich., and iinjiroved a I'arni of 160 icres, which he sold in the spring of 1856 and came to Mecosta County, where lie entered 1 60 acres of land under the homestead act, on sec. 27, his i)resent es- tate. He has at various times handled lands to con- siderable extent, and has been the proprietor of 1,000 acres ; is still holding 500 acres. His wife died Dec. 5, 1875. She was the mother of i i children: Will- iam J., Abigail, Laura E., Chades H., Mary, Joseph K., Helen M., John T., Samuel H. and George W. Mr. Montague married Mrs. Sarah Wheeler for a second wife, and, after her death, was married to Mrs Polly Tanner. The suljject of this sketch was reared on a farm, receiving a fair education, and remained under the parental roof until he was married to Elizabeth Mc- Gill, May 26, 1871. She was born in Canada, March 28, 1849, and of daughter of Malcolm ami Mary E. (liurt) McGill, the former of Scotch lineage and the latter a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Montague have four children, viz : Minnie L., Ixjrn June 17, 1872; Nellie, June 2, 1874; James H., Nov. 2, 1876; George H., May 22, 1880. Mr. Montague is a Republican in politics, and is the proiirietor of 140 acres of land, now his homestead, with 71 acres under cultivation. -.5— ^^/w£ <^^S-v> v^ [-ulius R. Borst, proprietor of the shingle mill on sec. 16, Hinton Tp., was l>orn June 29, 1838, in New York. His parents, Henry J. and Anna (Vandebogart) Borst, were natives of the State of New York, where his y father owned and managed a saw-mill, and brought up his son to the same vocation. Until he attained his majority Mr. Borst alternated study at the common schools with the labors of the mill, and for the nine years that followed he was employed in a lumber mill. He then moved to Pennsylvania where he was employed at Corydon's Dane, on the Alle- gheny River, in a Imnbcr and shingle mill. Five years later he went to Allegheny City and passed iS months there in the satne business. He located in Kent Co., Mich., in the spring of 1875, and pursued his occupation about two years, and bought out the mill owned by Peter Benson, located on Pine Lake, five miles west of Cedar Springs. He operated this mill five years, then removed it to Mecosta Coimty, loi ating on sec. 16 in Hinton Tf) , and has since re- sided there, still running the mill, which has a capac- ity of 40,000 feet daily. He has 20 men in his em- |)loy and is doing a thriving business. By undeviat- ing attention to business, Mr. B, has earned the reputation of running his mill more continuously than any other mill-owner in the < ounty. He owns 200 acres of timber lanil in Hinton T[). Mr. Borst is a Democrat in [xHitical faith. His earnest devotion anil loyalty to his country was ^ ( /T m^ -^>^^ -^mM^y>^ -r^^r- -|»^^ (fe ^t# -:2^^ "^^ -(mvm^ 320 MECOSTA COUNTY. -5S^; ~;S7^ -4^^?(, Third Miciiigan Vol. Inf.; Florence A., born in 1849, and died March 10, 1850. Mr. Nethaway is a radical Republican, and actirely engaged in all social and moral reforms. Himself and wife profess no particular creed, but hold to their innate belief that honesty and genuine morality are a ^ S •f • T I 9) yif. :)$<$^^' -^^'^f^ ^mm^y^ — ^^^f^ -4>^«f ^^' ^sa ^/ - ■'HWl- 1 \ V. 1 f J^' <^/^ /t^ ^^l^y^e- ^- ^)-/^^i>$«>^^* >^^^^ -z^^,^'^ r J :-^ V ) MECOSTA COUNTY. I safe girides in their intercourse with the world. Mr. Nethaway has held offices of trust in his town- ship for 15 years. He was Postmaster at Hig Creek nearly three years, under Lincoln's administration, and was Supervisor of Deerfield Ti). several years, also Treasurer and Assessor several years. ' Grace F. Richardson, Township Clerk of JE'" Colfax, and farmer on sec. 21, was horn f*** Oct. 21, 1S4S, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and in 1856 came with his parents to Michigan and i settled at Benton, Katon Co. I Mr. Richardson came to Colfa.\ 'V\>. in 1S71, and is chiefly engaged in lumbering interests and managing shingle mills. He was married in 187 i to Mary, daughter of John and Lydia Teachout, of Grand I.edge, Eaton Co., Mich. Of this marriage one child — Clyde E. — has been born. Politically, Mr. Richardson is a Republican. He was elected to his official position in 18S3. P.O., Big Rapids. avid H. Sanford, dairjman at Big l\.a[iids, was born at Vermontville, Eaton Co., ^F^ Mich., Sept. 26, 1836. His father, Reu- f'f^ ben Sanford, came to the township of Ver- montville, with a colony from Vermont, in June, ; 1836 — at so early a period that they were obliged to cut roads through the woods for their teams, the distance of 17 miles. The mother, Susannah Sanford, was the first white woman who went to Eaton County, and she had to do the house- keeping for the settlers. Mr. Sanford, of this sketch, was born soon after their arrival, and was the pioneer white baby of the township. On reaching their destination, a log cabin was hastily constructed, the weather was warm, and the " chinking " altogether deficient. Ventilation was perfect, and the father said the new comer could easily be thrown through the cracks in the wails of the cabin, which was reared in the woods remote from the advantages of civilization; and David H. had few privileges until 25 years of age, save the rude experiences which have so often made bet- ter men than have the comparative ease and facilities of older communities. His hard, laborious life fostered in him a spirit of independence which found vent in a promjit re- sponse to the call of his country in her bitterest trial, and he enlisted in Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich., Oct 21, i86i,in Co. C, First Mich. Engs. and Mechs, and was discharged April 13, 1862, at Louis- ville, Ky., on account of physical disability. The first two summers thereafter he worked as a farm assistant, and went to school winters. In the spring of 1864, his father having sold out in Vermontville, settled at Lowell, Kent Co., and bought a farm, whither his son accompanied him, and was epiployed in the Grand River Valley nursery one season. In 1865 he went to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he spent a year in agricultural pursuits, and then turned his attention to carpentry, which occupied his time for six years at Greenville, after which he went to Cedar Springs and followed the same calling three years. He tlien bought 40 acres in Algona Tp., Kent Co., and there resided three years. At that time he experiem ed a severe loss by fire, which con- sumed iiis i)arn, one horse, and his farming imple- ments. He then gave u[) farming and went to Greenville, where he commenced the business of a draymaster, and continued in that vocation until September, 1877. He then came to Big Rapids and established himself in the same calling, and is now running three drays steadily, and increasing his draught facilities on occasion. Mr. Sanford has served four terms as Deputy-Marshal of Big Rapids, and one year as Constable. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum Ins. Co., and also be- longs to the Encampment. W A :< V ^ Mr. Sanford was married at Lowell, lulv . 'S65, V .0.1.. rii- to .\rthalinda Tanner, born in Ontario, .Ai)ril 3, 1848 and tliey have four children: Emerson, Mar^', Susie and Mina. 'I"he parents and eklest daughter are memliers of the M. E. Cliurch. ■»3)! -rse- olson Van Alstine, farmer, sec. 15, Grant 'T Tp., was born June 14, 1843, in Wolcott, i m^ ->s«?\jr:. ^ \\'ayne Co., N. V. About the year 1857 his parents settled in Shiawassee Co., Mich., jiKi where they resided 14 years, the father dying in 1861 ; the mother resides in Grant Tp. Mr. Van Alstine began his career as an agricul- ■^ ^7<>l]II>?iDll^>r -^^f@V»' 1^ ^ 322 Affi COSTA COUNTY. U fturist in Shiawassee Co., in 1864, where he lived five years, then sold his farm and made a homestead .r^^ claim of 80 acres on sec. 10 in Grant Tp., on which f he resided five years. In 1875 ''^ bought 40 acres of choice land on sec. 15, where he is engaged in farming, and is still proprietor of his original tract of land. His farm is well improved and valuable. Mr. Van Alstine was married Dec. 26, 1864, to Sarah Elizabeth Blyth, of Wolcott, N. Y., and of their marriage five children have been born : James E., William H., Nettie O., Robert Emmet and Dora Isa- bel. Mr. Van Alstine is a Republican in political relations, and has been Constable two years. His paternal and maternal grandsires were both soldiers of the Revolutionary war. p.7j_' rank G. Rice, farmer, sec. 5, Green Tp., /* /N :-:DDr>-^- — ^»^€^»^ m i t -5^^^»i^ — ^T<:nii:t:Dnr:>r ■:a«€^ ) A :« V i MECOSTA COUNTY. i) i^i of the nine children, five daughters and four sons all of whom are following in the footsteps of the parents. Their births occurred as follows: Mary E., Nov. 7, 1853; Carrie P., Feb. 25, 1856; Win. B., July 12, 1858; Ellen L., Apr. 2t, 1862; Ira L., Aug. 16,1864; Justin K., Oct. 16, 1867; Cora A , May 23, 1870; Julius C, May 11, 1873; Charles K., Dec. 6, 1877. The oldest child is a graduate of i'lainutll Academy, Mich. Pohn Freiberg, farmer, sec. 22, Green Tp., ^wJ|i was liorn in Crerni any, .Sept. 21, 1823, and ■J'S'^ is a son of Gerhart and Dora (Frenke) flg^ Freiberg. He was taught in the lower-grade 'W schools of his native country, and afterward Y learned the tailor's trade, which he luirsued 36 years in Germany. In 1876 he came to America, and made his first location at Big Rapids, later on buying his farm in Green Tp., where he has since diligently pursued the business of farming. Mr. Freiberg was married in Germany, in 1849, to Johanna, daughter of Johti and Christina (Mann) Bowman, born Aug. 26, 1826. Twelve children have been born of this marriage, nine of whom are living : August F., Albert J., Henry W., Hermann F., Ciiar- lie J., Bertie C, Ida F., Emma C. and Huldah A. Those deceased are Anna J., Johanna and Frank. The family are members of the Lutheran Cliurcb. Mr. Freiberg is a Democrat. * <^r^8kharles O. Johnson, proprietor of the bot- ^liEi.:^ tl'ng Works at Big Rapids, was born in He is a son of ''i'l/'"''^ Norway, April 27, 1852. * John and Annie Johnson, and in his native ^ country was engaged in farming and in vari- < ous other occupations. In the spring of 1873 he came to this country and settled at Big Rapids, where he had friends residing. He found employ- ment as a farm laborer, and soon after made an en- gagement with O. Seman to work on the farm and in lumbering, which lasted five years. He opened a bottling establishment on Hutchinson street, in Jan., 1879, and on the 16th day of July following moved to his jiresent location opposite the Big Rapids Iron ^ m- -^^€y^ ^ Works. He manufactures soda water and ginger ale, ^ and puts up an average of 10,000 bottles monthly 'A' for tlie trade in this and adjoining counties/ Mr. i-;' Johnson was married at Big Rapids, Aug. 8, 1883, to T Mary Stange, who was born in Canada, April 3, 1862. ^ Joseph Smith, farmer, sec. 31, Green T\>., |fe was born near Toronto, Can., Aug. 1, 1847, ■4" and is tlie tenth child of William and Esther (Caller) Smith, natives of England, who left the old country and became pioneers of York Co., Ont. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died July 13, 1881. The mother is still residing on the homestead, which has l)een in the possession of the family nearly 50 years. Mr. Smith was reared on his father's farm to the age of 14 years, when he commenced to learn the wagon-making trade. After one and one-half years' labor lie turned his attention to blacksmithing for about four months, when he resumed farming. In the fall of 1865 he came to Michigan and located first on the Big Prairie, in Newaygo County, where he passed ten years, going thence to Barton Tp., where he also purchased a farm. In he fall of 1879 the bought his homestead, consisting of 65 acres of land, of which he has 35 acres improved. Mr. Smith was married .\pril 13, 1866, to Nancy M., daughter of John and Minerva Miller, born Jan. 17, 1847, in Kent Co., Mich. Her parents were natives of Vermont. The family includes an adopted daughter, IMabel M. (Haight) Smith. Mr. Smith is one of the most esteemed citizens of the township. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican in his political views. eorge W. Heald, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook . T[)., was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., May -g)u^ 27, 1853. He is a son of William and *'3^> Rosetta (Fitzch) Heald, natives of New York and of English descent. The family removetl to Van Buren Co., Mich., in 1858, where Mr. Heald assisted his father on a farm until the autumn of 1S63, when another remove was made to Ionia County, the father and son operating there as :m-^>^— — ^;>^- ^^-^^^ ( f ' < '5^ $«^I1!1 ^Wflleorge I- Kale, farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp., ' ka^ i was born March 19, 1843, in Niagara Co, '^r~ ^ ^- ^'-i '"^"d '^ ^ ^"" "'^ Levi and Asenatji r^^ Hale, both i)a rents being natives of Vermont, where the father was born in 1S13; he died in Michigan in 1883. The mother was l)orn in 1 81 3, and is still living in Eaton, Mich. The parents came to this State when the son was but six months old, and he was under their supervis- ion until he was 19 years of age, when he became a soldier in the Union army. He enlisted August 8, 1862, in Co. D, 7th Mich. Cavalry, and rendezvoused at Grand Rapids until February, 1863, when his reg- iment was sent to the front. Following is the list of engagements in which he took part: Thoroughfare Gap, May 21, '63; Greenwich, May 30; Hanover, May 30; Hunterstown, Gettysburg, Monterey, June 4; Covertown, Smithton, Boonesboro, Hagerstown, Wil- liamsport, Boonesboro (2d), Falling \\'aters, Sinker's Gap, Kelly's Ford, Culpepper C. H., Raccoon Ford, James' City, Brandy Station, Bucklin Mills, Stevens- burg, Morton's Ford, l^ichmond. Wilderness, Beaver Dam Station, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Cold Harbor, Trevillian Station, Winchester, I'ront Royal, Leetown, Shepardston, Smithlield, Betryville, Sum- mit, Occoquan, Port Republic, Woodstock, Cedar Creek, Madison C. H., Louisa C. H., Five Forks, .A.piiomattox C. H., Little Laramie, Dakota. He was discharged Dec. 15, 1865,31 Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. On his return from the army he came to Grant Tp. and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres. Here he has since resided and put his place under good improvements. He was married July 4, 1866, to Alice, daughter of Gideon and Mary Bentley. Mrs. Hale was born in Manchester, Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 3, 1847, and is the mother of two children: Lawrence M., born Oct. 19, 1867, and Clarence G., Sept. 5, 1876. Mr. Hale is a Republican in political priniiple, has served ten years as Road Commissioner, and is i A t '? J^2^(y^^C^. HI I -3*t^^ rr -r<>tlll>:OIls>r ■>i>^' MECOSTA COUNTY. 32 ^ a member of the G. A. R. He is earnestly interested ';) in the cause of education and in the schools of his township. A 'on. Fitch Phelps was born in Guilford, Chenango Co., X. Y., June 30. 1831. He ^*^ traces his genealogy to the Phelps family of Tewksbury, Gloucestershire, England. Wil- liam I'lielps, Major or Jiailiff of Tewksbury in 1607, was born about the middle of the i6th century. The following entry is found in the Regis- ter of Tewksbury Parish, during the season of Lent, A. D. 1599: " I granted a license to William Phel) s, being then e.xtromlye sicke, to eate fleshe, which license to en- dure no longer tyme than during his sickness. Rkv. Curties, Curate of Tewksb\iry.'' t^ William Phelps, his son, was born at or near, />; Tewksbury, about the year 1590. He emigrated ° with his wife and five children, and his two unmar- Vx ried brothers, George and Richurd, sailing from S Plymouth, where the " Mayflower " with the loi Pil- grim Fathers of 1620 waved her last farewell, on the ship "Mary and John," March 20, 1630, and land- ed at Hull, Massachusetts, May 30. In 1635, he went to Windsor, Conn., where he won a prominent lX)sition in the affairs of both Church and State, and where he died in 1672. The family continued to re- side in Connecticut for six generations. Joel Phelps, the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, but did not remain long in his native State. In the earlier years of his manhood, he was a lumberman on the Hudson River, near Glens Falls, New York. Later in life he removed to Chenango Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming. He married Hulda Dean, a native of New York. -S^ His people were highly respected for that sort of integrity, strength and purity of character that con- ; slituted marked virtues among the agricultural classes •- in the earlier years of our country. They had a fam- ■^ ily of 14 children, the youngest son and 13th child ^ being the subject of this sketch. He was raised I- on the farm, and obtained his rudimentary education /: by attending the district si hool kept .1 sliorl dis- tance from his father's house, I'inishing with an aca- demic course at Richburg, Allegany C'o., N. Y. Here, at the age of 21, he engaged in the milling busi- ness for two years. He then embarked in the mer- cantile business, which he followed four years at Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., and at Brock- wayville, Jefferson Co., Penn. In the summer of 1862 he went to California, where he spent five years in tlie valley of San Mateo, in agricultural pursuits and in speculation. In 1863, he was apixjinted Provost Marshal for the county, enrolling it for army draft. On returning, in 1868, he located in Colfax, Mecosta Co., Mich. Here he purchased a fine tract of pine land, built a mill and engaged in lumbering. As an adjunct to the business he has cleared up a large farm, making his home on the shore of Clear Lake, five miles from Big Rapids. Mr. Phelps has always been an ardent Rei)ubli- can, one who does not swerve from the views and piinciples which are promulgated and advocated by those acting with him in that [XDlitical organization. He has never been an office-seeker. His career is that of a practical business man, intensely devoted to his private interests, and participating in i)ublic affairs only as an incident, with no (.ffort to secure advancement. In 1876 lie was tlie regular nominee of the Republican Convention for Member of the Ix)wer House of the Legislature. The district com- prised the counties of Mecosta, Osceola and Lake. Elected by a handsome majority, he took a promi- nent part in matters before the House, and did thorough and conscientious work for his constituents. Was member of the Committees on Railroads and the University. In 1878 he was re-elected to the House from Mecosta County, the Stale having in the meantime been re-districted. At this session he was Chairman of the Committee on the University and member of the Ways and Means Committee , His second term in the House was marked for the active interest and zeal he manifested in working for the cause of temperance. His sincerity, added to a fearlessness of temper which never shrank from the expression, on suitable occasions, of his real ojiinions and sentiments, gave weigh' to what he uttered, and left no one who lieaid without strong convictions of his earnestness. In the year 1882, he was the Republican candidate for the Senate from the 27th District, comprising the counties of Mecosta, Osceola, ^\'e.\fc)r:Dtlr>- -^"^CS*^ r MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^f^^^j ^ It is a fact worthy of mention that he was the unani- •h uious choice of the Convention, there being not a dis- '% senting voice, and his nomination was by acclama- l* tion. He was elected by a majority of more than 1,000 votes over the opposing candidate of the com- bined Democratic and Greenback parties. In the Senate, Mr. Phelps was prompt, regular and constant in his attendance upon the sessions of that body and the meetings of his committees. He introduced but few bills, believing that there are too [if many matters of little importance brought before that y%^ body, which serve only to pass away time and length- ^ en the term of the session. He proposed an amend- ment to the State Constitution by a joint resolution giving members of the Legislature a salary instead of a per-iiievi, and forbidding the use or acceptance of free railroad passes. It was adopted by the Legis- lature, and will be submitted to a vote of the people ) in 1884. He was Chairman of the Committee on > the State House of Correction at Ionia, meml)er of the ^ Committees on Public Health, Library, Geological —, Survey, A[)propriations ;ind Finance. <^ Mr. Phelps is favored with a superb physical con- = stitution, and combines strictness of moral principles Y with energy and decision of character. He has made profitable investments, become interested in remunerative enterprises, won honorable success in business and secured a competence, as the product of personal industry and good judgment, put fortli in a field wisely selected. He was mariied Oct. 13, 1857, to Miss Harriet Wellman, a woman well edu- cated and accomplished, a native of Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., and of English ancestry on the side of her fatlier, and Scotch on that of her mother. Her father, Arba Wellman, an enterprising and pros- perous merchant in Friendship, was born in Vermont ; her mother, Esther Burt, was born in New York State. Mrs. Phelps is well educated and accomplislied, amial)le and kind, and accordingly has rendered her home one of contentment and happiness for her hus- band and inviting to friends. As one of the most honored representative citizens i) of Northern Michigan, we take [)leasure in present- ^ ing the i)ortrait of Mr. I'helps in this Album. ^ Cx,50~ f^W, dwin J. Marsh, attorney at Big Rapids, of ^W' ''^^ '"'^^ '^'^ (jlidden & Marsh, was born at Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., May 29, *>a. ^^i'^- His father, Z. H. Marsh, by profession a physician, was born in Montague, Franklin Co., Mass., and his mother, Luthera Marsh, was born in Dana, Mass. Edwin attended the public school at Howell until 19 years old, when he entered Cornell University, at Ithaca, N. Y. At the end of the first year he left Cornell for Michigan University, entering the Soph- more Class of the Literary Department. His health compelled him to leave the University at the end of the year, and in hopes of recovering the same he join- ed an engineer corps of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. Co., and remained west until 1872. Returning in the winter of 1872 to Howell, he entered the office of H. H. Harmon and studied law; attended law lec- tures at the University of Michigan, and was ad- mitted to the Bar in 1874. In 1875 he removed to Big Rapids, in company with N. W. Carpenter, with whom he opened an office for the practice of law. At the end of a year he entered into a partnership with D. Roben, which existed about one year. Af- ter the dissolution of this partnership, he remained alone in the practice of his ])rofe5sion until 1879, when he became associated with D. F. Glidden, his present partner. In 1876 he was married to Alma, daughter of J. W. and Alvira Burr, of Ionia Cc)., Mich. They have one child, Frank B., born March 4, 1880. #^ -5- ^^^ohn ]je Duke, boot and shoe dealer at Big Rapids, was born in East Hawkesbury, Pr. T-y^^.' of Ontario, Feb. 21, 1843. He was reared a farmer until the age of 20, when he began to acquire the details of the shoemaker's trade at East Hawkesbury. In October, 1867, he came to this city and commenced the prosecution of his trade, and in 1873 established himself at his pres- ent stand. He has a full line of all goods common to the trade, valued at $5,000, with an annual business amounting to $20,000. Ilisreal estate in llij; Rap- v^ I 1 < (^ ^m^ A <^D!i:^:Di]i>^ — ^^^ Wh^ T2»^ ^ o v C>PD:»:uDr>T MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ s ) -^ I ids is considerable, consisting of two stores on Mich- igan avenue, one ot' which is his stand of business; the other is occupied by Aylsworth & Ladoucer, clothiers ; four stores on the same block north of his own location, his residence on Rust avenue, and ^ two vacant lots on Michigan avenue, near Iknilock street. Mr. Le Duke was married at Syracuse, N. V., Jan. 2, 1867, to Julia, daughter of .Martin Harris. saac Wambold, farmer and cirpenter, resi- dent on sec. 28, Wheatland Tp., was liorn in Montgomery Co., Pa., Nov. 24, iS2j. His parents, John and Margaret (Gangler) Wam- bold, were natives of Pennsylvania ar.d of ("lerman descent. They went to the State of New York when the son was 18 months old, and lie P remained under their personal supervision until the p age of 14, when he became assistant of an elder 'S brother, who had assumed control of the homestead ° farm. He worked four years as a farmer, and at 18 *<* was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. He = only served a part of his time, but went into business for himself He was married Nov. 19, 1844, to Har- riet J., daughter of Alonzo and Hannah Mace, and they have one child, Cornelia A., born April 30, 1852. He went to Dodge Co., Wis., in the spring of 1854, where he followed his trade ten years. In 1864 he came to Berrien Co., Mich , and bougiit a small farm, which he worked in connection with his profession, and afterward went to Ionia, thence to Wheatland Tp , wliere he "took \\\" i6o acres of land under the homestead act, which iiad then just gone into effect. He has since resided iiere, and dur- ing the time has been twice married, botii wives dy- ing shortly after marriage. He was married to iiis present wife, Oct. 9, 1S75. ^'"^ ^^''^ Mrs. Sarah Schiedel, daughter of Jair.es C. and Klizabeth (Bear) Smith, and was born June 29, 1S32, in Water- loo Co., Ontario, Can., of which county her parents were also natives. She was an orphan at the age of seven years, and was cared for by an aunt until her marriage. Mr. Wambold began to teach school in the winter x> of 1869, in Wheatland Tp., a profession he has since f® pursued to some e.xtent. He is independent in i)oli- ^ tics, has been Justice of the Peace 16 years, and served one term as County Superintendent of Schools. He has been Township Clerk, and held nearly all the minor local offices. He is now Justice of the Peace, Sujjervisor and School Inspector, and belongs to the Masonic Ixsdge at Hig Rainds. ust. Zetterstedt, dealer in foreign and dom- estic li(|uors, cigars, etc., at Big Rapids, was born in Sweden, .April 20, 1837, a son of Emanuel and Mary Zetterstedt. In 1852, when he was 15 years old, he was placed in a mercantile establishment to serve a regular term of years, under instructions preparatory to a commercial life, and at 21 he was at the head of an establishment for the sale of general merchandise, licpiors, and the variety usually found in th.at class of business in the countries. This he managed until 1864, when the entire town (Ronneby), built wholly of wood, burned down, and he suffered total loss of everything. Mr. Zetterstedt came to the United States and to Big Rapids in 1871, having received while at home reports of the place which recommended it as having for him a future of promise. He was em- ployed on a construction corps of the G. R. & I. railroad, and was connected with the repair force about three years ; then went to Grand Rapids and was engaged in the freight department. In 1878 he came to Big Rajjids and was employed by P. Erikson about two years. He opened his present business in the fall of 1880. Mr. Zetterstedt was married at l!ig Rapids June 4, 1882, to Anna Pcteison, a native of Sweden, lorn Sept. 12, 1855. They have one child. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Zetterstedt is a member of Krunan's Collding, a Swedish society. ^.enry T. Albro, firmer, sec. 36, Big Rapids Tp., was born in Greenfield, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 5, 1841. The place ofhis birth is now within the limits of the city of Detroit. He is a son of Clark and Catherine (O'Neil) I .Mbro, the former born July 5, 1819, at Cortland, N. Y., of French and English extraction. The mother was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born in 1821, and first came to the United States A V fc $«^€^ — ^«^ •4^^^ ^m ir^^- -^^^ --r< ^Q D y. B Dr>r ^'isar'"^ \2) I t A ■^j >/ ^ ^ 33° MECOSTA COUNTY. very young. Her father was a sea captain, and she was on the Atlantic Ocean, chiefly, until she was six years old. She died April 26, 1883, at Detroit. Mr. Albro was married May 9, 1867, to Cynthia R., daughter of William and Rosanna Butler, of Eng- lish and German descent on the paternal side, and on the mother's, of Scotch and French origin. Mrs. Albro was born in Detroit, Mich., Jan. 15, 1852. Mr. Albro came to Mecosta County in September, 1867, and took up t^t, acres of Government land on sec. 36, on which he now resides, and has a good portion under fine cultivation. ^^^ harles Rathvon, of the firm of Rathvon g/ Bros., proprietors of the Mecosta Planing Mill, was born in W'elland, Ont., March II, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and Eliza- beth (Alward) Rathvon. The father was a \ carpenter and joiner, and a native of Canada ; he died in 1855, in his 34th year. The mother was a native of the Dominion, and died in Elgin Co., Can., July 20, 1883, aged 54 years. Until he was 18 years old Mr. Rathvon was engaged as a farm as- sistant, and was after that employed with his brother in working as a builder, in which occupation his brother had extensive interests. Four years later he went to New York and found employment as a builder at Tonawanda, where he operated four years. One summer he spent in the employment of the Government, building lake shore survey stations. His ne.xt remove was to St. Thomas, Can., and two years later he went to St. Johns, Clinton Co., Mich., and was employed by the St. Johns Manufacturing Co., two years. In August, 1881, he came with his brother, Benjamin, to Mecosta village, and engaged in contracting and building. They built a planing mill in November, 1882, and are now turning out the customary products, planing, matching, siding, ceil- ing, moldings, etc. They generally employ about ten men and operate considerably in contracting and l)uilding. Mr. Rathvon was married in Welland Co., Ont., June 26, 1872, to Ida .\. Hershey, daughter of George and Sarah Hershey, born at Ix)ville, Can., in October, 1850. Of this marriage three children have been born, as follows: Cora B., at Welland, April Both parents jj^^ were natives of Ohio; the mother died July 18, 1872; Ida May, at Tonawanda, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1874, and Gracie, at St. Johns, Mich., Dec. 10, 1879. The parents attend the M. E. Church. '^'1^^ ! sher L. Canaan, Treasurer of Grant Tp., ''}HBX' and farmer, sec. 21, was born March 25, lll^""^ 1850, in Buck Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio, son '''^^ of Jehu and Sarah L. Canaan. ! 3, 1879, in Grant; and the father is still living, in Michigan. The latter was a soldier in the civil war and served two years and ten months in Co. B, 118th Ohio Vol. Inf. Mr. Canaan began, when he had reached the age of 13 years, to grapple with the world on his own account, and worked nearly three years as black- smith. In 1874 he bought 70 acres of timber land, where he has since resided; has the farm partially cleared and in tillage, with a comfortable home. The place is increasing in value from the fact tliat it is situated in one of the best belts of country in Mecosta County, and the land is of the best quality. Mr. Canaan was married Aug. 10, 1873, to Mary E., daughter of Ira and Mary A. Hays. Her father died Feb. 27, 1881. He was a minister of the United Brethren Church four years, and died of a[)o- plexy. She was born in Canada West Dec. 28, 1858, and is the mother of three living cliildren, born as follows: Milton A., Nov. 19, 1874; Jessie A., March I, 1879; Ira J., Oct. 24, 1882. Mr. Canaan is a Republican in [jolitical senti- ment and has been Constable nine successive years; was delegate to the Republican County Convention and District Convention in 1882. His maternal grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812. He and his wife are Ijoth members of the Church v{ United Brethren, tirant Mission. CvFg^jion H. Compton, farmer, sec. 31, Colfax sjr^^ji was born in Lapeer Co., Mich., March lo, '^^^^W '^57' *"*^ '^ ^ ^°" of L. and Mary (Bur- ''Sfe*'^ nett) Compton. The father was born in Hun- 4i ter. Green t'o., N. Y., May 10, 1859, and is of t Gennan descent. 'I'he mother was born in 'Vj-' Xv^ ^"* jyi^^^-^ -K^^fl!) Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1839. c <>. :^ t —I^^Nf® ^ MECOSTA COUA / ) v* /^ :) ^ ^) Mr. Compton was married Dec. 24, 1882, to Flora M. McCamly, l)orn at Big Rapids, May 31, 1S59. He settled in Big Raimls Tp., April i, 1871, wliere he has since been engaged in farming generally and making a specialty of fruit and gardening. lie is a Republican in political sentiment. 'artin Luther Briggs, farmer and iumbcr- man, residing on sec. 33, township of ^ Oeerfield, is the tiiird son of Samuel and )/H^56' Clarissa (.Smilli) Briggs. His father was a ■}■. native of New York and went to I'ennsylva- syl\ 11'' ma about the year 1830. He settled there and improved a farm, and in 1832 married his first wife, Mary Dickens, of Tioga Co., I'a., She died in 1849, and two years later he married Mrs. Clarissa 1), Hill, of the same county, and who was the mother of our subject, 'i'lie elder Briggs died Aug 9, 1S67. The mother survived her husband nearly 13 years. She died May 17, 1880. Mr. Briggs was born May 17, T853. He acquired a common-school education in his native State, and at 17 set out to begin his single-handed struggle with the world. He spent four years in the business of a lumberman and came to Mecosta Co., where he pur- chased the farm he now occupies, consisting of 80 acres of wild land, which is fast reaching a good con- dition of improvements. Mr. Briggs passes about three-fourths of his time in the woods in his lumber- ing interests. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and an adherent to the principles of the Re- publican party. Mr. Briggs was married Sept. 23, 1883, to Miss Ida M., daughte; of James and Susan Harden, of Deerfiekl, Mecosta Co. She is a native of Chenango Co., N. Y., and was born May 3, 1863. "^t.V-."^;.!"'''^ ferson Co., N. ;j\'->^. parents, I^lisha a m. E. Overton, dealer in general hardware at Big Rapids, was born in Henderson, Jef- Y., June I, 1826. His and Ruth ("arter, were na- IbT'* tives of the Emi)ire State. Mr. (Jverton was reared on a farm and obtained a good educa- . tion at the common si hools, finishing with two ^ years study at Belleville Union .'\cademy, in his na- tive county. In 1846, when he was 20 years old, he went to New Bedford, Mass., and took charge of a sash and door factory owned by \Vm. Wilcox and David R. I'ierce. He remained in tiiis position 12 years, returnmg tu Henderson, where, in company with his brother Joshua Overton, he bought 700 acres of land and for a period of eight years pursued agri- culture. He then went to Adams and established iiimself in the cabinet and undertaking business, wiiich he continued to manage until September, 1877. He came to Big Rapids soon afterward and opened a hardware trade, firm of Overton iv Crenell, in the building now styled the Canada House. In the fall of 1880 the business was moved to the stand it has since occuined. .\pril 17, 1S81, Mr. Crenell sold his part of the stock to Messrs. Cox and Cole, who re- moved their share in about six months. The stock of Mr. Overton r>;presents about $16,000, and his an- nual business amounts to $55,000. He also owns an interest in the Big Rapids Waler-l'owcr Improvement Co., besides his residence and two city lots. He was married in Henderson, to Frances Salis- bury, born in Ohio. Hattie, the elder child of Mr. and Mrs. Overton, is the wife of C. D. .Slimson, lum- ber merchant of Muskegon ; Eugene, the only son, is book-keeper in the business of his father. Mr. Overton was elected Mayor of Big Rapid.> in 1882, and has served two years as member of the School Board. V c A c-<^: V 4\tr^Aw ames E. Philley, liveryman, Millbrook \il- . lage, was born .\pril 27, 1852, in the State " of New York. He is a son of Silas and .(iiO* I'atty (Thompson) Philley, who were natives of ^\^- ■ilp" Scotland and Ireland respectively, and were P married in the Empire State; in 1S63 they came to Ohio, when Mr. Piiilley was eleven years of age, and he remained with them six years. In the fall of 1868 he came to Michigan and was in the employ of the (i. R. & I. K. R. Co. seven years, in different capacities. In the spring of 1875 he went to I'etoskey, Mich., and there opened a saloon, sell- ing out soon after and eng;iging in Imnbering, in which he was occupied five years. He came to Millbrook in the spring of 18S1 and commenced the prosecution of his present business, to which he has *; since given his energetic attention. \ :y^ ^y^:^- ^^^^^ • >i^; r ^■■Z.--'' 332 TZ^C^i ■•ST ■yr<^\imU<^ T^^ |?^$((|r^, i ■-}.■; ^ 1 ■ ^ • V ? ^ ■'!> MECOSTA COUNTY. Mr. Philley was married in Hinton Tp., Oct. 14, 1882, to Sarah, daughter of Levi and Mary Meiiera, a native of Canada. She came from the Dominion to Michigan with her parents, and before lier marriage was engaged as a teacher. In poHtical faith Mr. Philley is a Republican; in 1882 he was elected Constable, and in 1883 was re-elected to the same office. [-^"t^jiiji-' ?|tt*J ^llif-acob W. Pattison, M. D., practicing phy- ^^|[k sician at Millbrook, is a son of Oliver and g^iif*^ Huldah (York) Pattison, the former a native y of Ireland, and the latter of the Dominion of Canada. Tliey were married m Canada, and resided' there some years. During the war of i8i2, the father was taken prisoner and con- veyed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he claimed American ) citizenship and was released. He afterwards became a resident of Erie Co., N. \., where himself and wife •^ completed their lives. Dr. Pattison was born in Erie County, Oct. 8, 1821, At the age of i r years he began life as a laborer, and was occupied in various ways until he was 18 years old. He became assistant in a hardware store, and was in the same employ nearly two years. The deficiencies of his education pressed upon Jiis under- standing, and lie accomplished much hard study nights, and at other times as opportunity presented. He wishes to record his sense of obligation to an Irish gentleman named W'lialen, who took an interest in his progress and assisted him with private lessons. At the age of 23 years he began teaching, which occupation he followed three years. Early in life he had decided upon his present call- ing, and devoted his leisure to preparatory reading. His circumstances prevented his attending lectures, and he turned his attention for the time being to the hardware business, forming a partnership with his brother, which relation existed two years. On its dis- solution lie conducted affairs alone one year, when he sold out and resumed the study of medicine. In the winter of 1856-7 he attended his first course of lectures, at Buffalo, N. Y., going afterward to the University of Victoria, Ontario, where he received his dii)loma and (iovernment right to practice medi- < ine in Canada. In i860 he went to .•\nn Arbor, where he entered the Medical Department of the University of Mich- igan, and in 1862-3 he again attended lectures at Buffalo. In the spring of 1864 he came to Bay City and practiced one year, going thence to Lapeer, and operated there a twelvemonth, when he located in Montcalm County, and continued to prosecute his profession five jears. In August, 1871, he came to Millbrook, where he has established an extensive practice, being spoken of far and near as an able and experienced physician. In addition to his medical practice, he is the sole representative of the drug trade at Millbrook. Dr. Pattison has served several appointments as Health (Officer, and held the position of Justice of the Peace one term. He was married in Canada, in the spring of 1845, ^o Mary, daughter of Ambrose Pattison. She died in the winter of 1857, leaving four children: Melissa, Ida, Ambrose and Appleton J. Dr. Pattison was again married Feb. 22, 1861, to Margaret Carpenter, of Buffalo, N. Y., and their four children are, Ida M., Jennie E., Thomas O. and James G. A ■sMiMWra ^^ ■enjamin F. Corey, Justice of the Peace Pfi^|| and faraier,sec, 11, Grant Tp., was born ^ 'gOG>^ Dec. 4, 1842, in Crawford Co., Ohio : at the ^(j%2. jjag of ,0 hij became a soldier for tlie Union, i\ and enlisted May 19, 1861, under the first call for troops. He served three months and on his discharge again enrolled for three years' service or during llie war. After two years of severe service and hardship he contracted camp dianhea and was discharged for disability. He in time recov- ered his health to some degree, and as soon as he could pass muster he again enlisted, Feb. 2, 1S64, and was in the army to the close of the war. His final discharge bears the date of July 12, 1865. Fol- lowing is the list of his engagements: Rich Moun- tain, \Vinchester, Port Republic, Wilderness (seven days' fight), Chickamauga, Resaca, Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, Nashville {ie|)ulse of Hood), Savan- nah (with Sherman), Columbia, Fayetteville, Raleigh and Bentonvtlle. Mr. Corey was married Feb. 4, 1864, to Eli/.a E. Peoples, of Hardin Co., Oliio. She was born May 15, 1844, and is the daughter of James and Nancy Peoples, both of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. ^. t ^»V!i))«^^' <^D!]^KllDr> .1^ -5*€^*^ — ^-r<>llli:-^:llll^>r .)//■■( V ).s- 7v/ coc/Ayi' 33 5 ^ Corey have bad five cliildren : Ida Jane, horn \o\. /!^ 18, 1867, and died Feb. 1:, 1876; Eliza A., bom ^ May 4, 1 866, is now the wife of W in. Downs; Wil- '« liam, born May 4, 1868; James, July 4, 1870, and J Otis F., July 3, 1878. Mr. Corey is a Repuijlican, - -^ and has held his present [wsition six years. He owns a fine farm of 80 acres, which he has i)laced in fair condition for farming purposes. Mrs. Core) belongs to the .\I. E. Cliurch. ') A • /■ • V s ) ,^ I i (Nelson) Christianson. His patronymic arose from the Danish custom of connx)unding the 1 first and last names of the father. At the age of 15 he shipped for service on a merchantman and followed tiie sea three years and four months, be- coming familiar with the principal [wrts of Europe. In the winter of 1870 lie studied chemistry, survey- ^Kf|i'|S{ Ibert A. Vollmer, grocer, Big Rapids, is a *rSM.% native nf Milwaukee, Wis. His father, -nii?^ Francis Vollmer, was born in Baden, Ger- !j^!}jB many, Oct. 4, 1824. His mother, Rasina '■j (Grass) VoUmer, was born Oct. 4, 1827, at ! Strasbourg, then belonging to France, but now a city of Alsace, ceded to Germany May 10, 1S71. The parents came to the United States in 1830, and were married at Milwaukee, Wis., April 13, 1847, ''■"'-^ still reside tliere. Five c;liildren were born to them: Joseph E., Albert A., Mary E., Isadore D. and Ivo V. Albert A. was born May 28, 1852, and grew to manhood in the Cream City He went to Evanston, 111., in 1877, and established himself in the grocery business, operating with satisfactory results. In Feb- ruary, 1882, he settled at Big Rapids and founded his present business. He carries a stock of goods worth $5,000, and his transactions annually amount toS3S.o°°- He was married at Milwaukee, April 13, 1875,10 Rosa M., daughter of Herbert and Margaret Reck, of West Bend, Wis., and they have had three chil- dren: Agnes M., F'rancis E. and Mary J. -^k^Wndrew Hanson, attorney, at Big Rai)ids, j^ g^JS I( was born in Jutland, Denmark, Sept. 29, m'w' '^S^i and is a son of Hans and Christina ing, etc., ai the Tainpdrdp High .Si hool, Jutland. He came to the United Stales in August, 1872, and to Morley, Mecosta Co., where he commenced to study under L. G. Palmer, and at the same time acted as night watchman for the [Jiotection of a saw- mill. During ,the several succeeding years he was variously engaged, and a.:ciiinulated a considerable amount of land; was in the meating business, and also pursued lumbering energetically, winters, in Col- fax Tp., where he owned 580 acres of land. He was overtaken by reverses, and in the spring of 1881 lost several thousands of dollars. He engaged in teaching near Morley, where he was occupied three years. Commencing in June, 1882, he took a course of study in Swensberg Business College at Grand Rai>ids. On leaving there he came to Big Rapids and again became a student of law in the office of P.ilmer Bros., and was admitted to the Bar as an at- torney April 6, 1883. In June he entered the office of Frank Dumon, Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta County, as an assistant. Mr. Hanson was nominated on the city ticket for Recorder, in the spring of 1883,' but was unsuccess- ful in his candid.icy. While resident in Colfax Tp. he was Treasurer, in i879-'8o, and in the latter year was Supervisor. ,~fT,^ rancis Smith, farmer, sec. 13, .Morton Tp , I'g t was born in {Jermany, Oct. iS, 1832. He "^ is a son of Phili|» and Elizabeth (Borne) fl^ Smith, with whom he remained in his native :|fe;., land and attended school until 1841. In that I year his father came to this country and lo- cated on a farm lying near the Welland Canal, be- tween Lake F'rie anil Ontario. This was retained but a short time, his father selling out and moving to Bruce Co., Ont., where he bought 100 acres of land and is still resident there. The motherof Mr. Smith died in Germany. She left nine children, five sons and four daughters. Of his brothers and sisters, Mr. Smith knows com[)aratively nothing. In 1872 he came to the State of Michigan and bought 80 acres of land in Morton Tp. Nearly the entire acreage of his land is under culture and is largely devoted to stock-raising, to which it is well adai)led. It is located one and a half miles from I A >: I w^yi^^^r ""^^^ %-K-^Ofl>:niiv>M- .5<^^^ ■:2<€^5s^ — ^T<^M :t: n ni^ -wS M/iCOSTA COUNTY. Mecosta village, is well watered and generally is of a grade that compares favorably with other farms in the vicinity. Mr. Smith was married April 16, 1S60, at Formosa, X Canada, to Marianna Gatz. After his marriage he ^ rented a farm there, and in five years he came to Michigan, as stated. Mr. and Mrs. Smith's children are: Mary Ann, born Feb. 8, 1861 (died in infan- cy); Elizabeth, April 7, 1863; Joseph, Oct. 6, 1864, Henry, Dec. 3, 1866; Michael, Se[tt. 26, 1876; John, March 28, 1870; Mary, April 28, 1872; Caroline, Dec. 28, 1873; Frederick P., Oct. 18, 1875; Frank, Aug. 2, 1878 (died two years later); Magdalena, June 17, 1S82. ''*ichard Collins, of the firm of Skclton & Collins, proprietors of the Central Hotel, IJig Rapids, was born in Hastings, Can- ada, Oct. 24, 1847, and is a son of Richard and Julia Collins. The father died in Can- ada, in 1864, the mother in 1849. Mr. Collins was engaged in farming and clearing up land until 1 87 2, when he came to Big Rapids and passed five years, driving logs on the river summers, and lumbering winters. In 1878 he formed his present partnership with Thomas Skelton, and opened the Central House, where they are keep- ing a good hotel, and doing a nourishing business. The bar is supplied with all goods ccMnmon to simi- lar establishments. Mr. Collins owns a lot in tiie Second ward, and 40 acres of land in the Fiftli ward of l!ig Rapids. VaI;, aniel C. Bullock, farmer, contractor and Mjfll' builder, located on sec. 26, Deerfield Tp., Wy^ was born in the Dominion of Canada, May tMiv 5' '828. I lis parents, Ira and Betsey Bul- ^ ock, ai x live < V > t •> '-J I are now residents of Canada; father a na- ve of the State of New \'ork, and mother of Canada. Mr. Bullock remained a resident of his native l)lace until 1863, the year in whicli he located in Deerfield T|i- He bought 40 acres of land in an en- ■^ % tirely uncultivated state, built a log house, and has so persevered in his labors that he has 31 acres under the plow, and has erected a good frame house, in which he resides. In [lolitical sentiment he is a Re- publican. Mr. Bullock was married Feb. 22, 1859, in Canada, to -Sarah, daughter of Ephraim and .Sarah (Roszell) Biirss, natives of Canada, who finally emigrated to .\llegan County, and there resided until the father's death. The mother resides with her son-in-law, Henry Mills, of Deerfield. Mrs. Bullock was born in Canada, Oct. 28, 1833. Of seven children born of this marriage, three are living, born as follows : Ira E., Dec. 10, 1859; Charlie E., Aug. 19, 1867; Franklin D., March 10, 1870; Minnie L., born June 21, 1862, died July 17, 1866; Alma M., Sept. 10, 1S64, died July 25, 1866; Eddie G., Sept. 18, 1869, died Nov. 23, 1869; Johnnie S., Sept. 8, 1872, died March 28, 1881. The eldest son is the owner of 40 acres of land adjoining his father's farm; was mar- ried in Deerfield Tp, Aug. 22, 1882, to Lena, daughter of William H. and Martha M. (Wilson) Kuhn, born Feb. 18, 1862, in Livingston Co., Mich.: removed to Mecosta County in the spring of 1882. P. O., Rust- ford. ^J ^^ >^ ^^£ ames Shields, of Big Rapids, was born in Oif;;, Norfolk Co. Can., Nov. 27, 1845. He is a ^,:?^ son of Archibald and Frances (Reed) p" Shields, and his father's calling was that of a wagon and carriage maker. At the age of 19 Y he engaged as traveling salesman for a hard- ware firm, where he continued three years. In 1867 he opened a hotel in Norfolk Co, which he conducted 18 months, and then, in company with .Vndrew Lees, he engaged in buying lumber, ties, |)ail, shingle, cord wood, etc., for the market, and was thus occupied three years. In 1874 he came to Grand Rapids, and was there engaged in buying and selling garden (iroducts. Three years later he went to Morley for the purpose of buying a farm ; was there taken sick and continued ill about seven months. This disas- ter put an end to his finances and to his agricultural projects. His next removal was to Greenville, where he engaged as a farm laborer one season. He opened an eating house at Greenville, which he man- aged 18 months, going thence to Lakeview, in the Vto} h i ^ ^'>^sr^5T'^'*~" .:3^^^n. .^^ ■J<:II!l5>;tinrt>-V^' "^^^^ " f ) ^)C < ^^^•^ -^/^^ ^myM^>r ^m MECOSTA COUNTY. 337 > A ::diIs> :^e^#^ MECOSTA COUNTY. I ^ James and Susan (Mason) Hall, born in Jefferson Co., Pa., May 29, 1836. Of four children born of this marriage three are living: Wilson E., Melvin E. and Charles J. James E. is deceased. 2 f * ) .§ ^aeob H. Loucks, Postmaster and merchant at Sylvester, Hinton Tp., was born in Lewis ?W^ Co., N. Y., May 6, 1836. He is a son of Daniel and Mary (Cook) Loucks, natives of '•jp" New York, who came to Michigan in the spring '^ of 1867, with their son. The mother died March r, 1871; the father, July 23, 1878. In 1867 Mr. Loucks came to Michigan and settled at first in Ionia County, where he lived two years and then bought 40 acres of land in a primeval condition in Gratiot County. He built a frame house and went on with the work of putting the land under cultiva- tion. He lived on the place 13 years, then rented it and moved to Hinton Tp. In the spring of 1882 he bought out the stock of general merchandise of Geo. W. Streeter, and has since carried on that business. In politics Mr. Loucks is independent. While a resident in (iratiot County he held the office of Jus- tice of the Peace three years. He was married in Copenhagen, Lewis Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1865, to Sarah A., daughter of Justus and Cynthia C. (Leonard) Belcher. Her parents were natives of New York, where her father died, in April, 1881. The mother is still living there. Mrs. Loucks was born Sejit 11, 1844. She has become the mother of three children, born as follows : Mary C, Nov. 21, 1866; Martha A., Feb. 28, 1871 ; (ieo. J., Nov. 15, 1874. Mr. Loucks was appointed Postmaster by Presi- dent Arthur, in July, 1882. »«^- \'^ ^ I fcenry Main, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook Tp., Js was born in Michigan, Oct. 14, 1838. His fi/|S»" father, George Main, was born in Pennsyl- [Jj vauia, and his mother, Margaret A. (Chandler) Main, was a native of New York. Mr. Main I lived at home with his parents and assisted on the farm until he was 22 years of age, when he went from home and worked as a farm laborer four years ; then rented a farm, wliich he conducted three years; came to Mecosta County in the spring of 1869 and bought TOO acres of wild land in the township of Millbrook; built a board house, and proceeded to clear his land, to which he has added by purchase, and now owns 220 acres, with 120 acres under advanced improvements. :Mr. Main is a Republican in faith and act. He has been Treasurer of his township nine years, Con- stable two years, Road Commissioner one year, and Supervisor one year. Himself and family are attend- ants at the Church of United Brethren. He was married in Canada, April 10, 1861, to Roxey L., daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Hart- well) Smith, natives of Canada. Mrs. Main was born in Canada, Dec. 22, 1840. She was under the paternal care until she was fifteen, after which she depended upon her own resources. Mr. and Mrs. Main have had eleven children, ten of whom yet survive: Esther C, born June 5, 1862 ; Aramintha J., Dec. 24, 1863; Austin C, Aug. 3, 1865; Celestia A., Oct. 27, 1867: Lorenzo A., Aug. 14, 1869; Edward H., July 17, 1871 ; WaKer H., May 18,1873; I-^fay- ette J., April 7, 1876; Elsie M., June 9, 1877; .Sid- ney O., l)orn .'\pril 21, 1879, died Sept. 6, '879; Loren T., born Nov. 28, 1881. H^^Tavid L. Garling, miller, proprietor of the P&gjy Mecosta County Mills, Big Rapids, was i - Imrn at Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., N. Y., '-'At^ Jan. 17, 1846. He is a son of John and Sarah (Hartranft) Garling. The father was born iu Pennsylvania, in 1795, of Dutch parentage, and died in Cayuga. N. Y., Dec. 24, 1881. The mother was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1803, and died June 21, 18S3, in Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., N. Y. Mr. Garling was married Nov. 16, 1865, to Hen- rietta Burtnette, born in Seneca Falls, N. Y., June 25, 1846, of English and French extraction. She is a daughter of William and Rachel Burtnette. Mr. and Mrs. Garling have four children, born as fol- lows: Anna R. B., Sept. 13, 1869; Johnny E., July 29, 1872 ; Emma J., Aug. 20, 1875; Burtnette, May 9, 1878. Mr. Garling came to Michigan in June, 1878, and made his first location at Percy, Osceola Co. In 1 (>.' .^ J( ^^^^''< .^i,^ ^>wmm>^ .^^^^^ «4^^jf MECOSTA COUNTY. rJ^i^^sr ^ X V ) ^ V 1879 he came to Mecosta County, and on the first day of Ai)ril in that year i)urchased the mill pro|)erty, to the management of which he has since given his attention. He is a Repul>lican in political sentiment. eorgc Miller, farmer, sec. 18, Colfax Tp., was born in Delaware, Middlesex Co., Ont., July 6, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Miller. The father was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1824, and in 1S45, on attaining his majority, came to Canada. In the year following he married Elizabeth Cludmers, born in 1827, in .Mmond i'.ank, Perthshire, .Scotland. She came to Canada with her ])arents at the age of iS years, and in 1846 was married, at Quebec. They settled in Delaware, where they remained until 1868, in which year they moved to Michigan and settled on a farm in Colfax T|)., Mecosta Co., locating three miles from Big Ra|)ids. Mr. Miller resided with his parents until 1880, when he married Klida Hallock, the youngest daugh- ter of Aaron E. and Harriet L. (.Stevens) Hallock, of Newaygo County. Her father was l)orn Feb. 2, 1825, in New York, and settled in Barry Co., Mich., when 18 years of age. The mother was born Sept. 9, 1835, in the State of Michigan. Their marriage occurred in 1850, and five years later they settled in Montcalm County, where they resided until 1862. They removed to Newaygo County, where Mrs. Mil- ler was born July 29, 1862. She remained in her na- tive county until she was nine years old and then went to Howard City, where she attended school until she was 17. The following year she came to Mecosta County, and taught school, and was married May 5, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a son, born March 29, 1883, named George ICrnest Miller. The father of Mrs. Miller died April 15, 1872, leaving the mother with five children. She removed to Howard City, where she died, in November, 1S72. On his marriage, Mr. Miller settled on his own farm, lying next his father's place on the same sec- tion. They together had cleared 20 acres of the tract, entered under the homestead act by the father; and Mr. Miller has cleared a like (punlily on his own property, and has charge of l)oth places, containing 1 60 acres. Mr. Miller's mother died June 9, 18S1, aged 54 years. She was seized with sudden and violent ill- ness, passing within three hours into a comatose state, from which she never rallied, and about ten hours after the attack she ceased to exist. She was dearly beloved, not only in her own family circle but also by a large nimiber of neighbors and friends who felt her loss almost as keenly as though it were personal. "We had been so happy in believing that we should kee)) her a long time with us that we were stunned, by the sharpness and suddenness of the blow," said one to whom her loss is irreparable. She has a better monument than even cpieens have had. in the last- ing memories of tiiosc whose ha|)piness had been her chief care and hearty delight. • —^>-i---i — ■> -•:-««(j|»-^o — 4_;-<— . amcs S. Canaan, farmer, se< . 21, Cram Pp., was born July 12, 1844, in Hardin IjK'^*^ Co., Ohio, and is a son of Jehu and Sarah I .1 L. Canaan. (See sketch of .Vsher L.Canaan.) ■jjij At the age of 11 years Mr. Canaan set out I to care for himself and to aid in the main- tenance of his father's family. Just after he was 18 years old he enlisted (Aug. 8, 1862) in Co. li, iiSth Ohio Vol. Inf., and remained in the service until the termination of the war. He was discharged at Salisbury, N. C, and paid off at Cleveland Ohio, June 24, 1865. He was in precarious health when his regiment went to the front, and was assigned to guard duty until the date of the battle of Atlanta, where he was first under fire. His corps was aftenvards dispatched to intercept the march of the rebel (Jen. Hood, and he was in the battle of Smithville, on the Tennessee river. Hood's forces and the Union army under Thomas kept up an in- cessant skirmishing, and seven days' fighting ttwk place near Columbia, Tenn. Mr. Canaan was in the terrible fights at Franklin and at Nashville, and was then transferred to North Carolina. His first battle was at Fort Anderson, and his last at a jxjint 10 miles below Wilmington. He returned to Ohio and in ()ctol)er, 1 866, settled in Crant Tp. He became a landholder in 1S73, buying 40 acres of choice land, which he has improved to the best advantage, and has a good frame house with all necessary farm buildings. Mr. Canaan was married Sept. 9, 1875, to Maria, daughter of James and lieulah Stewart, of Lake- A r V -="«€^^ -L<:;on>:||||;>j.u, — ^^^ •ry 'i V^-r :^ ^ ^ V > MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ C view, Montcalm Co., Mich. She was born in Clyde, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1847. Her father died Jan. 19, 1878, and her mother is still living, in Michigan. The three living children of Mr. and Mrs. Canaan were born as follows: Stewart E., June 25, 1876; Her- bert L., Sept. 4, 1878; Ernest J., May 16, 1883; Claude C, born Dec. 2, 1880, died July 6, 1881. Politically Mr. Canaan is a Republican, and has been actively interested in local affairs. He has served his township as Supervisor, five years. Town- ship t:ierk, six years. School Director, two years, As- sessor, three years, and was Deputy Sheriff under J. T. Escott, four years. He has been Delegate vari- ous times to the District and County Conventions. Himself and wife are members of the United Breth- ren Church. 11 dward Fitzgerald, farmer, resident on sec. I^gl 29, Mecosta Tp„ was born in County Kerry, fl?^^ Ireland, Aug. 15, 1833. He is a son of '^; Edward and Bridget (Rourke) Fitzgerald, na- X tives of Ireland, where they passed their lives. ', Mr.Fitzgeiakl came to America at the age of 15, and landed at Quebec, Can., staying there a brief time, going thence to Oswego, N. Y , where he ob- tained enployment in an elevator for a short time. His next remove was to Defiance Co., O., reaching there in November, 1853. He worked on the railroad for a time and then rented a farm, where he worked un- til the spring of 1861. On the outbreak of the late war he enlisted in Co. C, 38th (). Vol. Inf., and his regiment was attached to the command of Ctcu. Sher- man in East Tennessee. 'I'liey marched through Sa- vannali, Cia., and were participants in the severe fight at Ionesl)oro, Sept. i,'64, where the regiment suffered heavy loss, but Mr. Fit/.gerald escaped unhurt. He was in tlie service four years and saw some of its severest work, but was never injured. He was dis- charged |uly 14, 1865, and received from his office a most satisfactory testimonial as a brave and good soldier. He returned to his rejoicing family and resumed farming. In the fall of 1877 he settled in Mecosta County and purchased a fine farm on the bank of Big Muskegon River, in Mecosta Tp. He was married Jan. 1, 1854, to Marcella, daughter of Patrick and Marcella (West) Fox, natives of Ire- land. Mrs. Fitzgerald was born after her parents emigrated to this country and settled in Defiance Co., O. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald, as follows: Ella M., May 13, 1859; VVm. Nov. 13, 1861 ; Francis E., June 22, 1867 ; Anna E., Sept. 1,1869; Mary, born June 4, 1857, died Febru- ary, 1874. Mrs. Fitzuerald is a member of llie M. Iv Cluircii. ^^^ohn M. Main, farmer, resident on sec. 2, ■^1|1 Millbrook Tp., was born in ^\'alerloo Co., _w?;^<4' Can., Feb. 25, 1S43. He grew to man's sP" estate in the manner common to the sons of •ijif- farmers. When 2 1 years of age he rented a Y farm in Canada, which he conducted tluee years, and resolved to become a citizen of the U. S. He came to Michigan, landing at Detroit, Jan. 10, :866. He proceeded to Lakeview, Mont- calm Co., and was occupied in lumbering during that winter, and in the spring of 1867 came to Mecosta County, locating on 100 acres of land in Millbrook Tp., which had been given him by his father, to which he has added 40 acres, and now has 100 acres under improvement. He was mariied in Canada, Nov. iS, 1863,10 Mary M., daughterof Charles and Arabella (Morrison) Per- ^ ^ son, of English and French nativity. She was born in Canada, July 5, 1S47. Children: Margaret E., born Feb. 28, 1865 ; Melinda J., Feb. 18, 1867 ; James W., Feb. 8, 1869; Ferdinand O., Nov. 18, 1870; John G., Dec. 20, 1872; Otto E., June 9, 1874; Nelson A., Aug. 28, 1876; Charlotte B., March 28, 1878; George W., Nov. 28, 1879; Charles H.. May 12,1881. Mr. Main is a Republican, and has been the favor- ed choice of his townsmen for responsible positions. He is a zealous member of the M. E. Church. / ^ ^-5®^ eorge A. Haggit, blacksmith, Millbrook village, was born in Huron Co., Can., Dec. 5, 1857. He is a son of Edward and Eliz- ^'^ abeth (Cockedine) Haggit, natives of England. Mr. Haggit learned his trade in Canada^ ! where he remained until Feb. i, 1883, and worked four years. At the date named he came to Mecosta County and bought out ilie blacksmith shop cher or enter the ministry; however, as he always entertained a love for the study of law, during the last years of his teaching he found time to read the works of a num- ber of leading law writers. After closing his second year's work in the schools of Crand Ledge he de- voted a year almost exclusively to the study and practice of law at liell Oak, Ingham Co. .\fler this he spent two years in the mercantile business at Bell Oak; but this enterprise, not being congenial to his taste, did nut prove successful. Li the spring of 1881, he came to the village of Mecosta, and recommenced the practice of law. He was soon after admitted Jp the Bar of Mecosta County, and in January, 1883, he came to Big Rapids, and the following summer went into partnership with Mr. C. L. Northrup, an attorney of several years' successful practice in Northern Michigan. Soon after coming to the county Mr. Malone was elected member of the t'ounty Board of School Examiners and Secretary of that Board, which position he held for two years. The untiring zeal with which lie de- voted himself to the duties of this office, and the consequent advancement in educational interests throughout the county, so identified him with the in- terests of the people that his work will not soon be forgotten. Mr. Malone, though still a young man, is every- where known as a man of the people; he is there- fore an active agent in all matteis tending to advance the interests of the community and esjiecially of the young. He is an earnest ami ardent s|)eaker, and has presented his views u[ion leading subjects of pub- lic interest, not only in his own county but in differ- ent [jarts of the State. He is an active worker in the cause of temperance and a zealous advocate of both moral suasion anil prohibition. He is also a total abstainer himself, having never partaken of in- toxicating licpiors as a beverage in his life; neither has he ever used tobacco in any form. Mr. Malone was married in Locke T|)., Ingham Co., June 30, 1875, to Miss Fanny E. Atkins, eldest daughter of Harman A. and Harriet V. .Atkins, both of whom were pioneers of that county. Mr. Atkins is a physician, having practiced in Ingham County for more than thi.ty years. He is also a great reader, and a profound student of natural sciences, being the author of a work on ornithology, embodying his daily observations for more than a :ilD-> v:- -xs^n^ 1 % ,1^ ^^S/^.s^Je^ri' -T< -r^^ -4^<^C©VI MKCOSTA COUNTY. (^ '^i V ^ ) -^ tury. Mrs. Malone was horn in Locke Tp., Ingham Co., March 5, 1854. She received a liberal educa- tion and taught school several terms in Ingham and Eaton Counties before her marriage; she still enter- tains the same love for reading and study as that of her father, and so far as possible still gives her time to literary pursuits. Bertha E., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Malone, was born Dec. 29, 1S77. In connection with this sketchwe take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Malone. "-^3^ ~^* ntt» r~^ Si m. Willett, farmer on sec. 5, Hinton Tp.^ was born in England, March 28, 1810. His parents were natives of England and came to Canada in the early days of its set- tlement, and there the mother, Martha (Skil- ' ton) Willett, finally died. The father, Richard Willett, came to Michigan with his children, and died at the home of his son George. William Willett spent the first 23 years of his life in his native land, and until 14 years of age was sent to school. He worked four years with his father, who was a carpen- ter, and then set out for his single-handed life strug- gle. In 1833 he came to Canada and entered upon a life of labor, working at carpentry and milhvright- ing, and was thus engaged for 33 years, coming to Michigan in 1866. , He at once purchased 120 acres of land, on which he now resides and has 40 acres under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Willet was married in England, Feb. 3, 1830, to Charlotte, daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Mann) Rose. Her parents were natives of England, where Mrs. Willett was born Sejit. 21, 1812, and tiiere her father and motiier died. ohn D. Decker, farmer, sec. 14, Millbrook Tp., was born in the State of New York, March 11, 1828. He is a son of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker, and was reared under the care of his parents, living at home until he was 22 years old, and occupied ciiiefiy with farming. His father removed with his f.i nily to Canada when Mr. Decker was about six years old, who remained there until he readied Ijie age of 24 years, going thence to Illinois. After resid- ing there seven years, engaged meanwhile in farm- ing, he came in the autumn of 1866 to Mecosta County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Mill brook Tp. He has since bought 40 acres more, and of the aggregate 120 acres has 40 acres under cul- tivation. He was married in Canada, Feb. 10, 185 1, to Harriet R,, daughter of David and Lena (Mirkley) Welch, the former a native of New England, the lat- ter of Canada. She was born in Upj)er Canada, Nov. 30, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have had nine children, of whom eight survive: Louisa H., born Jan. 25, 1852; Eva J., Oct. 25, 1856; Howard E., Feb. 25, 1859; Adella M., Jan. 21, 1862; William A., April 16, 1864; James E. C. March 12, 1868; Mary L., Dec 29, 187 i; Allierta E., Feb. 9, 1875; Edward H., born Feb. 7, 1S54, died Jan. 17, 1856. ^& artley Davis, deceased, was born .\ug. 18, 1832. He was a son of Francis and Mar- garet Davis, natives of Belfast, Ireland. At the age of six years he came to Canada '^> with his i)arents, and attended school at To- 1 ronto until he was 13 years old. Two years later he began to work in a saw-mill for Jonah Ugel, where he continued until he was 21 years old. In company with a son of his employer, he bought a saw-mill, and they went into business for themselves, where Mr. Davis thus operated five years. He sold his interest in the mill and went to live on a farm he had previously purchased, which he managed until 1 86 1. He then came to Michigan, and purchased 80 acres of land in Hinton Tp., 70 acres of which were under the plow at the time of his death. Asso- ciated with William N. Seaton, Mr. Davis built and operated the first saw-mill in the township, located at .Altona. He was connectcil witli Mr. .Seaton two years, and was engaged in lumbeiing to a greater or less extent each winter after coming to Hinton. Dur- ing his life Mr. Davis was Supervisor several years. He tlied Feb. 13, 1879, after an illness of five years, of consumption. He was confined to his house but two weeks. Mr. Davis was married April 10, 1858, in Canada, v^ ( A ( f^ ^ T-iiiS' ^•i^ ^ t <:I1I1>:DDs>^ .) > A V MECOSTA COUNTY. to Lydia M., cklcst daughter of William and (liar- lottc (Rose) Willctt. born Jan. 17, 1832. Her parents reside in Hinton Tp. Of six children born to Mr. and .Mrs. Davis, three survive: Newton E., l)orn April 12, 1S59; Ella .M., Nov. 22, 1861; Charlotte M., April 2, 1865. Two children died in infancy; E/.ra \V., horn Oct. 7, 1S60, died Fel). iS, i.S.Si. Mrs. Davis resides on the homestead. ^-J-e4^ -> Ejidney Haskill, painter, resident on sec. 35, ^Etna I'l)., was horn May29, '29,in Yates Co., N. Y., and is son of Josiah and Chloe (Gage) Haskill. .\t the age of 15 he was ai)- prenticed to Nathan Simson, a painter of tliat vicinity, and as he acquired the details of the trade with readiness and became a skilled workman in much less than the time required by the terms of his indenture, he was released and managed his own business engagements for three years. He then spent two years on the lakes; since i860 he has been busy with his trade. During the time he was in the Empire State he worked on the N. Y. C. R. R. ; going thence to Kansas, he worked on the Union Pacific R. R., as a bridge builder. He re- turned to Michigan, stopped at Port Huron, and a few months later went to Grand Rapids, where he arrived in the spring of 1863. He followed his trade 14 years in that city and then settled in .-Etna Tp., on a farm near Morley. Since his location in the township he has worked with Higbee & Co. He was married in 1S50, to Catherine, daui^liter of Samuel and Anna Duttou, at Port Hope, Pr. of On- tario. Children: Albert, born Nov. 25, 1857; Ro- sanna W., August, 1859; Frank, Nov. 5, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Haskill are adherents of the M. E. Church. Mr. 11. is a Reiiublican. - oc ^ - "M- ' I'-, was Ixjrn Sept. 7, 1847. He is a son v,'"^^ of Alexander and Sarah (More) Mills, Yi natives of Scotland and early emigrants to St. Johns, N. H., where the son was born. Mr. Mills took his fortunes into his own hands at nine years of age. He ran away to sea in the capacity of cabin Ixjy, and was in that [wsition two years when he became shipmate. He was pronioled \^ the post >& of second mate, and so i)erforme(l his duties that he /• was offered the position of first mate, but declined, -?■ as he had determined to withdraw from a seafaring X life. He hail a desire to engage in the whale-fishing j>. service of the Northern Ocean, and spent some months ^ ' in the dangers and excitements of that life. He then engaged in cod-fishing service and followed it on tVie coast of Gaspe, Can. After four months he connect- ed himself with a company of seal fishers and spent a considerable time in that region of icebergs. He then quitted ocean life and went to Upper Canada, where he remained but a brief time. His next re- move was to Texas, where he was occupied some months in herding cattle. Coming North, via New York, to Canada, in 1859, he visited his native place. He came to Saginaw, Mich., and there operated as a lumberman one year, and was also engaged some- what in river driving. Mr. Mills came to Big Rapids in the fall of i860, ( where he remained until his marriage. That event "\ occurred July 8, 1861, to Mary, daughter of Jesse R. and Lydia (Mash) Green. Her parents were natives of Canada, where she was born Sept. 17, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Mills have had one child, Alice May, born May 31, 1875. Mr. Mills is a Democrat. V A/x/v^-^ /, "%W^^ ' f^n^ucl J. Throp, of the firm of Fellows & , p ~N Throii, druggists, at liig Rapids, was born ,it Fort Jefferson, Darke Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, it"^ 1845, and is a son of John A. Throp, born J Oct. 24, 1822, in Monmouth Co., New Jersey, and Catharine Throp, born Dec. 3, 1825, in Warren Co., Ohio. His motlier never changed her maiden name, yet there was no relalionshij) trace- able. His father was a wagon-maker, but on his removal to Three Rivers, Mich., in 1857, became as- sociated with a partnership manufacturing company, in building the celebrated Invincible Vibrating Thresher and general agricultural implements; he ^^ sold his interest in the factory March 15, 1881, but 1 retained his claims in the jiatents. In 1867 Mr. f^ ' Throp went to Troy, 111., and engaged in the mer- chant flouring mill of his uncle, Thomas A. Throp, as accountant. The latter died in 1873, and Mr. • Throp was ajipointed administrator of the esialc, ^ d ^>)f^S^'- "S'i? ^^^>m '^M^r^^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^;(®\0§] ^ A •iV« V > After an absence of seven years, and the affairs per- taining to the settlement were adjusted, he returned to Three Rivers, and in 1875 became secretary of a new incorporated company, namely, Roberts, Throp & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements, in which his father had been actively and steadily con- nected for the past 25 years, being Director and Vice-President as well as General Manager and Superintendent. On account of failing health, sim- ultaneously with his father's active withdrawal from the concern, Mr. Throp and his father sold their half interest in the capital stock, divided the notes and accounts and retained their share of the same. Their connection therewith had been veiy laborious and one of great resi)onsibility, yet successful and merito- rious in a financial sense. They together engaged in the collection of their outstanding accounts, until September, 1882. During that numth Mr. Throp came to Big Rapids and, in partnership with his brother-in-law, C. A. Fellows, purchased a stock of drugs of C. P. Bige- low, M. 1)., which they removed to their present l)lace of business. They carry the largest stock of drugs and sundries in the city, and have the most complete and tastefully arranged business house, in their line, in Northern Michigan. Their business comprises wholesale as well as retail, and although already extensive, is steadily increasing. Mr. Throp was married at Three Rivers, May 28, 1870, to Clara A., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hiles. Mrs. Throp was born in Montour Co., Pa., Aug. 27, 1848. Charles Henry, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Throp, was born at Troy, 111., Sept. 16, '72. A 1 i l-ohn Bellamy, tanner, sec. 8, \\heatland ^I^^C, Tp., is a son of John and Jane (Cathcart) |W;,-F"^ Bellamy, the father a native of iMigland, f y of mixed British and Irish blood, and tlie ^^ mother of Ireland ; they came to America early Y '" life and located in Ontario, Can., where they were married. Mr. Bellamy was born in Waterloo Co., Can., Sc])!. 5, 1855, and passed the first 23 years of his life in school and assisting his father on the farm. In the fall of 1878 he came to Mecosta County and passed one year in Wheatland Tp., witli John Cringrich, his brollier-in-law. Meanwhile lie was married, June 14, 1879, to Leonora, daughter of Peter and Mary (McDonald) Gingrich, who was born July 5, 1 86 1, in Waterloo Co., Can., and when si.\ years old accompanied her parents to Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy liave two children : John H., born Dec. 25, 1879, and William A., Nov. 18, 1881. In politics Mr. Bellamy is a Democrat. ,arvey Harrington, proprietor of the hotel jjl' at Altona, Hinton Tp., was born in Ionia ■■^[\^° '" County, Mich., Aug. 2, 1848. His jiarents, A William and Margaret (Staley) Harrington, were r natives of Ohio. Their first removal ihence was I to Montcalm Co., Mich., and successively to Ionia, Gratiot and Calhoun Counties, and in 1869 went to Kansas, where they now reside. Mr. Har- rington was 14 years of age when his parents went to Gratiot County. Their stay there lasted one year, and they then went to Calhoun County, where Mr. Harrington lived with them until he was 21 years of age. On attaining man's estate he went to Mont- calm County, and there worked in a shingle-mill eight years. In 1873 he l)ought 40 acres of i)artly improved land in the township of Fairplain, in Montcalm Co. He took possession of this place as a residence in 1877, and in 1881 exchanged tlie property for 80 acres in Sheridan Tp., Mecosta Co., where he fixed his home in September, 1881. In Feb- ruary, 1883, he exchanged his farm for tlie hotel at Altona, which he is now managing. Mr. Harrington was married in Montcalm County, Oct. 24, 1869, to Lois A., yoiingest child of Nathan and Mary A. (Rossmore) Rose. The latter were natives of New York, where Mrs. Harring'on was born, Oct. 24, 1852. Her father died Feb. 4, 1862, and lier mother lives with her, Mr. and Mrs. Har- rington luive had one child, George N., born .April 3. 187 I, and died Oct. t 2, 187 1. As to political issues, Mr. Harrington is a Reiniblican. Ipohn M. Sims, farmer, sec. 2, (ireen Tp., % was born Sept. 26, 1845, in Greene Co., Kf^"^ Pa., and is the son of Martin and Kliza Jane (Mundy) Sims. Mr. Sims is descended from loyal ancestry, his great-grandfather hav- '^ ing fought in the war of the Revolution, and also in that of 1812. Mis father was born in the (r k 'S r (T^ $e§^- 5«*- JL <^ii!i??.niif> u .>5!^f%«5<- i V ■'• t^ YlC(!>;^-e:^^:^e.^, c^;t^ -:i^^sr -r:niiv> ry MECOSTA COUNTY. -«^'?@^ vx=i 'fisa ?,\<) Keystone State, of Enj;lish ancestry ; was a farmer 'n and Miillwrij;lu, and enlisted in the civil war as a ,■:% soldier for the Union, finally locating in Van Huren I Co., Mich., where he died, in 1876. The mother, y^ born in founty Down, Ireland, died Aug. 28, 187 i. True to the patriotic instincts of his race, Mr. Sims enlisted in the war of the Rebellion to defend the tlag his ancestors had foiij^ht to establish, and is the youngest soldier recorded in this voUime. lie enrolled as his country's servant in the 12th W. Va. Infantry, Aug 9, 1869, when he was 15 years, 1 1 months and 13 days old. He was discharged June 16, 1865, having seen much active service in the memorable engagements of the war, among them the fight at Winchester, June 14, 1863, Harper's Ferry, in July, 1864, Battle of Winchester, and of Cedar Creek, Nov. 19, 1864, at Piedmont, Stanton, Lynch- burg; and when transferred to the Army of the Po- tomac he fought at Hatchers Run, near Petersburg, March 29, 30, 31, 1865, and h.\m\ i, folkjwing, at I'ort Grey, near Petersburg, whence his command fol- lowed Lee on the extreme left of the Army Corps until the rebel chief surrendered to the Federal authority at Appomatlox, of which event Mr. Sims was an eye witness. After Lee's cai)itulation the forces went from Lynchburg to Richmond, wlieve ^ they were discharged, and were mustered out at Wheeling. Mr. Sims sustained but one injury during the entire time, receiving a gunshot wound in tlie left leg in a skirmish near Harper's Ferry. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Winchester, June 14, 1863, and was held in captivity three months. At tile end of that lime he made his escape and rejoined his command, after passing four days and nights in the mountains almost wholly without supplies. March 25, 1866, he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., and in 1868 bought 80 acres of land in Green Tp., where he has since followed farming. He was mar- ried to Kllen E. Robins in 1867 ; she was born in Potter Co., Pa , and is the daughter of James G. and Olive (Slade) Robins. Of this marriage one child was born, Otis Odando. The motlier died June 28, 1868. Mr. Sims was again married in 1869, to Eliza- beth, daughter of John and .\my (Clark) Kitchen, a native of Canada, l)orn Sept. 18, 1841. Her fatjier ■^ was born in New Jersey, and is now living near ^ Whitehall, Mich. Her mother was a native of New llrunswick and died in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Sims' children are, l)eli)ert, Anna H., Elsie M. and Viola. A V V ^ ^ * (xro heodore C. Gardner, of Big Rapids, a jior- trait of whom we present upon the o|)posite page, was born Dec. 21, 1843, in Medina Co., Ohio, where he was reared under his father's care. He is a son of Reuben and Mary (Branch) Gardner, natives of New York, and of English descent. Mr. Gardner became a sol- dier when he was 18 years old, enlisting April 23, i86r, in the iMghth Ojiio Infantry, Com|>any K, Capt. W. F. Pierce. His command was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and during the period of his enlistment he was in 17 actions; among the most prominent were the battles of Bull Run, An- tietam and South Mountain. From all the casualties of war Mr. Gardener fortunately escaped, and was neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was made Sergeant soon after his first service in the war, and during the time was transferred to the Sixth U. S. Cavalry, in which he remained until he was mus- tered out, .May 26, 1864. He returned to Ohio, and after two months entered the servi( e of the Govern- ment, operating chielly as a harness maker. He was thus employed about si.x months, and on t,he close of the war returned to Ohio. Soon after he came to Oceana Co., Mich,, and entered 160 acres of land under the homestead act. He returned to Medina Co., Ohio, and was married May 22, 1866, to Lydia A., daughter of Alden and Lois (Morse) Apthorp, the father a native of Massa- chusetts, and the mother of New York. They moved to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1840, where Mrs. Ganlner was born. May 16, 1844. She was well edu- cated in the common schools of the Buckeye State, and was a teacher some years previous to her mar- riage. .\fler that event she accompanied her hus- band to Michigan, and they resided on his farm in Oceana County until the fall of 1870, when Mr. Gardner removed his interests to Millbrook, Mecosta County, and established a general mercantile busi- ness, with a stock of goods worth $600. He con- tinued to operate there until December, iS8f, and during the time his business increased until it rcai h- ed an aggregate of $40,000 annually. He sold out at the time named to E. F. Horton, and moved to Re- mus, Wheatland T[)., where he established a mercan- tile business, on a basis of $6,000. His annual sales t Vi> :< ( f t^(^^^ ■^^^f^ j^ v <^ii!]>:nav> t :) MECOSTA COUNTY. 4^^^«i)V,(@^; ^ V reach a figure of $50,000, and he maintains one of the finest stores and best assorted lines of goods in Northern Michigan. He moved his family to Big Rapids, but continues to own and manage his exten- sive business interests at Renuis. In jx)litics Mr. Gardner is a Republican, and has held |)osiuons of trust and prominence where he has resided. Cora D. Apthorp, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, was born Dec. 30, 187 i. — ^'\A,^^S"|^S'V^^-f- t^tecst. [lanson H. Waterman, farmer on sec. 19, f Deerfield Tp., was born in Massaciuisetts, i)^ Sept. 23, 181 7. He is a son of Oliver and 3}&' Miriam (Jennings) Waterman, who removed ,''^ from the Bay State to New York and thence to i Pennsylvania, where the mother died in 1863. The father returned to New York soon after, and in 1868 joined his wife in the land of the hereafter. Mr. Waterman was under the tutelage of his parents r.niil he reached man's estate. He went with them to the State of New York, and a year later to Penn- sylvania, where he pursued agriculture ten years, meanwhile arranging and preparing to enter the min- istry. In 1849 he returned to New York and was installed jiastor of the Southeast Stockton Baptist Churcb, and in 1850 received ordination. He re- tained his charge three years, at the end of that time accepting a call from the Baptist Church and society at Sheridan, N. Y., where he officiated two years. He resigned his iX)St two years later and was in- stalled pastor over the First Baptist Church at Aurora, Portage Co., Ohio. After a successful pas- torate of two years, he acccepted tlie charge at Auburn, O., where he remained two years ; then went to Mec- ca, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and was there engaged in ac- tive ministerial work ten years. His health becoming impaired in 1S69, he relincpiished his connection with the ministry, resigned his charge, and came to Mont- calm Co., Mich., where he bought 260 acres of unim- proved land, built a log house and underwent all the experiences of the pioneer. But he made marked |)rogress in the imiirovements on his property, and when he sold it in 1878, 120 acres of his farm was in an advanced state of cultivation. In 187S he came to Mecosta ("ounty and |)ur- chased 40 acres ol [)artially improved land, now his home and the place wherein he designs to pass his remaining life. He was married in Pennsylvania July I, 1841, to Mary E., daughter of Lysander and Elizabeth (Saltsman) Mitchell, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. They settled in 1878 in Montcalm Co., but returned to Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Mitchell died Oct. 8, 1882, and her hus- band followed July 19, 1883. But three of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are living: Frances M., born June 13, 1849; Chas. B., May 2, T857, and Elmer B., June 9, i86r. The parents gave two sons to the Union cause, and both are at rest in the soil which the lives they surrendered to save from the ruin of disunion have consecrated for- ever. Their honored names are Sylvester A., iiorn Feb. 19, 184-, and died July 18, 1864; and George C, born Oct. 6, 1844, and died Feb. 23, 1866. The following is the record of three others who are in the home of everlasting peace: Mary J., born Feb. 13, 1847, died Sept. 7, 1874; Judson V., born Sept 9, 1854, died Sept. 11, 1854; Adaline C, born June 5, 1851, and died Sept. 9, 1854. After a useful and and active life of nearly 70 years, Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are passing the sun- set of their life in serenity and trust. They are devoted to Christian work and are zealous in the in- terests of the Chinch of their choice. Mr. Water- man is a Republican. -^=7=4 £^ ;Seter Cahill, farmer on sec. 15, yFtna Tp., Jj V^ ^ \ was born Ai)ril 8, 1S41, in Canada. At liVI:i-!iC the age of 15 he entered upon his single- •^J handed contest with the wodd, and at 21 he •'/'yl came to Michigan, working as a farmer and lumberman until the fall of 1867. In 1868 he liought 40 acres of wild land, to which he added by purchase 40 acres of railroad land, whereon he built a log house and proceeded to prepare his farm for the sustenance of his family. He now has 30 /K acres under cultivation. In political sentiment Mr. T Cahill is a Greenbacker, and the family are all ad- S herents of the Catholic Church. Mr. Cahill has ^ been Highway Commissioner one year and S( Imol r^ Director two years. He was married in the township ^ of .I'Una, Aug. 5, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of William .md Mary A. (I'limpton) Mitchell, natives of the ^mr- <^ll!l?^ODi>A^ ^^n^ •4^^jf r?^?s i^^-i^i^^^ -2*^;^^ <>DD>;UPri^ -) A :« V ) ^ VTT' MECOSTA COUNTY. -zi^^^ -4»^§J(^V^ 35' State of New York, and tlicir cliildren are,' Vesta, l)oni M;iy 22, i868; Alice, July 31, 1870; Frances \V., Oct. 17, 1876; James E., July 8, 1880. der- trude is ileceased. ^'r^^P^lijah Carr, farmer on sec. 6, Hmton 1 was born in New Jersey, Oct. 21, 1834. His parents, Samuel and Catlierine (Wise) Carr, were born in New Jersey, and were pio- neers in Oakland County, removing later to Greenville, Mecosta Co., where they died. Mr. Carr was but four years old when his parents became residents of Michigan. He obtained his education in the common schools, and worked on the fiirm until he was 22 years old. In 1856 he bought 80 acres of timber land in Greenville, Montcalm Co., and soon after purchased a similar acreage. He was a resident of the place for 22 years. He sold it in 1878, and bought 160 acres in Hinton Tp., now his residence and under his management. Mr. Carr was married in Oakland County, Dec. 13, 1846, to Mrs. Mary H. Stewart, second daughter of John and Amanda (Jordan) Clark. Her parents were natives of Vermont, and in 1834 came to Mich- igan, settling in Montcalm County, where the mother died, June 5, 1849, the father dying several years later. Mrs. Carr was born in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Aug. 2, 1835. The family circle includes six chil- dren : Ellen K., John L., Alice M., Josei)hine H , Frances E. and Avery G. Mr. Carr is an adiierent to the principles and issues of the Democratic [jarty. Mrs. Carr's first husband was Charles Stewart, and of that marriage one child was born — Sophia A. ^^ Jiii^rdii ohn B. Gingrich, farmer, sec. 8, Wheatland '^'li^aC' '^'P'' '^ ^ **"" ^^ Jacob and Barbara (Burk- |fe^^ hart) (Mngrich, who were natives of Penn- Iv *'y'^''*"'''» •^"'1 '" e-irly youth went to Canada, '|F where they were married and reared tiieir fam- \ ily. Mr. Gingrich was born in Waterloo Co., Can., May 2, 1847. Fie was married Nov. 15, 1866, to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Cathcart) Bellamy (see sketch), who was born in Wellington Co., Can., Aug. 17, 1846. Mr. Gingrich took his wife to the iiome of his parents and lived with them one year, coming in the fall of 1867 to Michigan and locating on sec. 8, where he secured 120 acres of wooded lanil, with an old log hut thereon, which had been previously built and which the family occui)ied five years. The pioneer dwelling has given place to one more pretentious and comfortable; and 20 acres have been added to the farm, which now aggregates 140 acres, with 100 in first-class improvements and furnished with ample and suitable farm buildings. The childreii of Mr. and INlrs. Gingrich are as fol- lows: Barbara J., born June 17, 1867; Rebecca, Feb. 28, 1869; William J., born Aug. 27, 1870, died Sept. 2, 1871; Joseph, born July 17, 1872, died Se|)t. 8, 1881; Susan, born July i, 1874, died Sept. 17, i88r. The two last named died of diphtheria, nine days intervening between their deaths. Mr. Ging- rich belongs to the Democratic party, and has held the ])ost of Constable six years. The parents are mem- l.ers of the .M. E. Church. ^"^iSyron S. Davenport, Paris, Green Tp., was born Jan 2, 1862, in Barton, Newaygo Co., y-^^^ Mich., and is the youngest son of William '/"[Wf" and Jemima (Stanley) Davenport. The father "C- was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 24, 1824, I and is a son of Jesse Daveni)ort, a native of England and a millwright by vocation. William Da- venport moved to Columl)ia, Fayette Co., Ind., in I1S45, where he engaged three years successfully in mercantile business. In 1856 he went to Barton, aiKl has since resided there, pursuing his trade of millwright and mechanic. He purchased a half section of Government land, which his sons cleared and placed in good farming condition, leaving him to pursue his trade. Jemima Stanley was born Oct. 7, 1S24, in Richmond, Ind., of English descent, and was married July 31, 1842, to William Davenport. They are the parents of one daughter and five sons. Mr. Davenport, of this sketch, acipiired his ele- nientary education in the schools of Barton and in the high school of Big Rapids, finishing his studies at the Commercial College of Grand Rapids. In 1881, in company with his brother, he established himself in business in Paris, which connection con- tinued nearly a year, and was brought to a close by % m m\^ 'Jit m ■^N^»^ ■^=^dd:a •^^jf^ t I !2^^«'^sr 'T<^Mmh>^. — >*€^ 4^^(<® MECOSTA COUNTY. f A : I ^ ^ ■'Tnr<^|]ll>:DIl>->r— MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^^^ 355 ^ ing a home in the Peninsular State. Himself and brother exchanged loo acres of land in Ontario for 240 acres in Wheatland Tp., Mr. Gingrich becoming the [xissessor of 120 acres, to which he has made an addition of 20 acres more. Of this, 75 acres are now as well improved as any- in the county, and the owner has recently erected some very fine farm buildings thereon. The family of Mr. Gingrich includes six cliildren, born as follows: Leonora, July 5, 1S61 ; Samuel A., Aug. 3, 1864; William A., Jan. 20, 1868; Henry W. B.Aug. 8, 1870; Franklin P., Jan. 31, 1S75; Lillie G., May 25, 1878: Lavinia N., born Aug. 3, 1873, died Dec. 6, i88i. In politics Mr. Gingriih is a staunch Democrat, and has held nearly every office of any prominence in the local government of his township. He is act- ively interested in the work of the society of Good Templars, to which he belongs, and in which he oc- cui)ics the chair of P. W. C. — 5- S Mi 's) hristian W. Wernette, resident al Me- ,/ costa village, Morton Tp., is a son of gjll/'''"^ John and Mary (Veitheimer) Wernette, ijk! and was born June 15, 185 i, in \Vaterloo Co., ^ Canada. When he was 10 years of age his { parents sent him to Berlin, in his native country, to college, with the view of educating him for a Romish priest; but his natural lastes were so decidedly averse to such a life tliat he left school at the end of the first year. In 1863 he came to Micli- igan and engaged several years as a farm laborer, and in 1865 went back to New York and enlisted in the State militia, but was not called into action. He was the youngest and the tallest man in the company. His regiment was mustered out of the service in the spring of 1866, when he returned to Mecosta County, and was employed about six months in the lumber woods. His next engagement was with the Chicago Lumber Co., cutting timber in the vicinity of the Manistee River. In 1875 he bought a farm of 290 acres, three miles southeast of Mecosta village, where he lived until that place was platted. Foreseeing the promising future of the rapidly growing and phuky little village, he (^ bought a lot on Main street, and built a saloon, ^ which he still carries on, holding a stock of about ^^ ■ — ^^#%r^ — -Hm -^ $3,000, embracing all articles common to his line of business, his annual sales amounting to about $11,000. He acceded to the possession of the Wilson House, Sept. 15, 1882, which he afterward rented to R. H. Duly for three years, and in the spring of 1883 he bought the building where the Mecosta Advaiue is published, which is rented to the proprietor of that journal. July i, 1883, he ixiught a half interest in a meat market adjoining his saloon, wliich is well patronized under the firm name of Reed & Wernette. His residence on North Franklin street was lately erected, at a cost of i|i,2oo; is handsomely fitted up with modern appurtenances, and is an ornament to the place. On his farm soutlieast of the city, he has built a large and commodious barn, which he has so plan- ned as to have one of tlic finest water privileges in Northern Michigan. His place is stocked with a fine lot of blootled cattle and China Jjigs. He owns, be- sides, a 40-acre farm one mile north of Mecosta vil- lage ; has also 40 acres of pine land, which he values very highly. He also owns a lilacksmith shop on Main street, occupying two lots near the Town Hall. Mr. Wernette is a Democrat in political faith. He has officiated as Supervisor of Morton Tp., and in 1880 was nominated for Representative from his district on the ticket of his ])arty, but declined the position on account of ill health. Mr. Wernette has always been active in the interests of his township and of the (onnnunity of wjiidi he is a member. To him belongs the ( rcdit of securing the establishment of mail privileges at Hingen (now Remus). He was married July 3, 1875, at Grand Rapids, to Mary Pickette, daughter of a prosperous farmer of Kent County. Mr. and Mrs. \\'ernette have three children : Lillie R., Joseph W. and Jessy J. Among the portraits of prominent citizens present- ed in this volume may be fountl that of Mr. Wernette. A V "K.li m^i Gland D. Reed, marketman (firm of Reed c ^^\S)^^^ & Wernette), Mecosta, Morion Tp., was ^-^rrte born in Hainsville, Medina Co., Ohio, ^ Sept. 23, 1849. His parents, James and p)^ Elizabeth (Holcomb) Reed, are both deceased. His fiither was a notive of Medina Co., Ohio, was a miller by trade, and died in Ionia, Mich., Nov. 10, i86r, aged p years, and his mother V m (9) % •ST r-Te:OD>:i]nr> ■r 356 MECOSTA COUNTY. ■^ o ■') o died in Nilcs, Mich., May i, 1873, at the age of 41 years. In 1877 Mr. Reed engaged in the meat trade at Six Lakes, Montcahn County, and operated there with success three years, closing his business in March, 1880. In May following he opened a similar busi- ness at Mecosta village. July i, 1S83, he admitted C. W. Wernette as partner, and their business now amounts to $r,ooo per month. Mr. Reed is a mem- ber of the Maccabees' society. He owns his shop and slaughter-house grounds, comprising 18 acres and situated half a mile from town. He was married March 24, 1876, to Millicent, daughter of Sydney and Elizabeth Edie, born at Lowell, Kent Co., Mich. rs. Mary A. Duteher, residing on sec. 29, of Green Tp., was born in Liverpool, Eng., Aug. 16, 1820. She is a daughter of f.^'Y\ Edward and Elizabeth (Fowie) Hudson, na- tives of England. They came to America iu 1823 and landed at Si. John, New Brunswick, on the ninth of May. They were residents there until their death. Mrs. Duteher was married Dec. 26, 1840, to Alexander McPhee, a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia. They went to Canada West and in 1861 moved to Michigan, locating in Mecosta County, where the husband followed farming until his death, which occurred May 21, 1864. The widow was a second time married in 1866, to Simeon S. Duteher, a native of Cireenbush, N. Y. He died June 30, 1880. Mrs. Duteher has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 20 years. if ohn Clink, farmer, sec. 33, Deerfield Tp., is ^Mj- son of Jolin and Catherine (Brown) Clink. v-^- 'I'hey were natives of New York, and after their marriage emigrated to Tuscola Co., Mich., where the mother is yet living; the fatlier is deceased. Mr. Clink was born in Canada, Nov. 19, 1843, and there grew to man's estate. In the autumn of 1862 he came to Deerfield township and purchased 80 acres of unl)roken forest land, ik)w tlie homestead of * George Helms. On selling his first landed estate, Mr. Clink bought 80 acres, where he now resides and has 20 acres under cultivation. The marriage of Mr. Clink with Charlotte, fourth daughter of John and Anna (Nunn) Sanger, took place Feb. 1862. I\Irs. Clink's parents were na- tives of Canada, and there remained resident until their death. The seven clrildren born of this mar- riage are recorded as follows: John H., born iSIay 10, 1866; Millie, June 22, 1868; Devilo, May 24, 1870; Thomas, April 21, 1872; Clyde, March 15, 1875 ; Annie (dec), June 21, 1864; Wm. (dec), Nov. 19, 1881. Mr. Clink has been Constable in Mecosta County nearly 10 years; was re-elected, and also chosen Drain Commissioner in the spring of 1883, but de- clined the positions. He is a Democrat in political principle. jVilfSSfo.harles E. Warner, farmer, sec. 20, .Mtna till^^Ml?' Tp-i was born in Sunnnit Co., Ohio, Sept. S)j^»^ 12, 1842. He is a son of Andrew and fjlfe Laura (Riley) Warner, who were born in New /,' York and recently died in Michigan. When '. four years old Mr. Warner was taken to the home of an uncle, where he remained until he was 19 years of age, when he returned to his childhood's home. After a brief sojourn there, he set forth with strong determination to make his way in tlie world, and was variously occu|jied for several years, when he came to Michigan and found employ in the mills at Grand Rapids for some time. Meanwhile he took advantage of a good opportunity to purchase a farm near that city, on which he located in 1S78. After a few years he resolved im making another change, and went to Indiana, where he remained some years, operating summers as an engineer and spending the alternate winters in lumbering. He had, during this time, invested some money in a farm in ^^-^tna Tp., where he took up his residence in 1878. The place contains 120 acres. Mr. Warner was married March 26, 1866, to Etta A., daughter of William and Susan J. (Reed) Hill, a native of Massachusetts, born April 26, 1859. Their children are Frank E., Dora B., Wni. E., Homer R., Harris L., Charles C. and Bertha M. Mr. and Mrs. ^Varner are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. *^ A ( I I **J<»- ^^:^^ '^^- I ^ ^N/^t.>«v«r#' ■^-r<:llP>:tlIl>> T ■>»^!B_ ttfTia Ki-Jf^^— ^:;[l!]>-nn;:>^ <>iio>^nny^ ry -*|^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ) farms. In thest; business operations he was (juite successful. Having been elected County Recorder of Morrow '€ County, he removed to Mount Gilead, the county i seat, where he continued to reside during the re- - ^ mainder of the time he lived in Ohio, a period of i8 years. Mr. Roben was a resident of what is now Morrow County about 35 years in all, and was thoroughly identified with the early growth and inter- ests of that county. Having contracted the asthma, and his health being poor, he removed with his family in 187210 Cassopolis, Mich., where he resided one year; but not finding his health much improved by the climate of that place, he removed to Big Rapids, in. May, 1873. Soon afterward he built a store and residence on State street, and in 1874 went into mercantile busi- ness again, carrying on a general store, and doing a safe but limited business, such as his health would pern^it. In 1881, he retired from business. Mr. Roben was married in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1840, to Esther Albach, who was born in Nortlium- ° bedand Co., Pa., in 181 9, and cnme with her parents' ;<^ family to Ohio when a young lady. Her father was = John Albach, a wealthy farmer, a leading citizen, and •^]i an early pioneer of Northumberland County. Mr. and Mrs. Roben have had seven children — two sons and five daughters. Their eldest son and daughter died in childhood. Their surviving son, Douglas (see sketch), and four daughters reside in Big Rajiids. Two daughters are married, and of the two remaining unmarried, one is a teacher, and the other an artist. Mr. Roben belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows, (an Encampment member), and is a Royal Arch Mason. ottleib Staab, farmer, on sec. 20, Green Tp., was born Aug. 3, i8i6,in Wurtemburg, * Germany, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza- ) (^ ■^4^ beth (Wilder) Staab. He was educated and lived in the "Faderland" vnitil 1847, when he sailed for the New Wodd, and landed on tlie shores of this continent April 20 of that year. He remained awhile in Pittsburg, Pa., going thence to Wheeling, W. Va., and from there to Ohio, where he labored as a farm hand. Later on he bought 40 acres of land in Wliealland, Ind. .'Vfter pursuing agriculture there six years, he sold and came to Bar- ton, Newaygo Co., Mich., where he bought 160 acres of land. He lives there three years and cleared 20 acres, after which he sold out, and in the spring of i860 settled on section 20 of Green Tp., where he now owns 82 acres of land, with about 50 under till- age. Mr. Staab was married in 1848, in Wheeling, Va.^ to Sophia Colder, who was born in Germany, and died June 10, 1874. In 1878 Mr. Staab went to Ciermany, returning in the fall of 1879. He was married in 1880 to Christina Guge, who died June 2, 1883. Mr. Staab is a Republican in politics. — .^e;— 9 — ^~ ^Iteil ohn Wiseman, Big Rapids, dealer in pic- tures, picture frames, wall paper, brackets, ■^'^•^-A?*^ etc., combines a news depot with his busi- ness, and makes a specialty of undertaking, being a funeral director. He was l)orn June 29, 1830, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. His father was a farmer, and he was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and aciiuired a common-school education. In 1846 his parents removed to Marion County and bought a farm. There Mr. Wiseman was married, April 25, 1852, to Hannah, daughter of Jonathan and Susan Merrick. Of their two children, one — Morris — grew to maturity, and is engaged in the restaurant and boarding-house business at Stanton. In 1854, Mr. Wiseman moved to Ottawa Co., Mich., where he bought a farm of 160 acres. His wife died in 1857, and he afterward married Jane McGinnis. Charles, Emily and John are the names of the three children born to them. The daughter is a tailoress and dressmaker in Coldwater, Mich. The youngest son is dead. The mother died Feb. 25, 1864. Mr. Wiseman was married a third time in Ottawa C'ounty, lo Eliza Waters. Emmet and Linda are the names of-their two children. In the spring of 1871 Mr. Wiseman came to Big Rapids, and opened a store for the sale of general merchandise, which he transferred to a grocery busi- ness. This he sold in 1872, and established himself as an undertaker and dealer in furniture. He closed the latter and added the merchandise mentioned. His establishment is tastefully arranged, and pre- sents all the features of a first-class art and news <. c^ fo) / » i MECOSTA COUNTY. -^.m^ 361 depot. His stock comprises a collection valued at $7,000, and his yearly transactions reach a figure of $12,000. Mr. W'iseniait belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows at Big Rauids. -» ^ ^ T~r A -A- T~T K- ^^^7 i V "i^Jarenee L. Northrup, senior memher of iilSiJih tlie firm of Xorthriip X: Malone, attorneys '^^ and real-estate dealers, was born in North ^^ Adams, Hillsdale Co., Mich., June 28, ICS44, and is a son of Jabez S. and Mary A. (Mon- roe) Northrup. He traces his paternal lineage to the C.'olonial period of this nation's history, when several brothers of his patronymic came from England to Connecti- cut. A descendant of these, Daniel Northrup, moved to Saratoga Co.. N. Y., previous to the war of the Revolution. Lewis Northrup, son of Daniel, was born there Jan. 15, 1768, was married September 15, 1792, to Robah Smith (born in Milton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., May 20, 1772, and died Oct. 3, 1838), and died May 9, 1853, leaving four sons and one daugh- ter. Most of their descendants yet reside in Sara- toga and Fulton Counties in tiie Empire State. Jabez S. Northrup, third son, was born in Calway, Saratoga Co., April 20, 1803. He began teaching at the age of rS, and continued in tliat vocation uKiny years. From 1821 to 1S25 he belonged to the State militia, and was assigned to tlie Ciovernor's staff, with the rank of f-ieutenant. He was married Nov. II, 1S29, to Huldah Smith, and removed with his family seven years later to the (then) Territory of Michigan, and bought a considerable tract of land in Hillsdale County, most of which is the present site of North Adams. His wife died in 1842, leaving four daughters. May 3, 1843, he married Mary Celina, eldest daughter of Lester and Lorena (Roife) .Monroe, born Dec. 28, 1821, and by this marriage he became the father of seven sons and one daugh- ter. Lester Monroe, was born April 16, 1796, at Coupcrstown, Albany Co., N. Y., and was the son of David and Anna (Andrus) Monroe. The former was born Sept. 26, 1768, and was cousin to James Monroe, fifth President of the United States. The Monroe stock is of Scotch origin, and its represent- atives arc diffused through both sections of this country. David Monroe and Anna Andrus were married Jan. 16, 1794. The latter was born Oct. 23, 177 1, and died June 12, 1817. The former died July 31, 1837, leaving a large family of children. Lester Monroe served with distinction in the war of 181 2, participating in the battles of Lundy's Lane, etc., and at the close of the war retired to private life. He was married Sept. 12, 1817, to Ix)rena Rolfe, born April 9, 1801, of parents made conspicu- ous by the fact that they were survivors of the Wyoming massacre. In 1836 Lester Monroe moved with his family to Pittsford, Hillsdale Co., Mich, and is now living in that county, aged 87 years. Mr. Northrup of this sketch is the eldest son. His father removed to Jefferson, Hillsdale County, and bought a valuable farm near Osseo, where he was reared and educated with care, his father and step-sisters being e.vpeiienced teachers. The under- lying element governing his father in the rearing of his children was to leave them as a heritage " liberal education, good business habits and strict religious princi|)les. " Mr. Northrup was but 17 years old when civil war in all its blind fury and with all its ineffaceable disasters shook the nation throughout its wide extent. The studious, reflective boy, whose every impulse had been disciplined to revere his country, and to regard her integrity as almost of divine origin, was inspired with the same ambition that led the sons of the North to rise as one man anre he was discovered and 1 < ¥8 ■^^"'^^ ;H<^Iia>:iIDr.>A-^^ ^>^§^^ «^i=^.l/V I "^- 362 -rC:Ilti: x^ '{^ -^ i MECOSTA COUNTY. >f taken to Emory Hospital, at Washington. Wh( gj) sufficiently recovered he was sent to the York (Pa t J When .. Hospital. His period of enlistment expired before he f was wholly recovered, and he received his discharge March 18, 1865, after more than three years'arduous service. After the expiration of his term of service he was in the Government employ until the Rebel- lion was crushed and peace restored, when he again traversed the fields where he liad before met only uncompromising conflict. Mr. Northrup passed the next two years in farm- ing and study and as telegraph operator. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony April 6, 1867, to Katie Maud, youngest daughter of George and Lanie (Fox) Wilson, born at Kalamo, Eaton Co., Mich., Oct. 2, 1849. Her father was born in England, and her mother in Montgomery Co., N. Y., and were pioneers of Eaton County, where they ) located in 1837. Mrs. Northrup was educated at Marshall, Mich., and is a lady of earnest. Christian /s^ character, of retiring habits, and well known only to those who see her in her private walks of life. She belongs to the Congregational Church, and is a quiet worker in the Sunday-school. Mr. and Mrs. Northrup have had four children, viz. Vannie P., born Dec. 25, 186S; Vernon W., April 3, 1870; Vera Maria, born May 16, 1875, died July 30, 1876; Veda Maud, March 24, 1S78. After his marriage Mr. Northrui) went to Sherman, Wexford Co., Mich., where he remained but a short time, and returned to Eaton County, going back to Sherman a few months later, and there employing his time a3 a farmer, speculator, teacher, and sales- man in a store, meanwhile reading for the. profession of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1S74, and soon after entered into partnership with the Hon. T. A. Ferguson. While at Sherman he served as Deputy Sheriff, acted several years as a member of the Hoard of Supervisors, and was the first County Superintendent of Schools. In 1875 he went to Traverse County and taught school a year, going >. thence to Benzie County, and in June, 1876, he ^ located at Benzonia, the county seat. He was ap- '^p ixjinted Deputy County Clerk, and the same year was elected Circuit Court Commissioner of Benzie County, which office he held six years. He was also rs^ Village Clerk of Benzonia three years. In 1878 he ^ was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and ■<$ ) ^ I re-elected in 1S80. During the campaign preceding his second election, the opposing candidate said of him : " I consider him the most industrious, care- ful and painstaking lawyer in Benzie County. His standing as a citizen in the community is well evi- denced by the remarkable number of offices of profit and honor he has been chosen to fill by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens." The records make a rare exhibit concerning the private character, professional ability, manly integrity and stainless reputation of Mr. Northrup, which need no stronger testimony than the names of Judge McAlvey and Hon. A. H. Dunlap, of Manistee, Judge Hatch, of Traverse City, Judge Goodrich, of South Frankfort, Hon. D. C. Leach, M. C, Colonel Fowler, of Gov. Begole's staff, and Gen. Cutchen. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Northrup sought a wider field of effort, and made a prospecting tour of the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, and a few months later visited Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska; but he resolved to adhere to his first love, and in April, 1883, removed to Big Rapids and opened a law office in the Opera block. Not long afterward he formed an association with G. R. Malone, a young attorney of high character and unmistakable promise, under the style of Northrup & Malone, Lawyers and Real-Estate Brokers. The business of the concern is in a thriving condition, and the established probity and worth of the gentlemen at its head are extending its scope and giving permanency to its purposes. We take great pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Northrup in this work. 'iV'QiW-, dward Haslem, farmer, sec. 16, Green Tp., "Nri-p'r was Imrn in (Queens Co., Ireland, Dec. 8, 1830, and is a son of John and Ann (O'Con- J§- "'^'^ Haslem. His father died in Ireland when i he was but six years old, and his mother came ] to America in 1847, and located in Cayuga Co., N. Y., going thence to Noble Co., Ind., where she re- sided until her death, which occurred in 1870. Mr. Haslem attended school in his native country, walking five miles to obtain the ])rivilege. He ac- companied his mother to the United States and re- mained with her in New York until 1852, when he / A % MECOSTA COUNTY ■"3^^^^^S" 363 f A ^ came *o Michigan and settled for a time in Washte- naw County. He came to Mecosta County in the fall of 1855 and located a farm in the township of (Ireen, where he was one of the first residents, and assisted in the organization of the township in 1858. He bought a farm of 80 acres where lie now resides, 40 acres of which are well improved. Mr. Haslem enlisted in the war for the suppression of the Southern Rebellion, in September, 186 1, in the Second Mich. Cav., and was in the service three years and two months. Among the engagements where he was in action were, Island No. 10, Corinth, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Look- out Mountain, Dalton, Resaca, Big Shanty, Buzzard's Roost, Marietta, Atlanta and Cliickaniauga, besides numerous skirmishes. He was wounded at Spring Hill, Miss., and also received a slight wound in the left shoulder at Frankfort. He was discharged in 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., and on his return home resumed his farming. Mr. Haslem was married in the fall of 1864, to Mary, daughter of Patrick and Mary (McNally) Montague, ln)rn in Coimty Tyrone, Ireland, in 1S37. Her parents brought her to the United States when she was tliree months old. After a stay of consider- able tinre in New York they came to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and resided there until death. Mr. and Mrs. Haslem belong to the Roman Catholic Cluirch, and have seven children : Mary, James H., Margaret, Frank F>dward, John W., Catherine Agnes and Emma Florence. M--^ eorge Brackett, proprietor of the lirackeit ,_^^gg House, Big Kajjids, was born in Nortli "^^i^ Hermon, Me., Jan. 7, 1844. He is a son r^s\ of George and Eleanor (Kelley) Brackett, and was reared a farmer, that being the vocation of his father. At the age of 17 he i)ecame a soldier for the Union, and enlisted in Bangor, Me., Nov. 23, 1861, in Co. A, 13th Maine Vol. Inf , under Capt. Fred .\. Stevens, and was in the service a little more than three years. Among his war experiences were the fights under den. Phil. Sheridan, in the Shenandoah Valley, up the Red River with Banks, at Pleasant Hill and Sabina Cross Roads, at the taking of Fort Esperanza, in Te.xas, and in 1S63 was in Washing- ton during tlie attempted raids. He was in 13 engagements and in numerous skirmishes, receiving his discharge Jan. 7, 1864, at .\ugusta, Me. On his return to his home he engaged as a drover and butcher un'il November, 1867, when he came to Big Rapids, and engaged four years in lumbering. He was then employed at the Big Rapids Furniture Factory, and at the end of one year was made fore- man, which |)0sition he held five years. In 1876, Mr. Brackett built the hotel where he is now operating, and rented it until 1879, when he opened a furniture store therein and managed it until the fall of 1880. It was then remodeled into a hotel, to which purpose it has since been devoted. The house has 30 rooms for guests, also a saloon with liquors and cigars. He also erected a building adjoining, where he keeps a res'aurant and bakery. Mr. Brackett was married in Croton, Newaygo C'o., to Ellen Stengel, a daughter of Joseph and Fallen Stengel.' They are the i)arents of five children : Fred. T., Lillie B., Cora, Edna and C"harles P. George Arthur is deceased. Mr. Brackett is a •.".-.em- ber of the Masonic fraternity. ||W«!j; ersons T. Carpenter, larmer on sec. 21, |!r^|j .'Etna Tp., was born in Clinton Co., Sept. 21, |||S2RS 1838. He is a son of Benjamin and Euna 1 I ffhj (Spicer) Carpenter, who were nai •j/l^. York, and moved to this State so( latives of New soon after their marriage. Mr. Carpenter was under the pa- rental guidance until eleven years of age, when, be- ing a restless boy with an ambition to advance in the world, he was allowed to take his fate into his own hands, and labored as he was able to find employ- ment until the fall of 18^6; then he returned home and spent a year, attending the district school three months. In 1857 he became a sailor, and was on a "merchantman" until 1859. His ne.xt permanent occupation was as a soldier of the Union army. He enlisted in the Third U. S. Artillery, Co. K, and was in the service four years, his regiment being at- tached three years to the Army of the Potomac, dur- ing which time he was under fire in 12 engagements, escaping entirely without injury, and receiving hon- orai)le discharge July 29, 1864. Immediately there- alter he went inlt) the Navy as an ordinary seaman. S £ S r X ■^^€^^ 'K^^DDXDDv^^ -^^5^- i. I *'t^^((i!) (h I, I was wounded and taken prisoner at Red Bluff, Ga., whence he escaped by takint^ " French leave," mak- ing good his voluntary flight by the aid of his trusty " understandings." On leaving the service of the United States in 1865 he came to Wayne Co., Mich., and engaged in agriculture, which he followed until 187 i, then Came to Mecosta County and settled at Morley, residing there eight years. Daring this time he was in ac- tive official duty as Township Clerk, City Marshal and in various other positions. Meanwhile he had purchased a farm on sec. 21, in the western part of the township, and in 1880 he settled upon it to pass the reinainder of his life. He was married Nov. 21, 1 86- to Amelia, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Michel) Lovesy, who was born in Livingston Co., Mich., June 4, 1843. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are all living and were born in the following order: Henry J., Oct. 3, 186-; William F., Sept. 21, 1868; Gracie, Aug. 8, 1870; Effie, April 21, 1873; Frank, Aug. 13, 1876. -t5-^^j- ir-^ "lartlett H. MeMuUen, M. D., practicing physician at Morley, was born in Stratford, ")K5^'^ Can., Sept. 15, 1857, son of John S. and jfltgc Margaret (Holland) McMullen, who were ^i> born in Canada and came to Michigan in i i860, settling at Saginaw and moving after- ward to Bay City, where they are now resident. Dr. McMullen has been a resident of this State since he was three years old. He remained under his father's care until he was 17 years of age, acijuiring his primary education. He entered the Medical College at Detroit, and studied there nearly five years. He received his diploma and entered upon practice, which he prosecuted six months, then came to Me- costa County and settled at Morley, where he has since resided, and has a large and continually grow- ing practice. He is esteemed in his profession and is rapidly gaining popular confidence. The Doctor is a Republican and a charter member of Excelsior Ix)dge, K. of H , No 1830, at Howard City, Mich. He was married at Modey, Mich., Sei)t. 7, 1882, to .Mice M., eldest daughter of Geo. W. and ICliza (.Vdams) Sams. Her [larents were natives of Illinois, but went to Ohio in its pioneer days, coming thence to Michigan, where they are yet living. Mrs. McMul- len was born Dec. 22, 1864. Dr. McMullen has held the post of School Suiierintendent, and is now Health Officer of .Etna Tp. 'irij<- :|t \£) \?l pencer Nickens, barber, at Modey, was '- born May 2, 1S40. His parents, Nathaniel IP* ■^ft and Sinnia Nickens, were natives of the Eastern shore of Maryland, and in that State and in Virginia Mr. Nickens passed his early hfe. In the summer of 1864 he came to Grand Ra|)ids, and the first year was employed as porter in a hotel, and was next engaged in learning his trade. He founded his business at Cedar Springs in the sprino; of 1870, and has since followed his present profes- sion. He is a respected citizen of Morley, is a mem- ber of the Order of Masonry, and belongs to the Knights Templar. In politics he is a Republican; a man of liberal views, and an endorser and follower of tiie princijiles of the Golden Rule. He is radical in his views of temperance and morality. The great-grandfather of Mr. Nickens was a soldier of the war of 181 2, and was Color-bearer cif his rej;i- ment. When the civil war broke out, he, having no employment, and his love of the Union very strong, went into the employ of Gen. Birney, and during three years acted as liis valet. Mr. Nickens is a fine type of what his race has become since the terrible conflict that placed it on an equality with other men. He proves that, notwithstanding the perplexities of his color and profession, a man may, through moral qualities, take fair rank with more pretentious indi- viduals. -^ ^m ti^# fr^iVQ™! aniel L. Welch, farmer on sec. 27, Deer- l!iji|]>i^f'' field Tp., was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., ?:\^"^" April 9, 1838. His parents, Eyman H. ''-J\7f^ and Juditli (Stansell) Welch, were natives of A the Enqnre State, where the mother still lives; 'i the lather died in the fall of iS-jn. Daniel I,, made liis initial essay in life at the age of 17, and was variously occupied until the age of 32, when he fixed upon agriiulture as a vocation in life. He t B^S '^^-T^tX-^ f^-lw^ ^m t X'':^ -*- • -^^^^^ -vT -:^^^ter ^t) /^ ^ /TV V ) MECOSTA COUNTY. ip bought 50 acres of land in Montcalm Co., Mich., which he sold in 1879, and purchased 40 acres in Deerfield, where he now lives. His farm was partly improved, and he speedily put the place into the best condition. He was married in August, 1865, to Susannah M., daughter of Howland and Harriet (Conkliiig) Soule, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York. They settled in Lenawee Co., Mich., in the fall of 1845, removing thence to Montcalm County, wliere they yet live. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Welch are deceased. Otto A. was born March i, 1873, and died Oct. 25, 1881. An infant died at birth. Mr. \\'elcli is an adherent of the Democratic party. *-.v<':.'"i.'V.': ^ V ■' TWl i"ederie Pfistner, farmer, sec. 26, Mecosta • ' [1.]? ' !'■' 'I'l'-l whose portrait we give upon the "j^. iiposite page, is a son of John and Jen- ^j^ nic (Rusler) Pfistner, natives of Germany, JRv^ where they were married and reared their I children. Mr. Pfistner was born in Oermany, Feb. 7, 1S34, and remained at home until he was 19 years of age. He studied nine years in the excellent schools and colleges of Germany, accjuiring a fine education, particularly in languages. On completing his studies he came alone to the United Stales, and landed at New York in the spring of 1853, going thence to Chicago. After paying his railroad fare thither he had but tliree cents left, and he borrowed $3 of a chance acquaintance with which to pro- cure food while on his journey. Uiion his arrival at the Garden City he pawned his trunk to oiitain the money to reimburse the confiding stranger. He took passage for Muskegon, and the gentleman who ad- vanced tlie sum he needed, on learning the circum- stances released his claim, and the captain permitted him to work out his fare to his destination. He arrived there friendless and penniless, but immediate- ly found em[)loyment in getting out limber, for which he received a dollar a day, and was enabled to repay the sum of his indebtedness. He had worked two months, when he contracted the fever and ague and was compelled to remain idle four months. After he /■ had paid his expenses he had $3 left, and set out ^ for Big Rai)ids on foot. He found lodging in a ,'.;' lumber shanty, and had in his jjocket one dollar to supply his needs until he could secure work. This he soon accomplished, engaging to work (or the Long 1 Bros., in the lumber camp of that company a few miles above the present site of the i ity. He worked for Shaw iV Ives two summers, helping to clear up the land where the city of Big Rapids now stands. He remained in the employ of Long Bros, until the following spring, then returned to Muskegon and took V a job of lumber driving, which occupied him some g^' months. On its termination he went to Osceola County and worked with a mail three years. .\fter the completion of the three years' service al)ove mentioned, Mr. Pfistner came to Mecosta County and purchased 160 acres of valuable land in Mecosta Township, wliereon he settled, and has since added 500 acres to his landed estate. Two hundred acres of this has been put into a good con- dition of cultivation, and the entire i)roperty is justly rated the finest in Austin Tp. The farm buildings are of the best, and his residence, acknowledged the most valuable in the township at the time of its con- struction, cost $8,000. The farm is stocked with 51 head of cattle, 150 sheep and 50 hogs. Mr. Pfistner was married Oct. 18, i860, to Mrs. Mary Yager, ( daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lute) Roosh, and widow of IjOrence Yager, who was killed Nov. 19, 1859, by the falling of a limb. He left one child — Herman — bom May 31, 1859, and died Nov. 1, iSSi, of typhoid fever. Mr. and Mrs. Pfistner have had seven children, three of whom are deceased : Emma and .Mice (twins), born June 8, 1872, died Dec. 21, 1881 ; Fred., born June 22, 1875, died Jan. 22, 1882. The record of births of the children living is as fol- lows: Mary, June 8, 1861; Amelia, July 31, 1863; leiiuie, June 6, 1866; Ida, Fel). 8, 1869. Mr. Pfistner is a Democrat, and has held several school and township offices. He built the first school-house in the township, and. conjointly with his neighbors, secured a school two years before the organization of school districts in the townshiii. In religious views Mr. Pfistner's family affiliate with the German Lutheran Church. r A V I k z^^:^:^ ^m'^,m>^ -■<., -^ -'4^^^*7^\^- <:I]ll^BD>>T T MECOSTA COUNTY. tohn. Rierdon, fanner and tanner, Morley, ) A >: V > ^.f- was born in Exeter, England, Sept. 24, ^'^ 1842, and emigrated to America with his parents, Thomas and Betsey (Osborne) Rier- don, natives of England. On coming to this country they settled in Ontario County, Can., in July, 1843, where they resided until death. Mr. Rierdon was but ten months old at the time he was brought to the Dominion, where he lived until 25 years of age. In £867 he came to Grand Rapids and was employed as a teamster two years. In 1870 he obtained a situation as inspector of lumber at Pierson, Montcalm Co. and filled the position two years. In the fall of 1873, he was engaged by Alex. Stewart & Co., to keep a boarding-house and act as general overseer of their mill, in the township of ^-tna, in this county, a duty he discharged 18 months. He purchased 40 acres of unbroken timber land one mile west of Morley, on section 26, in 1876, built a frame house and began to improve his land. June 27, 1879, his house and nearly all its contents were destroyed by fire. He then erected a house in Morley, which he aftenvard bought. Mr. Rierdon was educated in the common and grammar schools of Canada; has held several town- ship and other offices, and been active in advancing the interests of Morley. He was married in Toronto, Canada, to Mary J., daughter of Thomas and Cecelia (Hutton) Smith, born in Fond du Lac, Canada. Her father died in the spring of 1864, and her mother removed to Port Hope, Canada, and still resides there. Mr. Rierdon is a Republican, and is at pres- ent Supervisor of Morley. 1 ^ ^f^^-|^-> m. j'^'^'jienjamin G. Tagg, farmer ori sec. 32, Deer- ^ilftjl^ field Tp., was born in Allegan Co., Mich., (^S^^^ Sept. 16, 1859. He was educated and ''4^'^ reared to the age of 18 years in his native '^ county, and on leaving home came to Deer- field, Mecosta County. He is a son of Ben- jamin and Elizabeth (Pickles) Tagg, natives of Eng- land, who emigrated to America about the year £850, and found a residence near Rochester, N. V. They lived there five years and removed to Allegan ('o., Mich., where they are yet living. Mr. Tagg left home at the age of 18 to engage in agriculture on his own responsibility. He bought 80 acres of wild land in Deerfield, Mecosta Co., built a log house, and proceeded to improve his land after the customarj' methods, and now has a well located and profitable farm. He was married May 6, 1879, to Annie C, daughter of Robert and Mary Little. Mrs. Tagg was born May 6, 1857. She was the mother of two children — Florence E. and George R. The latter died in early infancy, and the mother passed from earth March 17, 1883. scar T. White, minister, md farmer on sec. 16, Mecosta Tp., was born in Crawford Co., Pa., Sept. 6, 1848. His father, Jerome White, f V^ •5 A was a native of New York, and his mother, Lovinda (Lasner) White, was born in Pennsyl- vania, of French descent. Attheageof r6 Mr- White found himself at liberty to hew out his own career in the world, and went to Dodge Co., Minn. His first employment was as a farm laborer eight months: he then went to Wisconsin, where his stay was brief Home ties and influences still held him, and he returned to his native State, where he was mar- ried, May 10, 1867, to Caroline E., daughter of Mir- anda and Jesse(Armsbery)Main, natives of New York, who was born in Erie Co. Fa., Jan. 29, 1847. The newly married pair settled in Crawford Co., Pa., on a farm, and there remained until the winter of 187 1, They came to Newaygo Co., Mich., and Mr. White engaged as a lumberman two years. In r873 they came to Mecosta County, fixed their residence in the then township of Colfax, where, however, they made a brief stay; returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. White was occupied a short time as a fruit-tree agent there, and came back to Michigan, following that line of business until the spring of 1876, when he settled permanently C^ where he now resides, having previously j)urchased a ] farm of 48 acres, which he has increased by the addi- »& tion of 40 acres more, and has 20 acres under the '*^ plow. Mr, and Mrs. White have had four children: Helen A., born Nov. 14, 1S6S; .Ma M., Aug. 27, 1870; r -^<^i]!]>:ddv>^ WbT^ ;rS«»~' ■r-7<-Dll:»:BD>> .1 ^ V s V MECOSTA COUNTY. "StHi* 369 Mabel, Dec. 27, 1S77 ; Gratie, born Oct. 2, 1880, aiul died Oct. 4, 1880. They have been connected with the Church of Christ three years, in which communion Mr. White officiates every two weeks in the neighborhood where lie resides. In ix)litical views he is independent, Init on temperance issues is a radical prohibitionist. He has held the office of Township Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and in 1877 was elected delegate to the State Gubernatorial Convention. a^-^<^ (S 1 |dward C. Rogers, farmer, sec. 11, Grant \ Tp., was born Jan. 4, 1841. in Orwell, Addison Co., Vt. He is a son of Robert J5. H. and Abigail Rogers, both of whom are now A living at Middlebury, Vt. The father is a i.ative of New York, and is of .Spanish and German extraction ; the nioiher was born in Connecti- cut, and is English in both lines of descent. When he was nine years old, .Mr. Rogers was placed in a situation as assistant in a furniture store, where he operated four years. He then engaged as a farm hand, and was thus enii)loyed until he was 20 years old. He was a few months i)ast that age when he enlisted in defense of the Union (lag. He enrolled Aug. 4, 1861, in Co. F, Fifth Vt Inf, under Cai^t. Stowell, of Cornwell, and was discharged Dec. 15, 1863, to enable him to veteranize, which he did the same day. A sufficient number of Co. F were re- maining to preserve the name and organization, and the entire force veteranized. Mr. Rogers served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge June 29, 1865. He was engaged in nearly 100 battles and skirmishes, as is proven by the record of his regiment. Among the most important were Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Savage Station, White- Oak Swamp, Bull Run (2d), South Mountain, Antie- tam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, I'linkstown, Rappa- hannock, Wilderness, and at Spoltsylvania, where he was the only man of his company uninjured, all save him being killed or wounded. He became Color- bearer, and so continued until the end of the war. His next recorded fight was at Cold Harbor, and after that at Petersburg, where in the final advance the brigade to which he belonged led the < harge, and he was the first man to plant the Union colors on the % f K^ rebel fortifications. Throughout his entire period of service he was wounded but once — a saber cut from a rebel cavalryman at Bull Rmi. In the fall of 1864, a general order was issued granting a furlough of 35 days to one man in every 1,000 who coidd fulfill the s|)eciiications on which the permit was granted. He must bear inspection as to drill, care of arms and accoutrements, and in the matter of personal cleanli- ness. On examination, the furlough and money for the nciL-ssar\' traveling expenses going home and re- turning to his regiment, were awarded to Mr. Rogers, and when he once more rejoined his command he re- ceived a certificate of honor, running as follows: CERTIFIC.'VTE OK IIO.NOR, awarded to Corporal Edward C. Rogers, of Co. F, Fifth Vt. Vet. Vols., for bravery and good conduct as a soldier in the cause of his country. Mr. Rogers was married .\pril 24, 1868, to Nellie B., daughter of William C. and Mary A. Smith, of Cliamplain, N. V., who was born Oct. 21, 1850,31 Mooers, Clinton Co., N. Y. Her father was of Scotch, and her mother of iMiglish e.vtraction. Mr. Smith was a soldier in the loth N. H. Vol. Reg., and died of fever contracted in the army. The children of Mi-. and Mrs. Rogers were born in the order named: Arthur W., April 25, 1S71; Robert W., Sept. ro. 1872; Willard C, Nov. 15, 1874. Mr. Rogers came to Michigan in 1877, and settled in Grant Tp., buying 40 acres of land, his homestead. He is a Rei)ublican, and a member of Post French, No. 28, G. A. R. He is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace, and his third term as School Inspector. ohn H. Wright, Morley, was born in Ionia Co., Mich., Sept. 10 1847. He is a son of W^ Norman .S. and Betsey M. (Hydorn) Wright; both were natives of New York and k/ are deceased. Mr. Wright remained at home nearly 18 years, attending the common schools, also the union school of Greenville, Mi:niiv>^ -^'•^^^ ^- % 37° |^^5f •^ ^ , ) > A ;<^^ s ) 1 I MECOSTA COUNTY. 1870 to 1879, was in connection with two of the lead- ing business houses of Grand Rapids, Mich. In the winter of 1879 lie came to Morley for the benefit of his health, and finally entered into business with G. F. Cutler, remaining until the accidental death of his employer. Since that event he acts as manager and represents tlie hardware firm of G. F. Cutler & Co. Mr. Wright is a man of well-trained and e.\perienced business qualities, and under his management the firm commands a large trade. ^_vj,uj g? IS64. ilfev. Robert H. Watson, a retired minister of the United Brethren Church, and a farmer on sec. 2, Grant Tp., was born in New Baltimore, Greene Co., N. Y., June 4, 1 841. His father, John Watson, was born in New York, in 1801, and died Nov. 15, His mother, Mahala Watson, was born in the Empire State in 1802, and died Aug 15, 1853. Mr. Watson was but 12 years old when he lost his mother, and from that period practically made his way in the world unaided. He was in iiis 20th year when the nation was called to arms by the revolt of the South, and May 13, 1861, Mr. Watson enrolled himself as a defender of the unity of the United States. He enlisted in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf , at Nunda, N. Y, His regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, under McClellan, and was in Washington at the date of the Bull Run disaster to the Northern forces. Pressing on toward the front, the disorganized hosts of soldiers and citizens, infan- try and cavalry, met them in all the discomfiture and confusion of that defeat and panic. Mr. Watson's introduction to the heat and fren/y of battle and to the smell of rebel powder, was on May 5, 1862, at Wil- liamstown. His next regular battles were at York- town, Mechanics viUe, — seven miles from Richmond, — Peach ( )rchard. Savage Station, White-Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Turkey P.end, Antietam, Fredeiicks- Inirg (ist and 2d) and Mary's Heights, where the con- llict raged two days. Mr. Watson received a wound in the right arm from a minie ball, and another shot entered the right breast, passing out below the arm- pit. From the latter he has never recovered. His term of enlistment expired while he was in the hos- pital, and he received his discharge June 2, 1S63. ^^^^ — ^tK^d n He was occupied as a clerk in a store about a year, subseiiuent to his return from the army, and the year following rented a farm and gave his attention to agriculture. He was married June 20, 1863, to Julia A., daughter of Tiiiiothy W. and Jane Buckland, of Eagle, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mrs. Watson was born Oct. 26, 1844. Her father was born in Wyoming Co.. N. Y., Aug. 19, 1S21. He enlisted in March, 1864, in the Union army, was taken prisoner and sent to Salisbury, N. C, where he died in the prison pen, Nov. 19, 1864. Her mother was born in Boston, Mass., May 14, 1824, and is yet living. 'i he children of Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born as follows; F'ranklin E., Oct. 14, 18G4; Timothy W., April 4, 1866; Phebe H., April 9, 1868; Henrietta E., April 30, 1875; John J, May 23, 1878 (died .\pril 6, 1879); Minnie M., March 28, 1880. In 1867 Mr. Watson came to Grant Tp., and, un- der the provisions of the homestead law, located on the farm he now occupies, which contains 80 acres of good land, and is well fitted with a comfortable house and good farm buildings. He is a Republican, and is active in all reformatory measures, especially in temperance work. He has served his township one year as Supervisor, one year as Township Clerk, and three years as Road Commissioner. In 1873 he entered the ministry, laboring in the interests of the society of United Brethren, to which himself and wife belong. He was a traveling minis- ter for a time and in 1879 was ordained Elder. In 1880 he was elected Presiding Elder, re-elected the next year, and compelled to locate in 1882, on ac- count of a difficulty of the throat. ^ - -^^^^Sl"^i^'Vv^~-^ :^llll;> j:s>i^^^0. G: 1 gsj^'ulius Reynier, iiroprietor of the National "" Hotel at Morley, was born at Ingelheim, on j?F^ the Rhine, April 8, 1853. His father, (uliu-. II. Rtynier, was a native of Belgium, and his mother, Catherine (Weitzel) Reynier, was borr, at Hesse Darmstadt, on the Rhine, Germany; both are deceased. When ten years of a"e Julius went to live with an uncle, and was a stadent four years at the I.atin Gymnasium at May- ence, on the Rhine. I le had a penchant for the sea; became a sailor at 14, and followed navigation three and a lialf years. Meanwhile his uncle had died, (o^ C^yuUi^t :o(iv> f A V %^-% 4 A ■ V MECOSTA COUNTY. riif^-^ -<^^ and he sailed for the Western Continent April 9, 1870. On arrival in this country lie started immedi- ately for the West.and after a short stay in Milwaukee, went to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he learned the printer's trade. He was engaged in mining two years. In the winter of 1872 he came to drand Rapitls, Mich., and was emiiloyed several months on liie Bridge .Street House, again resuming his trade, whic h he followed until 1875. He then established himself in the liquor trade, which he continued until 1882, then built the hotel of which he is tlie [iroiirietor. His house is well managed, and the domcsti'j dei)art- ment is in competent hands. In politics he is inde- pendent. He is a niemljer of tlie Order of Odd Fellows. .Mr. Reynier was married at Morley, Nov. 25, 1877, to .Martha, second daugliter of Alexander and Ko- sanna (Redmond) Putnam. Her parents were natives of Nova Scotia, and were among the earliest settlers at De I'ere, Wis., where they now reside. Mrs. Rev^, nier was born in Xova Scotia, Dec. 7, 1853. Chil- dren: Julius H., born Sept. 26, 1879, and Karl, born July 8, 1880. > rf^'-^ii**^"; ^ared P. Euling. Jr., dealer in new and '^^^■k^ second-hand furnishing goods, at Hig Rap- ■S'''^*^ ids, was born in Lock Haven, Clinton Co., > i J y t ly* Pa., May 12, 1840, and is a son of Jared P. %r and Eliza Huling, both of whom are deceased. , His father's business was that of hotel-keeper, and he remained at home until he was 16 years old. In 1856 he was page in the House of Representa- tives at Washington, when Franklin Pierce was Presi- dent of the United States, and N. P. Banks, Speaker of the House. He intended at one time to follow the calling of a jeweler, and spent two years learning the details of that business. Just previous to reaching the age of his legal free- dom, the country was thrown into commotion by the firing on the Union flag at Fort Sumter. He en- listed under the first call for troops in .\i)ril, 1861, in Co. B, iith Pa. Vol. Inf., serving three months. March 13, 1862, he again enlisted, as a veteran, in the 17th U. S. Infantry. He was in the service *<^ three years, and was in action during 17 regular engagements, besides numberless skirmishes. He re- ^^- ./>. eorge W. Warren, dealer in agricultural \i implements and machinery, wagons, car- "^i^ riages, cutters, sleighs, seeds and grain, ';^ Big Rapids, was born in the township of Shi- awassee, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Nov. 9, icS4r. He is a son of Wm. M. and Laura (Sprague) Warren. The grandfather of .Mr. Warren, Comstock Warren, was L>orn in Connecticut, in 1790, and in 181 1 was married to Sarah Scholield, of Dutchess Co., N. Y. In 1823 he removed his family to Wayne Co., N. Y., where he engaged in farming, and returned to the " land of wooden nutmegs" in 1829, where he died, as is supposed, of cholera. His wife remained on the farm in Wayne County until her death. She lived to the age of 80 years. Wm. M. Warren was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 20, 1812. When he reached the age of 14 he bought his lime of his father, paying $50 therefor, and went to Water- loo, N. Y., and worked a year on the Seneca Canal. Two years later he entered the employ of Nathaniel C.arrow, of Auburn, N. Y., where he remained two and a half years, and in the fall of 1832 worked with the contractors putting in the piers at Sodus Point, on Lake Ontario. Later in the season he started for Michigan, but was compelled to abandon his pur[X)se by thj freezing of the canal. He was married in March, 1833,10 Laura Sprague, and spent the following three years teaming and jobbing at Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1836 he moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., and assisted in the construction of the first milldam and saw-mill in the county, located at the county seat, on the Shiawassee River. Laura (Sprague) Warren was the only daugh- ter of Reulien and Olive (Burch) Sprague, and was born -^larch 30, 1815, in Oswego Co. N. Y. Her father was an extensive farmer of Oswego County, and died in 1820, aged 57 years. Olive (Burch) Sprague was the daughter of David and .Vnna Burcli, of Cayuga Co., N. Y. The latter died in 1825, leav- ing a large family of children. Mrs. S|irague mar- ^ I I % K^ ried Calvin Sweet for her second husband, and in 1836 accompanied her daughter to Michigan, where she died in 185 i, aged 53 years. David Burch fol- lowed his daughter and grandchildren to Michigan and lived among them until he died. He spent his last days with Mrs. Laura Warren, and died at 84 years of age. George W. W'arien entered the .Agricultural Col- lege at Lansing at the age of 18, and remained there two years, after which he spent four years in tacching in his native county. In January, 1863,110 went to \ North Newberg and estaldished a general store, in V which he operated until the fall of 1865. Disposing l^* of his business as a commercial man, he again be- / came a teacher antl was employed as Principal of the graded school at liyron for some time. His father, in 1856, came to Mecosta County and entered 720 acres of land, on sees. 3, 10, 21 and 22, of the town- shii) of Big Rapids; 160 acres of this, situated on sees. 3 and 10, fell to the share of Mr. Warren, and March i, 1867, he took possession and commenced farming. Of this property he sold the largest portion and has purchased real estate until he has 170 acres. During the first year of his residence he was ap- pointed County Superintendent of Schools, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Z. W. Shep- herd, and held the post 18 months. He opened his present business in April, 1880. His stock is valued at $6,000, and includes agricultuial implements and machinery, wagons, carriages, sleighs, builders' mate- rials, seeds and seed grains. His yearly transactions amount to about §20,000. Mr. Warren was married Feb. 21, 1867, in Burns Tp., Shiawassee County, to Elsie F. Warren, born in Royal Oak, Oakland Co., Feb. 25. 183S. They have had three children, two of whom are deceased : George G. and Alice G. Raymond P. was born at Big Rapids, April 2, 1873. Mr. Warren is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his family belong to the M. I'". Church. He has been Supervisor of his ward seven years and served one year as Township ("lerk of Big Rapids. The mother and grandmother of Mrs. Warren were members of the first M. K. Church established i in Michigan. It was organized in Wayne County, 'Si'' near Detroit, and the grandmother was one of 20 (J charter members. The mother is living in Shiawas- ^ see County, and is probably the sole survivor of the (i)\ membershi|). She was born in Detroit, Oct. 29, 1807 ; ^ A :< sy •^ i. rr -^•€^^ ■^^^Dll>:Da^.>^ m. ^ brf^s-- <: t A :« V s ) t i ^ 376 MECOSTA ls>r ">!^jy^'S: COUNTY. the father was bom at Woodstock, Vt., Nov. 8, 1804. The father of the latter was born in Vermont, April 28, 1778; the mother was born Oct. 31, 1777- Mrs. Warren's maternal grandfather, Joseph Banner, was born in London, Eng., in April, 1770; her maternal grandmother, Mary (McCarty) Banner, was born July 4, 1785, at Detroit. Mr. Warren, associated with E. O. Rose (now of Grand Rapids), compiled a history of Mecosta County, which was read at the celebration of the Cen- tennial birthday of the Nation at Big Rapids, July 4, 1876. The compilers of this volume take pleasure in hereby expressing their sense of obligation for the reliable data therein contained, which has proved most advantageous to the successful accomplishment of their work. Davidson, farmer and lumberman on sec. 7, Deerfiekl Tj)., was born in Canada, Aiig. ir^^^"^ 18, 1 85 3. His parents, William and Mary (Smith) Davidson, are now residents of the township of yEtna. The father is a native j of England, and came to Canada when aboy ; the mother is a native of the Dominion. Mr. Davidson came to Michigan when he was a lad of four years. In tlie fall of 1874 he bought 40 acres of unimproved land, wliich he afterwards sold, and in 1876 he again invested in 40 acres of laud on sec. 7, which is yet in his possession. Mr. Davidson is a Democrat in political principle. He was married at Cellar Springs, Kent Co., Mich., in December, 1873, to Mrs. Mary L. Davis, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Ward) House, and widow of James Davis. From her first marriage Mrs. David- son has two children: Edna J., born Feb. 6, 1856, and married July 4, 1875, to Alfred Bell. George Davis was born Jan. 28, 1863. ichard L. Willett, Altona, Hinton Tp., was rch 30, 1853. His ;:;||^! ichard L. Willett, Altc ,'|i^ born in Canada, Ma '..1 • Vi r..'' father, Cieorue Willett, is a native of Ene;- MiVV land, whence he came ni the eighth year of & his age, settling in Canada, of wliich coun- try his mother, Nancy (Smith) Willett, was a native. On leaving Canada in the spring of 1863, they came to Mecosta County, where they are still residents. Mr. Willett was ten years of age at the time of their removal ; was under the personal charge of his parents until he was 20 years old, after which he spent five years lumbering, operating a proportion of the time in his own behalf In 1873 he bought 40 acres of unimproved land, and in 1876 another 40, and yet another in 1878, all of which he has sold. He has 35 acres cleared and has built a fine large barn. About the time he reached the age of 25 years he took charge of the saw-mill of Harrison J. Brown which he managed until the fall of 1882. In com- pany witli W. N. Seaton, he purchased the slock of general merchandise of L. W. Declare, and has since been engaged in a prosperous business. His stock is valued at |!6,ooo. Mr. Willett was married Dec. 21, 1878, at Altona, to Grace A., eldest daughter of NVilliam and Mary A. (Seaton) Brander. Mrs. \Villett's parents were na- tives of Scotland and England resjjectively, who were settlers of the Dominion at an early period, and came thence to Mecosta County, where they still re- side. Mrs. Willett was born in Canada, July 16, 1855. Before her marriage she was a teacher for nearly three years. The parents are of strong tem- perance sentiments and attend the M. E. Church, of which Mrs. AN'illett is an active member. The family includes two children : Leroy, born April 11, 1881; Mabel, March 27, 18S3. Elmer R., born Dec. 28, 1S79, died Jan. 10, 1880. Mr. Willett is a decided Republican. He has been School Inspector two years, and Su[)erintendent of Schools one year. Has bought \\\\\. N. Seaton's interest in a store. -«^IIiss^- ^ihc» . I C Josephus Groner, B. S., M. D., physician and surgeon. Big Ra|ii(ls, was born in North- ^^'i^'< ampton Co., Penn., Aug. 8, 1849. His parents, Jacob and So[)hia (Mack) Groner, :^^ came to Michigan in 1854 and settled near \ Three Rivers, St. Joseph Co., where the father purchased a farm containing 155 acres. There Dr. Groner was reared to manhood and received his ele- mentary education. In 1870 he entered the State Agricultural College at Lansing, where he graduated in 1874, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He was afteiwaid engaged two years in teaching. t 'M^^> -4^ti^ i m y4w-A4^UtA4 ^.^Plyt^^tr MECOSTA COUNTY. ■y^^ '^, 3T) 1 In 1877 he began to prepare for his profession in the office of Dr. W. M. Ikelcr, at Three Rivers, and in the fall of 1S78 matriculated in the Medical De- partment of the University of Michigan at Ann Ar- bor, and was graduated July i, rSSo. He established himself at Big Rapids, and Sept. 12, 1880, was ap- pointed physician and surgeon of Mercy Hospital, and is still connected with that institution as senior Medical Director. The local jiractice of Dr. Groner ranks \yith that of the best practitioners of the city and county. Dr. Groner is progressive in his views and practice, keeping pace with the advance of practical mcdii al science; is conversant with the accredited journals and literature of the day belonging specially to his calling. In the spring of 1883 he spent several months in the large hospitals of New Vork city, and pursued ix)st-graduate studies under some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of this coun- try. He is especially fitting himself for surgery, and his reputation as a bold and skillful surgeon is al- ready pretty thoroughly known througliout the State. He is a member of the Union Medical Society of Northern Michigan. He is also Medical E.xaminer for a number of leading life-insurance companies of the State and United States. Is a frequent contriliu- tor to the medical journals, and the value of his pro- ductions is attested by a letter from the editor of the " Physician and Surgeon," who says : " .Some of the best medical journals have noticed (copied or ab- stracted) your article." Dr. Groner was married Aug. 25, 1881, in Park, St. Joseph Co., Mich., to Ada F. Kellogg, a native of Berrien Co , Mich. Mrs. Groner is the daughter of Ransom and Eliza Kellogg. Her father was a farmer and is now deceased. o> ^=^^ j heophilus C. Hunt, an early settler of Big Rapids, was born at HoUiston, Norfolk Co., Mass., March 25, 1809. His father, Will- iam Hunt, was a descendent of English ances- try, and was born in Windham Co., Vt. His mother also came of British ancestry and was a native of HoUiston. The parents were agricultur- ists and reared their children on the home farm, where Mr. Hunt lived until he was i8 years old. In 1827 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, -^my. t K William E. Burr, and commenced the hardware bus- iness, a relation which existed until the death of the latter about 15 years later. During the last few years of their transactions, they were established at Sim- coe, Norfolk Co., Canada. After the death of Mr. Burr, Mr. Hunt was engaged in the "Connecticut clock " business, managing a considerable trade by means of traveling salesmen. He was thus engaged about five years, when he changed his line of goods and imported teas for a time. Meanwhile he bought a steam saw-mill, which he managed until 1859. In that year he came to Big Rapids and bought 40 acres of land on sec. 22, where he engaged in farm- ing and also managed a shoe shop. He brought his workman, Robert Palmer, with him from Canada, who was the first shoemaker in Mecosta County. Mr. Palmer is living at Hungerford, Newaygo Co. The latter business was in existence two years, with an interval of a year between. Alwut the year 1864 he embarked in the lumber trade, buying 280 acres of standing pine, which was cut and placed in La- ^ zell's mill yard. The steam saw-mill of that gentle- man was the only establishment of its kind at Big Rapids, then Leonard. Mr. Hunt carried on the lumber traffic four years, operating ipiite extensively most of that time and employing a number of men. In 1870 Mr. Hunt bought the Waldon Hotel, known then as the Rose House. He j)ut it in attractive order and after managing it personally a year he rented it. A year later he resumed its management. In 1879 his affairs became embarrassed and he sus- pended active business. About the same time he was elected Justice of the Peace and opened an of- fice in the Northern National Bank block with C. W. Nottingham. On the completion of the Fairman & Newton block, they transferred their quarters and bus- iness there. Mr. Hunt transacted the affairs of his official position and dealt in real estate until the spring of 1882, when he vacated his incumbency, but is still operating in land. He was Supervisor of the Fiftli Ward in 18S0 and 1882, and owns a house and lot on Fourth Avenue. He was married in Oxford Co., Can., Oct. 6, 1S39, to Martha A., daughter of Elisha and Angeline Har- ris, born in the same place in May, 1S20. Following is the record of tiie six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt: William F., deceased : Charles G., res- ident at Minneapolis, Minn; Maria, deceased; War- A V < r 1 i f^.^ ^ 380 &/y^y^T^'* ■~SS%(jr'-^ -7<:tlil^;nnr> MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ V ) ^ ren A., lately City Marshal of Big Rapids ; Lucinda M., wife of John London, ticket agent of the D., L. & N. R. R. Co.; Mary A., wife of F. N. Lattimer, druggist at Liidington, died in November, 1882. Warren A Hunt was one of the most popular and efficient officers of the municipality of .Big Rapids. Desiring to change his circumstances he resigned his office in September, 1883. On the acceptance of his resignation by the Common Council he was made the recipient of an elegant gold watch and chain as a testimonial of the esteem in which he was held. ^ His future residence will be Minneapolis, Minn. ^ Mr. Hunt is enabled by reference to the " Genealogy of the Hunt Family," published in 1863 by W. L. G. Hunt, of Boston, Mass., to trace his descent through eight generations. We (juote : "I am the son of William Hunt, the i6th, of Brattleboro, Vt., who was the son of Richard, of Wardsboro, Vt., who was the son of Ephraim (6th), second son of William (2d), of Braintree, Mass., who was the son of Ephriam (2d), of Weymouth, Mass., who was the son of Ephraim (ist), i? of Weymouth, who was the son of Enoch, of Wey- ^ mouth, my English ancestor. Enoch Hunt came Pi from Tittenden, Lee Parish, Buckinghamshire, Eng., — r with two sons, Ejihraim and Peter, in 1638." Mr. Hunt's portrait is inserted on tlie preceding page of this volume. m fra F. Bentley, Clerk of Grant Tp., and farmer, sec. 12, was born June 27, 185 i, in Ontario Co., N. V. His father and mother were natives of the same county, the former born Jan. 28, 1824, and the latter in July, 1826. The mother died April 4, 1873. They came from New York to Eaton Co., Mich., in 1856, and in 1873 moved to Grant Tp., Mecosta Co. Mr. Bentley went to Wisconsin when he was 16 years of age, and spent a year there with his uncle. He came back for a year's stay at home, and returned to Wisconsin. A year later he went to Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, where he remained about one year, thence going to Blue Earth Co., Minn., where he was a farmer for a period of two and a half years. He then came to Grant Tp. and bought 40 acres of land, his present homestead. He was married May 21, 187 1, to Rachel L., ^r^- ^^^^^ '-^-K'^B!] daughter of Nathan and Delilah Cook, of Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, who was born May 4, 1856, in Co- lumbia Co., Wis. Her father was born in New York, in 1822, and died in 1870; her mother was born in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1S19, and is still living. The records of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Bentley are as follow: Nora R. was born April 8, 1872; Carrie L., Dec. 20, 1864, and died March 4, 1875; Edith G., Jan. 7, 1876; Claude O., March 26, 1878, and died March 19, 1879; Katie P., May 29, 1880, and died July 27, 1880. Mr. Bentley is a Republi- can in politics, and is serving his third term as Town- ship Clerk. His wife is a memljer of the United Brethren Church. 'fell m m ^^^g^^w f t VS' igri'""^ machinery, at Big Rajiids, was born at ^ Oswego, N. Y., May 10, 1832. His parents, John and Sarah (Irwin) Haney, came to the Territory of Michigan when he was three years of age, and settled in Van Buren Tp., Wayne Co., where they were among the earliest settlers. Mr. Haney left home at the age of 14, and went to Fort Wayne, Ind , to learn the business of an iron- molder, which he pursued a number of years. He came to Hig Rapids in 1870, and in March of that year purchased an interest in the foundry of Calvin Price and James J. Osborn. The establishment was built about a year previously, and was devoted to the casting of cooking stoves, a number of which are yet extant in this vicinity. In May, Mr. Haney bought the interest of Mr. Price, and in December became sole proprietor by purchasing the claim of Mr. Os- borne. He changed the cliaracter of the foundry products, and now manufactures all kinds of mold- ings and castings, and also the Haney Plow, acknowl- edged one of the best known to the trade. He employs about half a dozen men. In June, 1874, Mr. Haney established a hardware store at Big Rapids, where he deals in all kinds of goods belonging to that branch of business. Besides stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, paints and oils, he sells wagons and buggies, and a host of mis- cellaneous articles. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order of Big dward G. Haney, dealer in hardware and manufacturer of farm implements and (J A C m^j!>/?'',-S'!7L. "^ S^Vf" -^^^ — r-r<^iiD>:anv>T I T MECOSTA COUNTY. :.«• •^ A V : f I' % -^*^^ ^■;[iri:A-nn;.v- <:;I1B:-SI1D--> f f '^i V s 1 % MECOSTA COUNTY. pied since tjiat time until July 5, 1883, when he formed his present business relation, and opened the German House. The hotel has accommodations for 25 guests, and is doing a thriving business.- The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. != i!*ii^^|j,.,.iba W. Pease, farmer and blacksmith, sec- I'^SI " 3^' Hersey Tp., Osceola Co., Mich., was IliS't?^ born Aug. i, 1832. His father, Samuel •7|VS^ Pease, was born in Conne:ticiit in 1788, and /|v was one of the first settlers of the ^Vyoming I Valley, Pa.; was a miller by occupation, and passed the winters in trapping and hunting. His grandfather, Samuel Pease, was born in Glastonbury, Ct., March 14, 1760, and enlisted in 1777 to serve in the war of the Revolution ; he took out a deed of land in Wilkesbarre, Pa., Jan. 6, 1795 ; was with the army under Washington at the crossing of the Dela- ware ; fought his last battle at Yorktown, and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. A sig- nificant fact and worthy of record is that six of his descendants fought on the same ground in the war of the Rebellion, to defend the liberty established by their ancestors. The Pease family of the United States are de- scended from Robert and John Pease, two brothers who came from Ipswich, Essex Co., Eng., in the ship Francis, Capt. John Cutting, and landed at Boston in April, 1 63 1. In 1634 they settled at Salem, Mass., and not long after, John went to Martha's Vineyard, and is claimed as the founder of the Pease family there. John Pease, Jr., of Salem, was the ancestor of the Enfield branch of the family, and of his de- scendants, the whereabouts of over three thousand living male members are known. But one is posi- tively recorded as in any way connected with the Confederate army — Capt. Allen S. Pease, whose "Tactics" were adopted in tlie discipline of the army of the Confederacy. Dr. John C. Pease, one of the founders of the Hartford Times in 1816, and Dr. Calvin Pease of the University of Vermont, who originated and published the present school laws of that State, are of the same family. Mr. Pease of this sketch enlisted in the war of Re- bellion Aug. 30, 1863, in Co. K, nth Pa. Vol. Cav- alry, and on going to the front was at once introduced to the fortunes of war at "Deserted House, "Feb. 12, 1863, followed by an engagement at ihe siege of Suffolk, Va., from April 11 to May 4, at North Anna Bridge, July 4, 1863, Bottom Bridge Feb. 6, 1864, Reams' Station June 29, 1864, Charles City Cross Roads Oct. I, 1864, and skirmishes without number. He was at Lee's surrender at Ap|)omattox, and went thence to Lynchburg, where he spent eight days parol- ing rebel prisoners, and on his return to Richmond, received intelligence of the assassination of Abra- ham Lincoln. After a tarry of two weeks at Rich- mond he went to Staunton, W. Va., where he spent three weeks, going thence to Charlottesville, Va. Three months later he went to Richmond and was mustered out of the United States service. In the fall of 1868 he located at Big Rapids and worked at blacksmithing until the following spring, when he located a homestead claim of 56 acres on sec. 32 of Hersey Tp., of which he has made a valuable farm. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the township, and politically is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is actively in- terested in the temperance movement of the day. He was married Sept. 17, 1854, to Rhoda M., daughter of David and Betsey (Stanton) Di.\, natives of Pennsylvania and residents of that State. Mrs. Pease was born June 30, 1839, in Preston, Pa. She became the mother of nine children, as follows : Lucinda J., Jan. 17, r856 (Mrs. T. B. Hardman) ; Drusilla J., Nov. 18, 1857 (died Jan. 6, 1862); Francis M., March 13, i860 (died April 14, 1862); Hattie A., March 10, 1862 (Mrs. J. Vanatter); Ber- tha, June 29, 1866; Carrie E., May 14, 1868; Nel- lie W., Oct. 17, 1870 (died Aug. 10, 1873); Charlie W., June 9, 1873; Eddie J., Sept. 24, 1875. "5- 'i^''"?^ dina Co., Ohio. i^^''V\ G. and Frances F. (Isbell) Rawson, the lat- '"u" ter a native of New York, the former of Con- necticut. Mr. Rawson is the second son of his parents and one of eleven children, ten of whom are living, and all in adult age. /\t an early date the parents went to Wayne Co., Ohio, moved later to Ran- dolph Co., Ind., went thence to Medina Co., Ohio, then returned to Indiana, settling in Noble County I S'ltJ'pBx^f yron Rawson, farmer, sec. 9, Fork Tp., ■!'^, ;aS( . was born July 26, 1831, in Sharon, Me- He is a son of Anson (o) J( I i U4, cj^^zy, ^ /. ct H^ /. T^SS IS (f» g#» MECOSTA COUNTY. -y^^-< -•»> m^ •I) T I') A V > %. in 1843, wliere they passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. Rawson grew to manhood in Noble County, and at the age of 22 entered u[)on the career of a farmer. He was dependent n\K>n his own resources, and for the first seven years after set- ting out in life he rented farms. He was married May 10, 1855, to Mary S., daughter of William and Susan (W'yatt) Scpiares, of Jackson, DeKalh Co., Ind. Of this marriage three children were born. William .\., born July 17, 1S63, is yet living. Infant twins died unnamed. Tlie mother died Jan. 26, 1866, after a long and distressing illness. Mr. Rawson was married again at Kendallville, Ind., Nov. 10, 1867, to Mrs. Julia '1'., widow of Dr. Jolinson Curl, and daughter of Dr. 'I'lionias. One child resulted from tliis marriage, Edward O., born Oct. 4, 1869. In September, 1879, Mr. Rawson went to Kansas and spent seven months prospecting for a place to settle: returned to I'etoskey and thence to Sun- field, Eaton Co., Mich., where he was employed chiefly in farming. He was there married to Mrs. Martha, widow of James McElroy, who died, leaving her with two children, James and Laura. One child has been born of tlie last marriage, Mary .'\grtes, Aug. 18, 1882. Mr. Rawson sold his farm in Sunfield in January, 1883, and bought 80 acres of land in Fork Tp., on which he settled April 15, 1883. Five acres were improved and a house built at the date of purchase, and in a few months Mr. Rawson has materially im- proved and increased the value of the place. In [jolitics he is a Republican. His father was a sol- dier of 1812; was a minute man and responded to the call for aid when the British invaded Wayne Co., N. Y., and burned the village of Sodus. l^aniel W. Stewart, Register of Deeds of ^Jp' Mecosta County, resident at Big Rapids,[was f-^P^ born at Cent^ until 1876. In May of that year he came to Big and Lovinda (Gould) Howd, natives respect- 14/"' ively of New York and Canada, were mar- t ried in New York, settled in Canada, finally returning to New York, where the mother died and the father married again. He located at Syracuse, N. Y., for a time and afterward went to Kansas and Missouri, where he died at the age of 74. When 14 years old Mr. Howd was a|)prenticed to learn the trade of molder, at which he served two and one-half years. He was afterward occupied about the same length of time as clerk in a grocery, when he resumed his trade, but was obliged by illness to <|uit it and seek other means of obtaining a liveli- hood. He was employed for some time in a grocery at Cleveland, and in the summer of 1855 came to Gratiot Co., Mich., where he bought 200 acres of land under the "Gradation Act." After clearing 30 acres of this land he sold out and purchased a simi- lar farm in the southern part of the same county, in order to secure for his children the superior educa- tional advantages of that section. Three years later he sold again and came to Mecosta County, where he entered a claim of 160 acres of land in the town- ships of Millbrook and Wheatland, under the provis- ions of the Homestead Act. This he sold, and invested his money and interest in the mercantile business and located at Millbrook, where he is car- rying on a flourishing trade. In [xjlitics Mr. Howd is a Republican. He has been Probate Judge four years and served 12 years as Justice of the Peace. He belongs to the Order of Masonry, and is a member of the fraternity of ( )dd Fellows. He was married in Cleveland, C>., to T Vs^ '^M>^ i I :1 m ^^*- 388 MECOSTA COUNTY. V r^Qi^:^ ^ A :^ V s Louisa M., daughter of Samuel Pease, a native of the State of New York. Mrs. Howd died in Gratiot County, leaving three children: Levant P., Martha E. and Albert J- Mr. Howd was married in Gratiot County, to Almira, daughter of Benjamin Hawkins, and their three children are, Francis A., Mary and Sarah R. Mrs. Howd belongs to the M. E. Church. ■ ^ ' ohn M. Raper, Big Rapids, was born June -9> ''^3Si ^'^ Toronto, Can., a son of John )■ and Abigail W. (Oliver) Raper. His father |j^ was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, Eng., and came to America in 1830, locating at Toronto, Ont. He was an officer on the staff of Gov. Sir Penguin Maitland, and married his wife, a native of Boston, Mass., at Halifax, Nova Scotia. She died at Toronto, aged 64 years. The father died at Sea- forth, Ont., at the age of 77 years. Mr. Raper received a good common-school educa- tion, and when 17 years old obtained a situation as clerk in a store. His next situation was as express messenger from CoUingwood to Toronto, on the On- tario, Simcoe & Northern Railroad, Vickers' express line, and he afterward engaged in mercantile business at Holland Landing, Ont. He then removed to Toronto, where he was employed a year as chief clerk in the office of C. R. Christie, Division Superintend- ent of the Grand Trunk Railroad. At the end of that time he received an ap|)ointnient as freight agent at St. Mary's Station, and after some time was trans- ferred to New Baltimore, Macomb Co., Mich., where he acted in the same capacity two years. He after- ward obtained a position as messenger for the Ameri- can Express Co., between Detroit and Cliicago, on the Michigan Central Railroad. Oct. i, 1864, he went to Elmira, N. Y., as chief clerk of the United States and Adams and Howard Express Companies, remaining there until September, 1866, when he went to Ann Arbor, Mich. On the organization of the Merchants' Union Express Company, Mr. Raper was tendered the posi- tion of route agent, which he accepted, and was in charge of all the offices in Michigan, which [wsition he retained until the company was consolidated with tiie American Express. While in the employ of the Merchants' Union Express Com|)any, the local agents presented him with a silver tea service, the presentation taking place in the Mayor's office at Detroit. He then entered the employ of the Ameri- can Express Company, and was also mail agent on the (now) G. R. & L R. R., between Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the latter being then the northern terminus of the railroad. In August, 1869, he was sent to St. Joseph, Mich., to operate as special agent, removing thence to Detroit, to act as traveling solicitor in the commercial agency of Tappan, McKil- lop & Co. While thus eni[)Ioyed he was tendered the position of conductor on the C. & M. L. S. R. R., which he accepted, and removed to St. Joseph, Mich., and acted in that capacity about three years, retiring April I, 1873. In May following, he went back to Detroit, to act as collector for the Weber Furniture Company. Afterward he again entered the service of the American Express Company, and was stationed at Big Rapids, opening an office on Maple street. About 15 days after his arrival the first passenger train from Muskegon to Big Rapids passed over the C. & W. M. railroad. He remained with the Ameri- can Express Company six and a half years, and meanwhile acted as Manager of the W^estern Union Telegraph Company, located at Big Rapids. On leaving the employ of the express company he oper- ated as a commercial traveler three years, when he engaged in -his present occupation as salesman for J. S. Evans & Co., music dealers. Mr. Raper was married in Ai)ril, 1861, to Eliza- beth, daughter of Thomas Arksey, of Ann Arbor. They have had three children, two of whom, a son and daughter, are deceased. Charles Edwin Raper, born at Detroit, Feb. 6, 1864, is now in the employ of John Greenop & Co., at Big Rapids. Mr. Raper was a charter member of Mecosta Lodge, No. 26, Knights of Pythias, and belongs to Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, F. & A. M. He is a stanch Republican, and was elected City Recorder on that ticket in 1877-8. "jJlr'SiflllUton W. Bennett, member of the Aim of ^' Roben, Bennett & Gill, real-estate, loan and fire insurance agents at Big Rapids, was born on a farm in Marcellus Tp., Cass Co., Mich., May 31, 1855, and is a son o William P. and Louisa (Brokaw) Bennett. The Bennett family, of which the subject of this biography is a descendant, have been a pioneer ivv* K^ c s i i t %^ ^^^ {7^^ 1 (g;>-X^< 4 '* ■3*^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^ -^^r^^^\^ 39' r ) >o. :^ v > I w.^ people. The great-great-grandfather of A. W. Ben- nett cleared a farm in Western Connecticut before the Revolutionary war had ever been imagined. The great-grandfather, Alfred Bennett, emigrated to Central New York when it was a wilderness, cleared a farm and contested titles with wolves, etc., on the tract of land now the city of Cortland. He was also a Baptist preacher of renown, and his memory is still cherished in the thoughts of every theologian of that denomination. He was for years a circuit rider, holding services at every clearing, and spreading the gospel, from a Baptist standpoint, through the wilds of Ohio and Indiana. His son Cephas married Stella, daughterof Abner Keeland, the first apostle of Universalism in New England; in 1829 he took her to the East Indies, whither he went as a missionary. He introduced the fust iiriiuing-press, and afterwards the first sewing-machine, into Buraiah, and with his wife is still engaged in tlie work of converting the heathen to Christianity, although they have been in active service 54 years. Cephas Bennett sent his son, W'illiam P., to America, at the age of 10 years. At 19 the latter became involved in matrimonial snares, and, taking his wife and worldly possessions, made his way West on a canal boat, and plunged into the wilderness of Michigan. He entered 160 acres of land in Marcellus Tp., and camped out until he could make a clearing and erect the pioneer's shelter. The tract of land has been converted into a typical Southern Michigan farm, and is still in the possession of its original owner, now resident at Cass- opolis, where he has held the office of Proliate Judge for 15 years. In a work of this character pioneer reminiscences are specially valuable, and serve to render the bio- graphical sketches of its patrons decidedly inter- esting. Mr. Bennett was under the personal care of his fatlier until he was 12 years old, wiien he was sent to Groton, New York, to attend the academy. He studied there two years, and attended the high scliool at Cassopolis, where he graduated. He afterward learned the printer's trade, at whicli he worked at Cassopolis, Lawrence and Grand Rapids. In 1874 he commenced a course of studies at the University of Michigan, which he pursued three years, working at the case during vacations, and was graduated in the Law Department, in March, 1877. He at once located at Big Rapids. ^^^^^ — — H^^tm In August, 1878, he formed a partnership with D. Roben, in the real-estate, loan and insurance busi- ness, which relation still exists. The style and repute of the house of Roben & Bennett is widely known throughout Northern Michigan. Mr. Bennett was married Sept. 3, 1878, to Mary, daughter of Matthew and Esther Roben, of Big Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have one son, nearly two years old. "^ ^^-f^.^ ^ -^-<-^'4^>-^>- K ( ^ A V ^^''r^fstm S' n f\\ ; ahlon Carman, of Morton Tp., whose '•Jl'^'.v''-^, portrait is given on the preceding page "'ill'"'' " "^""^ ^^'^'^ '* °"^ '^^ Mecosta County's en- j\^' \ terprising business men, was born in Huron T' Co., Ohio, in the village of Olena. He is a son I of Lew-is and Laura (Aiken) Carman. The father was a merchant and proprietor of a saw-mill in the State of Ohio, and moved to Lockport, Niag- ara Co., N. Y., when the subject of this sketch was eight years old, where he engaged in buying and sell- ing stock. When Mr. Carman was 16 years of age he was employed one and a half years in a boot and shoe store at Lockport. This engagement was terminated by the removal of his fatlier's family to St. Josepli Co., Mich. Here lie worked at home on tlie farm about two and one half years, when the family came to .Millbrook and tlie father built a saw-mill, where the son worked until of age. In 1877 the latter went to Altona, Hinton Tj)., and was employed in the general store of T. C. Gardner. After a year's service as as- sistant, he purchased the stock and continues to con- duct the business. The value of the stock averages about $1 2,000, and the annual transactions aggregate about $40,000. Sept. i, 1883, he established a store in the village of Mecosta, with a stock worth about $1,500. Mr. Carman is operating also largely in shingles, and employs in his interest a shingle-mill in Morton, one in Wheatland and one in Hinton; he manufa ) -^ ^ *j 392 MECOSTA COUNTY. I, 1877, to Isabella, daughter of William and Mary J. Pierce. Of this marriage one child has been born, Raymond W., in Millbrook. ^ohn Pordon, farmer, sec. 6, present Siiper- If visor of Martiny Tp., was born in the town of Ravensburg (Danube), Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, Oct. 29, 1837. He is a son of Bertram and Cleopha (Pfleghaar) Par- don. His father was a farmer and died when the son was but one year old. He was fully orphan- ed by the death of his mother when he was nine years of age, and his uncle, Benedict Pfleghaar, as- sumed the care and guardianship of the bereaved child, continuing to protect him until he was 14 years old, when he was placed under training for the busi- ness of carpenter and joiner. After working at that trade two years, he emigrated to the United States and located at Toledo, Ohio. He worked a year at his vocation and then engaged in a nursery for a short time. In 1S55 he went to Dundee, Monroe Co., Mich., and operated as a farm hand until the outbreak of the civil war in 1861. He enlisted in the Fourth Mich. Inf. and served four years, nine and a half months, — the longest military service recorded in the pages of this work. His experiences include all the hardships, privations and contingencies incident to a soldier's life, except capture and torture at the hands of the rebels. The list of battles in which he took part are, Bull Run (Second), Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Marion Hill, Newbridge, Haines' Landing, Gaines' Hill, Mine Run, Hatcher's Run, Gravel Run, Petersburg, Wil- derness, and last, Appomattox Court-House, where he was an eye-witness of the virtual collapse of the Rebellion. At the close of the war he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, and was there stationed nine and a half months. He was wounded May 6, 1S64, and lost his hearing from the ex|ilosion of a shell at the battle of Gettysburg. He was discharged with the rank of Sergeant and returned to Michigan. He resumed his former employnientations, he sold his property tlierc and came to Mecosta Coiintyi and was engaged by March & , heavy land- holders in Chippewa Tp., and resided there four years. In 18 — , he purchased the farm he now owns, containing 80 acres of land. Mr. Pordon was married in 1866, in Monroe, Mich., to Anna, daughter of Ignatz and Victoria (Gunthner) Hilbert. She was born in Germany, Jan. 22, 1845, and came to the United States with her parents in 1853. Four children are comprised in the family, Cleopha J., Benjamin M., Clara J. and Amelia V. Mr. Pordon is a Democrat, has held various offices and was elected to his present position in 1883. V^ A4£a2;®^^ K4— «-^^W>ZTOv. ^1 Sy^^^^lifton D. Eichards, hardware merchant, Ji^^i Millbrook village, is a son of James and ^|cr "^ Minerva (Smalley) Richards. The father W was a native of Massachusetts, and the m mother of Vermont. They were pioneers of ' Cleveland, O., where they settled in early mar- ried life; they now reside at Detroit. Mr. Richards was born at Cleveland, Sept. 6, 1856. He obtained a good education in the schools of his native city, justly cele- brated for their excellent character, and at 19 years of age came to Stanton, Mich., where he was em- ployed as clerk in a hardware store for a period of three years. He came to Mecosta County in 1877, and Oct. I, opened a hardware store at Millbrook, where he is still engaged in business and has reason- able success. He carries a stock worth $7,000, and leads his line of trade in that section of the county. Mr. Richards was married at Auburn, N. Y., July 6, 1880, to Ada E., daughter of Lewis and Laura Cannon, of the State of New York, who was born in Ohio, and was an inmate of her fatherls home until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have one child, Irma L., born May 14, 1881. Mr. Richards is a Republican in politics ; has been Clerk of his township one term, and is now r -^if^^ r-r<-Illl>:llDv>v A V 1 k MECOSTA COUNTY. acting in the capacity of School Assessor of the dis- trict. He is an active member of the Congrega- tional Church. ^ Ataefl'E^®''— <§l 5<.J— >«^^)^Zr37rjv- eorge F. Stearns, President of the North- [/ em National Bdnk, Big Rapids, was born ^^ at Ellisbiirg, Jefferson Co., N. V'., Jan. 91 1832. The banking house with which he has been connected from its organization was opened for the transaction of business June 5, The institution is t!ie result of a project which Was carefully considered and made feasible by the combined energy, deliberation and capital of T. C. Piatt, John F. Brown and G. F. Stearns. It was organized with Mr. Stearns in the capacity of chief official, J. F. Brown as Vice President, and Chas. P. Clifford as Cashier. They embarked on the sea of finance with a capital of $75,000, which was in- creased in 1874 to $90,000, and in 1883 to $150,000. On the death of Mr. Brown, C. H. Wagener was elected to the vacant Vice Presidency and in 1S75 L. S. Baker became Cashier. The " Northern National ' is one of the most solid institutions in the country, having a deserved repute of carrying on its financial transactions on a system and basis of impregnable security, and lience is justly regarded as incomparably stal;le as a business house and a model in its methods and purposes. It has a firm grasp u|ion the confidence of those wiih whom it has intimate financial relations, and the catalogue of its patrons and correlations include a host of the most substantial names in Northern Michigan. Mr. Stearns is the son of Daniel and F^iizabeth (Martin) Stearns, whose record is a part of that of Big Rapids, both from the period of their settlement here and their relations to the social and business growth of the place. Daniel Stearns settled here in 1859, having previously purchased a low, two-story frame building, with a lean-to, where is now the southeast corner of Maple street and Micliigan avenue. This building, styled the "Mecosta," was utilized many years as a hotel, to which purpose it was first devoted by Capt. Daniel Stearns. It has been raised twelve feet, remodeleil, and still looms up a tangible reminder of the day of " first things ' at Big Rapids. The business record of Mr. Stearns is one continu- ous course of energy, sagacity, shrewdness, prudence, tact and ability. He has all the restless activity tenacity of purpose and intuitive comprehension of luiman nature which constitute a born financier. His leading traits of character have been conspicuous from his outset in life, and, to his undying credit be it put on record, that, with all his keenness and pow- ers of finesse in business, not one imputation of im- probity or dishonor rests against him. He walks among his fellow men in all the uprightness of moral rectitude, and wields an influence in his sphere second to none. He is always acutely alive to the possibili- ties of a business transaction, but he never swerves from the promptings of his innate manliness and his sense of obligation to society. His entire life has been devoted to effort. His first speculative enterprise occurred when he was about twelve years old. He had received a package of fire-crackers for the " Fourth," but instead of hav- ing a grand private glorification, he found a swarm of young patriots who i)aid liim a cent each for his stock of small e.xplosives. No em|)loyment, so it afforded an opportunity to be doing something, was beneath his honest endeavors. He did whatever the contin- gency demanded and performed every duty becom- ingly. At the ;ige of 12 he was employed in a gen- eral country store, remaining about a year; and on his parents' removal to Mannsville in his native county, he accompanied them, and did all manner of Olid jobs in and around his father's hotel. Two years later he went to Adams, Jefferson Co., and engaged as a clerk in a store, where he operated two years. He went thence to Rome, N. Y., and filled a position in an extensive dry-goods establishment. In Septem- ber, 1854, he came to Detroit with a friend, Wm. Chittenden, then holding a clerk's position in a diy- goods establishment, and now proprietor of the Rus- sell House in that cily. He borrowed money of his friend to make the trip to Detroit, and made all his associations in first-class places, wisely judging that his best testimonial was the appearance and habits of a gentleman. With but nominal delay he obtained a clerkship in the commercial house of Holmes iV Co., where his friend was a salesman, lie remained there two years. Meanwhile his father had moved to Newaygo »^ A Vi X: 4t ^ '. -^^€^<^ -K-^oa>:nfiv>^ ■'^^r^ :-^ •> -^^&s: crv4>ll D y. O B v>rr MECOSTA COUNTY. and built the Brooks Hotel, whither Mr. Stearns pro- ceeded and officiated one year as clerk. His next move was to the city of St. Louis, where he operated as a clerk in a dry-goods house two months, going ^ . thence to Chicago, where he was similarly engaged a short time. He soon left the Garden City, went to Detroit and secured a situation in the mercantile es- tablishment of Farrell Brothers. In September, i860, he came to Big Rapids with a stock of dry goods, etc., suitable for the demands of a country trade, and opened the second store in the embryo city. His father was established in the '" Mecosta, " and, besides his duties in the store, he assisted in every possible way at home, where the hotel was al- ways overflowing with custom. By degrees he man- aged to convert his original stock of goods, valued at $500, into a general stock of much wider scope, and trafficked in furs and all other articles that came in his way with any reasonable outlook for specula- tion therein. His business grew onerous, the sales of his closing year aggregating $100,000. He had over- worked and was compelled by impaired health to sell out. He devoted his attention and energies to specula- tion in real estate and furs until 187 1, when the Northern National Bank was put in successful opera- tion. Mr. Stearns has dealt extensively in real estate^ and now owns several thousand acres of pine and farming lands, together with 160 acres within the city limits, divided into small tracts, each containing a few acres. His residence at No. 220 State street is one of the most substantial and best arranged dwell- ing-houses in the city. The grounds are 100 feet front by 700 feet deep, finely graded and laid out, and sheltered by trees. The work has been done chiefly by Mr. Stearns' own hands, and in its unos- tentatious simplicity is revealed the character of its owner. Mr. Stearns has also extensive lumber in- terests, being a member of the firm of Baker & Stearns, who handle annually a large amount of mill products. He is also manager of the sales of the large tracts of land in Mecosta and other counties, belonging to the Warren estate. Mr. Stearns was married at Detroit. June 4, 1861, ... to Harriet S., daughter of John Vernor; she was ^ born at Albany, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns have \^ had two children: Carrie E., born March 27, 1869, r and died Dec. 6, 1881. Charles F., a book-keeper in ) >^ V the Northern National Bank, was born June 3, 1865. Mr. Stearns is a member of the Masonic Order and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is a Democrat in political sentiment, and in the spring of 1869 he was elected Mayor of Big Rapids, and re- elected in 187 I and )S8i, running largely ahead of his ticket. \M^i ■ apoleon Ladouceur, proprietor of the Montreal House, and of the Montreal Liv- T"^ ery Stables, Big Rapids, was born at St. Eugene, Out., and is a son of John B. and Esther (Lalond) Ladouceur. He came from the Dominion to Big Rapids when 17 years of age, and operated about seven years in the lumber woods. Li 1875 he bought the hotel of which he is now owner and manager, and conducted its affairs personally two and a half years. It was leased to a tenant for a similar period of time, after which he resumed its control, and has since continued to occupy and run the business, which is prosperous, and gradually increasing. The building is well adapted to hotel purposes, and contains 34 rooms for guests. In June, 1883, Mr. Ladouceur built the Montreal Livery Stable, 50 x 135 feet in dimensions, where he manages a first-class establish- ment for the accommodation of the public, keeping about 20 horses and all necessary livery fixtures. Mr. Ladouceur was married at Big Rapids, April 14, 1879, to Susan, daughter of Michael and Mar- garet Bailey, born Feb. 18, 1858, a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. L. have buried three children: Lilly M., only surviving child, was born at Big Rapids, Oct. 14, 1882. Maggie is an adopted daughter. Besides his hotel and livery property, Mr. Ladouceur owns two city lots in Rose's Addition, Third Ward. y^ti: eister C. Hodskey, jeweler, at Big Rapids, fclltl ^^,^5 jjQf,., ^^ Parma, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1822, \^ (q} and is a son of Willard and Permelia ^* (Rowe) Hodskey. His parents were farmers, and he received the education anA-^^ — ^^*^^ -4^^ #' % ^/tX-^ ■ ® =— -r<-?IlQ: v MECOSTA COUNTY. 397 I t v.* V ^ i and when 12 years old came to Michigan and located in Highland Tp., Oakland Co. In the spring of 184S, he bought 40 acres of land, which he owned about one year. When he sold his farm he engaged in traveling in the interests of a firm selling jewelry and Yankee notions. In icS5r he built the first hotel in Holly, Oakland Co., now the Anderson House, which he kept three years, and then exchanged for a farm of 40 acres, on which he resided until 1857, when he moved to Bronson, Branch Co., and there embarked in the grocery and licjuor trade, and was soon after elected Constable. He continued to manage his first enterprise about one year, when he sold out and engaged in the jewelry business. He operated in Bronson three years, and exchanged his property there for a farm of 80 acres in Matteson, in the same county. Three years later he again sold and moved into Colon, St. Joseph Co., where he again embarked in the jewelry business, and there continued three years, going thence to Clarence, Shelby Co., Mo., where he pur- sued the same calling, returning after three years to Bronson. His stay there covered a period of a few months only, and he went thence to La Grange, Ind., and was similarly occupied there eight months, when he came to Big Rapids (May, 1873). He opened a jewelry and grocery store, which he ran eight years, and then exchanged his store for a residence and three lots on West Hemlock street. He transferred his stock to the store occupied by Charles Crandall as a grocery, and established his business in one half of the premises. Six months after, he moved into a building next the present establishment of Freyburg, clothier. In July, 1882, he removed to his present location, where he is doing a prosperous business. He has in stock a full line of all articles common ta the branch of trade he represents — watches, clocks, jewelry, musical instruments, etc., besides keeping a repair department. His stock is worth about $1,800, and his annual business amounts to $3,000. He also owns a vacant lot in Rose's Addition. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order. Mr. Hodskey was married in Highland, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 25, 1847, to Amanda, daughter of Noble and Annie (Merchant) Ruggles, born in Colesville, Broome Co., N. Y., May 4, 1831. Lydia A., elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hodskey, was born in Highland, Mich., May 26, 1852, and Jessie M. was born in Bronson, Branch Co., Mich., Sept. i, 1862. _o<:5o_ New Hampshire, where he was born June 26, 1809. He came to Chicago June 20, 1835, ^ ^^^s^ -^'-^ I V;, :^: r I >:qi1s> "T"^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■llIN,^ -«^ ■%* •<§ homas J. Sharpe, Supervisor of the Third \\'ard of Big Rapids, was born in Lincohi- shire, Eng., Aug. iS, 1843. He is a son of Joseph N. and Elizabeth Sharpe, natives of the same country. When he was 16 years old Mr. Sharpe went to serve an apprenticeship in a meat-market, and served his time in fitting for the calling as is the custom in his native land. He started for the United States in the fall of 1865, embarking on a sailing vessel, and making an extended passage of seven weeks and three dajs. He arrived in Big Rapids in January, 1866, and engaged as clerk in the shop of Harvey Anderson. In the autumn of 1867 he commenced business himself on the present site of Geo. A. Roof's block, and soon after formed a part- nership with Carlos Teachout, which relation existed several months. In December, 1868, he established himself in a meat-market in upper Big Rapids, where he has since operated. Mr. Sharpe was elected to liis present position in the spring of 1882, and re-elected in 1883. He owns his residence and three lots on Marion avenue, his store building on North State street, and a house and lot above the Tioga Mills, besides being pro- prietor of 30 acres of land in the township of Big Rapids. He was married near Kent City, Kent Co., Mich., to Mary, daughter of Alanson Re.xford, proprietor of a hotel at Cedar Springs, Kent Co. She was born in Pennsylvania, and died May 19, 1876, at Big Rapids, leaving three children : Elizabeth, Carrie and Sarah A. Mr. Sharpe was married again at Big Rapids, to Jane O'Neil, who was born in Canada, Feb. 2, 1856. Of this marriage two children have jorn — Mary and Elsie May. ohn Martiny, farmer, sec. 4, Martiny Tp., 'r was born in Cerniany, March 25, 1820, and '^' is a so;i of John and Katrina (Zegel) Mar- tiny. Like the other youth of his native land, he was kept in school in his early life and trained to the calling of farmer. At 16 years of age he learned the cabinet-making business, which he pursued until 1841. He was then drafted into the army and served two years, when he resumed his trade and worked until 1847, and during that year he sailed for this country. He landed at the port of New York and proceeded directly to Albany. After a brief tarry there he went to Springfield, Mass., and spent eight years working at his trade. In 1855 he came to Michigan and pursued his calling three years in Allegan County, and then interested himself in farming in the same county. In 1867 he entered and proved a claim of 80 acres of land in Mecosta County, in a township designated only by the terms in which it was recorded in the Land Office, but which will perpetuate tiiroughout coming years the name which heads this sketch. Mr. Martiny still holds his homestead, and has added to his possessions until he has 320 acres of land, a portion of v/hich is in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Martiny has been twice married. His first wife was Mena Licher, to whom he was married in Germany in 1846. Two children were born of this marriage, Peter and Minnie. Mrs. M. died in 1856, Mr. Martiny was again married in 1858, to Mary Hilderbrand, a native of Gennany. Of this mar- riage four children have been born, Robert, Daniel^ Edward and Paul. Mr. Martiny is a Democrat in political matters, and has held the offices of Township Treasurer and School Assessor. i saae J. Leggett, M. D., i)hysician and sur- geon, resident at Paris, Green Tp., was born in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y., May 19, 1854. His i)arents, Isaac and Sarah (Con- nor) Leggett, were natives of New York, where his father was by trade a millwright and also pursued agriculture. The latter died in February, 1881; the mother is still living, at Paris, with the family of her son. Dr. Leggett obtained his elementar)- education at the common schools, residing at home until 1S66, when he commenced the study of medicine, comiilet- ing his course in 1875-6, at the Chicago Medical College. He commenced his practice with Dr. Hamilton, at Tecumseh, Mich., where he remained one year. In the fall of 1878 he settled at P.iris, I $^ ■^ ^ ^f\®r^m^k^- Mm:m^ L^^:^ /. ^ /#/ C' r MECOSTA COUNTY. 401 ^ > 2 ^ s ^ I ^ and opened business as a practitioner. In 1880 he added the drug business, and still combines that trade with his practice. He was married Sept. 22, 1880, to Mary Wood- ward, born in the State of New York, in 1854. They have one daughter — Lola Genevieve — born .Aug. 7, 1881. Dr. Leggett is a Republican in political sentiment, and has held all the school offices of his town ; was Superintendent in 1879, and is now School Inspector. -ra=H=' A A . €^ 'rf^i' i'li*"^ Remus, of the firm of Stephens & ' F:-^^vS Kemus, manufacturers, at Big Rapids, was f;;. " born in the Province of Pomerania, (icr- ^ many, Aug. 10, 1842. He is a son of Charles and Caroline (Horn) Remus, and > learned the shoemaker's trade in his native .J country. Accompanied by two brothers and one sister, he came to this country in June, 1865, settling at first in Chicago, where Mr. Remus worked at his trade. In 1857, he came to Big Rapids and estab- lished a boot and shoe store, where he did a thriving business, and employed several men in the custom- work department. His health failing, in 1872 he sold out and worked as a builder about three years, and also acted as clerk in various stores in this city. June 29, 1883, he formed a partnership with P. M. Stephens, and bought the Stimson Planing Mills, situated at the east end of the lower bridge, where they are engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc., including most varieties of dressed lum- ber. The works are especially fitted for the produc- tion of first-class manufactures, being supplied with the best modern facilities and skilled mechanics. The capacity of the mill is estimated at about $35,- 000 annual value, and 20 men are at present employ- ed. Their rapidly increasing business will doubt- less very soon require a large additional force of assistants. The real estate of Mr. Remus includes two stores on Michigan avenue, and residence and four lots in the Third Ward, on Rose avenue. ■ He is the Vice President of the Big Rapids Furniture Co., and con- trols $9,000 of its stock. He was one of the organizers and first members of the German Lutheran Church at Big Rapids; was one of its first Trustees, and has served in that capacity continuously since 1869, ex- cept one year; he is also Secretary. Mr. Remus was married in Chicago, July 4, 1866, to Julia Trescotch, who was born in Cicrmany, June 10, 1843. They have one son, William, Jr., born at Big Rapids, .Vpril 2, 187 i. The brothers and sister of Mr. Remus, who accompanied him to this country in 1865, are all living in Osceola County. Among the prominent and representative citizens of this county whose portraits we present in this book, we take pleasure in giving that of Mr, Remus, which we place upon the preceding page. ffF^ ;.,avid C. Fuller, attorney, Millbrook village, p: ,'J/' ' was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 28, 3 ,^^ 1S18. His father, Reuben Fuller, was a "j^fi native of Connecticut, and his mother, Han- \ nah (Scolt) Fuller, was born in Dutchess \ Co., N. Y. They first settled in Otsego Co., N. Y., afterwards removing to Onondaga County in that State. The early life of Mr. Fuller was passed in Madison Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1836, when he was iS years old, he came to .Adams, Hillsdale Co., Mich , where he lived until the spring of 1881, with the exception of five years, which period he lived in Wisconsin and at .Adrian, Mich. In the spring of 1 88 1 he came to Mecosta County and fixed his resi- dence in the township of Millbrook. Mr. Fuller obtained his elementary education in the common schools of his native State and attended an academy in Onondaga County two terms. In 1854 he began to pre[)are for his profes- sion, and was admitted to the Bar in Wisconsin, Oct. 8, 1858. He was admitted to practice in the courts of Michigan August 2, 1882, and is actively en- gaged in the duties of his profession at Millbrook. He was married in Adams, Hillsdale County, .Aug. 22, 1843, to Abigail T., daughter of Jacob and Tlieo- dicea (Hart) Jackson. She was born in Victor, On- tario Co., N. Y., June 14, 1823, and died .April 1, 1883, in Millbrook, leaving four children, Morris R.^ Caroline A., Lucetta L. and Anson D. Mrs. Fuller was an active and prominent member of the M. Ya. Church (as is Mr. Fuller), and lived for her family, i T A \ ■^^^ ■^m'^,m>^ u- .^^^^^ 4*^>f ®7^Mf^ .r-^ MECOSTA COUNTY. Clinton Co., Mich., prosecuting his profession there 15 months. During that time he was married (April 18,1882) to Alnif Ja, daughter of James and Sarah (Wheeler) Lance, who was born March 2, ilislier of the ^ Pioneer at Big Rapids, was born at Cuya- hoga Falls, Summit Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 1837. His father, William Gay, was i)orn Nov. 9, 1811, in Vermont, and during the act- ive years of his life was occupied as an en- gineer. He resides with his son at Big Rapids. The mother, Emily (Wells) Gay, was born in Chat- ham, Kent Co., England, Feb. 27, 1819, and died at Warren, Trumbull Co., O., April 15, 1881. Mr. Gay secured a substantial elementary educa- tion in the common and graded schools previous to his fifteenth year, when he entered a printing-office to acquire the details of the profession to which he purposed devoting his life. He came to Newaygo, Mich., to fill a position in the office of the Ripiihli- C(7//, where he was occupied six years. In 1S62, in view of the budding prospects of Big Rapids, he proceeded thither with the purpose of establishing a county journal. A cursory examination of the field seemed to warrant the enterprise, and on the 17th of April, 1862, the initial number of the Mecosta County Pioneer was issued. The enterprise was established at a momentous period. The country was in the ^ throes of the awful internecine conflict that threat- 1 ened the dissolution and ruin of the grandest na- •V»-tional structure on the records of time, and Mr. Gay fully realized the responsiiiility of his undertaking at such an era. He established his paper as the organ f5) of no demagogism, but on the inflexible and uncom- promising fundamental principle incorporated in the V ) 405 "^ ■ i» t ■•■yyc ^m. sentiment, "The Union, the Constitution and En- forcement of the Laws." The earnest young editor at once put himself en rapport with the community in which he established his business, aiid entered heartily into the work which, directlj' and indirectly, was uijpermost in every man's purjMses, — the re-es- tablishment of the national unity, and the advance- ment of the interests of Mecosta County. An e.xamination of the early files of the Pioneer makes an impression which should be placed on record, — that absolute moral cleanliness pervaded the entire com- munity. The fact is rendered still more patent by the circumstances under which the Judiciary of the county was regulated. The Pioneer was the first paper published in the county, and until Aug. i, 1867, was issued in a folio of five columns. It was then enlarged by two ad- ditional columns ; and again, in 1S70, incre. ied in the same proportion, becoming a pretentious j ur- nal of nine columns. In July, 1874, it took on ad- ditional dignity by conversion to a seven-column (juarto, when its style was changed to the Big Rap- ids Pioneer. Aug. 1, 1881, the paper was issued as a daily, which still continues, and, conjointly with the weekly edition, is steadily increasing in influence and popularity. In the spring of 1869, Mr. Gay was elected the first Recorder of the City of Big Rapids, and in 1870 was the successful candidate for the office of County Clerk, a post he held eight consecutive years ; he also officiated as Town Clerk from 1864 to 1869, with the exception of one year, and was Justice of the Peace from the organization of the township until 1869. He is a radical Republican and cast his first Presi- dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i86o. Mr. Gay is a typical American. His impulses are those of honesty and earnestness, and he guides his operations under their influence. He reaches con- clusions with directness, acts always in accordance with his convictions, and makes no compromise with any issue that|he believes antagonistic or detrimental to the principles which he inscribed upon his b.m- ners in his dawning manhood. He is trusted from his palpable, innate integrity and unselfishness of purjwse. If his judgments conflict with those of other men, he is intrenched by his record of manly frankness and candor which have characterized every act of his public life. His journal has been con- ducted in accordance with the principles on which vllllsV^-! ^^i^y^' •^♦t?^* >^ A V V € • ■ % V iBi^;i.v '(is ^= MECOSTA COUNTY. ^^«®vM f A >0 V it was established, and has won a position second to none in the State, of commensurate scope and purposes. It commands, as it has done from the outset, the respect of its contemporaries, and in jx)- litical emergencies and general issues holds a de- clared and positive position. Its metal has never an uncertain ring and its tendencies are patent and un- mistakable. Mr. Gay is zealously interested in Masonic mat- ters and occupies positions of trust in the several bodies of the order with which he is connected. He belongs to Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, Pilgrim Commandery, No. 23, Big Rapids Chapter, No. 52, and to King Solomon Council, No. 25. In the two last named he holds the chief position at present writing. The marriage of Mr. Gay to Rosalie Bailey took place at Newaygo, May 12, 1S60. Mrs. Gay is a daughter of John and Julie (LeMay) Bailey, and was born at Vergennes, Vt., Nov. 18, 1843. Her father is dead. Her mother was a second time married, to David Jarse, of Newaygo, whom she survives. Mr. and Mrs. Gay have two children : Fred, born Feb. 21, 1862, and Jessie, born Nov. 6, 1863. The similitude of the genial face of Mr. Gay in connection with this sketch. On their own behalf the compilers and publishers of this volume desire to subjoin to the personal rec- ord- of Mr. Gay a permanent e.xpression of their grateful sense of his invaluable aid in the consumma- tion of their work. His own emphatic disclaimer deters a more elaborate specification of the generous assistance he has accorded. S";; i: ilbert A. Decker, saddler, Millbrook vil- iiii=7SSf l^B^i ^^'is born July 16, 1858, fn Kane aI^ Co., 111. His parents, Peter S. and Caroline Decker, reside in Millbrook Tj). At the age of 20 Gilnert .\. went to the village of Mill- brook to learn the trade of harness-maker, and was under the instructions of Charles Clements five months, when he bought the slock in trade of that gentleman and embarked in business independ- ently. In the summer of 1879 he disposed of his interests and went to Morley to work at his trade ; but illness compelled him to abandon his employ- ment for the time being, and after his recovery he worked in different places until the spring of 1883, when he again became the proprietor by purchase of the stock owned by J. A. Tory, to whom he made his sale in 1879. He is now doing a prosperous busi- ness and monopolizes his line of trade in the village of Millbrook. His stock represents a value of $i,ooo. Mr. Decker was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., June 27, 1883, to Henrietta, daughter of V. J. Sey- mour, a native of the State of New York. Mr. Decker is a Republican. ^4=1^^ ! ohn Flake, farmer, sec. 25, Fork Tp., was if^'l :'- Ijorn near London, Ont., March 14, 1S29, ^■'^^ and is the only son of James and Margaret Ann (Davis) Flake. His father was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and was a carpenter by trade, which calling he pursued all his life. His mother was a native of New York and is still living, in the village of London, Can. The circum- stances of his father precluded Mr. Flake from the privileges of education, and threw upon him in early life the responsibility of making a fair start in the world. He obtained a situation on a lake boat and followed the calling of sailor on the " unsalted seas" three years, earning $3 monthly as net profit. He continued in the lake service until 1850, when he shipped as a seaman on a vessel going to the Isth- mus of Darien (Panama), and on arrival there went to work on the Panama Railroad. After three months he contracted the malarial fever, from which few es- caped who labored in that enterprise in the pestilen- tial climate of the isthmus, and was sent to New- York for treatment. On recovery he made another ocean trip, and on his return came to London, Mon- roe Co., Mich., and entered the sailing service on Lake Huron, Oct. 3, 1S64, when he enlisted in the Un- ion army, enrolling in the 29th Mich. Vol. Inf , and remained until the war ended. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, Middle Tenn., and he saw considerable active service in some of tjie most important engagements during the closing months of the contest, among them Stone River and Decatur. He finally was apiwinted wagon c A *' Si/ ( i r«f!^ v.^f^tf^ ^^ii^Qff'^ '•«sr '<:I1I1:> -^feife •T,'-.* MECOSTA COUNTY. 407 o master of his regiment, and continued to discharge the duties of the post until he was mustered out. Mr. F. came to Saginaw and worked in the lumber mills about two years, and in the fall of 1867 came to the township of Fork and began lumbering for the firm of Camp & Whitney. He worked in tlie woods during that winter and in the spring was employed on the drive. In the spring of 1S68 he bought his farm, built a house, and is now living in comfortable circumstances, with 60 acres of improved land. ^[r. Flake was married July 4, 1852, to Abigail, daughter of Silas and Mary (Heron) Richmond, and they becapie the parents of 1 1 children, five only surviving: Clara A., Christie Ann, Katie, John and Morris. Those deceased are Peter G., Thomas, Hugh, Maggie, James and an unnamed infant. Mr. Flake is a Republican, and belongs to the (i. A. R., Post No. 77, at Sherman City, Isabella Co., Mich. > ^r rank Dumon, Prosecuting Attorney of Me- J^^'"^ costa County, residence Big Rapids, was ^j^ '^^ born in Nissouri, t'anada, Jan. 22, 1842. = m f^ ?A^ His father, John F. Dumon, is a native of the Sf •^iV'^ Dominion, born Oct. i, 1817, and is a farmer. { His mother was born Feb. 23, 1823, in Cherry ^ Valley, N Y. In 1847 his parents came to Mich- igan, and settled on a farm in the township of Otisco, Ionia Co., where they are still resident. Mr. Dumon was his father's assistant until 20 years old, when he committed himself to the cause of the Union. He enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, at Otisco, in Co. 15, 25ih Mich. Vol. Inf., Capl. .'-lainuel Demo- rest. His command was attached to the Army of the Ohio, under Gen. liurnside, and afterward under Gen. Schofield. He was under fire at Kingston, Kno.wille and Mossy Creek, in the Ivist Tennessee campaign ; at Tunnel Hill in the Altoona Mountains; at Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Moun- tain, Kenesaw Mountain, at the crossing of the (^ Decatur and Peach-Tree Creek, and Chattanooga River. At the siege of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, he iwas severely wounded by a shot in the right side, and was sent to a field hosintal near Marietta, Ga., ^e and thence successively to the hospitals at Nash- ville, Tenn., Jeffersonville, Ind., St. Mary's and Harper's in Detroit. He was discharged from the last June 7, 1865, and returned home to the farm with health so impaired that active life seemed forever relegated to the past. In September, 1865, he went to Ann Arbor and entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, com|)leted the required course of two terms, and was graduated March 27, 1867. He s[ ent the year following in the law office of Wells & Morse, at Ionia, and in April, 1868, came to Big Rapids, opened an office, and has since devoted himself to the zealous prosecution of his calling. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta County in the fall of 1868, and re-elected two years later. In 1878 he was the candidate on the Green- back ticket for Attorney-General of Michigan, but the party being in a hopeless minority he was of course defeated. In 1882 he was the successful candidate, on the Fusion ticket, for the office of Prosecuting Attorney, and ran nlxiut 700 votes ahead of his ticket. The popularity of Mr. Dumon is man- ifested by the'election statistics. He is successful in his career as a lawyer, and secures general favor iiy his genial manners and good companionship. His office is in the 'i'elfer block, on Michigan avenue; he owns his residence and two lots on Ives avenue. He was married Feb. 25, 1869, to Jennie, daughter of Wendell and Jane Benster, of Sylvan, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where she was l)orn May 24, 1849. Their sons, Franklin G. and Fretlerick B., are both deceased. -ntiassi/^^^ ^^^i—^>i&hSKWym>, ;;;l|^iifohn Eaton, farmer, sec. 24, Chipjsewa Tp., iiltei^iii'- was born Oct. 28, i8-?9, in Ingham Co., v;-_ >rt^ Mich. His father, F.dward Eaton, was a C^ farmer, and in 1835 brought his family to ^ Eaton Co., from Pennsylvania, of which State \ he was a native. The mother, Eliza (Cole) Kalon, was also born in the Keystone State, and died in Mecosta County. Mr. Eaton received from his parents a common- school education and the necessary training for the duties of farming. He came to Mecosta County in 1 868 and entered a claim of 80 acres of land under the homestead act, in the township of Chippewa. He now owns 120 acres, and has a fair proiiortion of I:. I A ^^'m^ -^«€^^^ — ^^^^'K^^oo^masy- .^^ r f % I « •f^^^i^^ -25^i?^ MECOSTA COUNTY. A : gaged in farming until his death in 1855. The , * mother, Esther (Sharpe) Swager, was born in Vir- ^ ginia, and died in October, 1848, in Ohio. Mr. Swager remained in the care of his father un- til he was 20 years of age, when he went to learn his trade at Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., where he spent a year. He then went to AVilliams Co., Ohio, and was there married to Caroline C, daughter of Jason and Fannie (Hulbert) Welton. He spent three years there, working at his trade, when he came to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., and there followed his business four years. His next remove was to Allamakee Co., Iowa, going a year later to Dunn Co., Wis., where he resided three years. At the end of that time he returned to Williams Co., Ohio. Dur- ing his stay there the war of the Rebellion broke out and, Aug. 10, 1861, he enlisted and was in active service until Sept. 22, 1862. He was wounded May 31, 1862, at the battle of Fair Oaks. He was in the battle of Williamsburg, and on the expiration of his term of service remained there until May, 1865, when he settled in the township of Green, on a farm, and carried on agriculture eight years. Mr. Swager is a Republican in political sentiment. The family comprises 1 1 children : .^rlina L., Charles C, Liberous, Fannie, Philetus, Zuleka, Mina, George, Allen, Sarah E. and Leonard. }-h4-##>^"^— ames H. Groom, farmer, sec. 12, Fork Tp., was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1839, and is the son of Milton and Cather- ine (Butler) Groom. His parents were natives of the State of New York, where they passsd , their entire lives. The father died when the son was two years of age, and he became an inmate of the family of Thomas Wagner. His mother re- mained two years later and resumed the care and charge of her child, retaining her guardianship until he was 13 years of age, when he was bound to John Howes and was under his supervision six years. At the age of 19 Mr. Groom set out alone in life to make his record among men and secure the re- ward of patient, persistent effort in his struggle with circumstances. He worked by the day and month until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted in 1861 in the 77th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was dis- charged at the end of four months on account of dis- ability. He returned to the home of his birth, and two years later came to Michigan ; remained for a \ y^ i i ( ■ I V •V \ r / c/cJ£^ ir.^.' -^£^. \ /, i t 5«c=5tf*^ MECOSTA COUNTY. Ai-tviT'- 411 V ^ time in Kalamazoo, came thence to Big Rapids, and after a short residence located a farm of 80 acres in Folk Tp., under the regulations of the homestead act. In political faith and action Mr. Groom is a Republican. He was married in 1869, to Nancy M., daughter of Peter and Abigail (Freeman) Phenix. They were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Mecosta County in 1867, where they still reside. Mrs. droom was born in Ohio, May 29, 1842. ames E. Rose, farmer, sec. 17, Big Rapids Tp., was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, Dec. IfJS^S^*^ 16, 1854. Freeman Rose, liis father, was bom in Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 25, 1820, and died Jan. 11, 1883. He was of Irish and Englisli lineage, and moved to Defiance, Ohio, and removed thence to Michigan, settling in Big Rapids Tp., Dec. 20, 1856. His was the fourth family in the township, and their experi- ences exhibit all the characteristics of pioneer life. Freeman Rose married Sally M. Lloyd, Marclvg, 1854. She was bom in Russell, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1823, and became the mother of four children, two of whom only are living — Mr. Rose of this sketch, and Harriet Lucy (Rose) Fifield, born Seiit. 15, 1857. Mr. Rose holds the homestead on which his fatlier located in the earliest days of tlie history of Mecosta County. His mother is the object of his special charge, and relates grapiiically the incidents of her pioneer life in the township. Much of the time she lived alone with only her baby son for companion, her husband being under the necessity of leaving home to find work to sup|)ort his family. A call at her door at midnight was a frequent experience, and many times she left her bed to admit strangers for shelter and food. Her husband would have aban- doned the place but for her inflexible determination to establish a home here, and when jjcople who were amazed at her resolution and i)ersistent endurance remarked, " I should think you would die here! " she replied, " I did not come to die — I came to live ! " and she has carried out her determination worthily. Let us hope she may live to celebrate her centennial birthday in the county of whose wonderfully rapid progress she has been an eye-witness. Among those we have selected to rei)resent tiie pioneers of Mecosta County, in the portrait depart- Tiient of this Album, there are certainly none more worthy than Mr. and Mrs. Rose, and it is with great pleasure that we present portraits of each of them in connection with this sketch. 'v^ ^•s^-41ilfr-i®>^ eorge Shust, farmer on sec. 21, Green Tp., was born in Wurtemljerg, Germany, May 2, 1839. His parents, John and Barbara (Blake) Shust, were bom and died in the " Faderland." Mr. Shust came to America 1 when 14 years of age, accompanied by his brother John. They located in Cleveland, Ohio, where they remained three years, engaged as farm laborers, and occasionally obtaining employment in the city. Mr. Shust went thence to Hillsdale, Mich., and there worked on a farm three years. At the e.x- piration of that time, in the fall of 1858, he came to Mecosta County, and spent four years as a lumber- man. He then went to Kent County, and returned hither at the end of two years, wliL-n he bought the farm whereon he now resides, then in a perfectly wild state, and at once entered vigorously on the work of clearing and improving it. He now owns i 60 acres, with about 100 in tillage. Mr. Shust was married in 1861, to Cynthia Nijv press, a native of Ohio, born Sept i r, 1844. She was a daughter of Robert and Christina Nipjiress, and died June 28, 1883. Tiie family comprise five chil- dren, namely: Charles I., Nelson, Cora E., Chancey L., Delia M., George W. and Flora A. Mr. Shust is prominent in public-school interests in his township, .and is a Republican with reference to national affairs. ^5 ^^ J^ '{ illiam M. Ferguson, dealer in fancy ;.nd staple groceries and gentlemen's furnish- ing goods, at Big Rapids, was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., March 13, 1842. He is a son of Ezra S. and Hannah (Batton) Fer- guson, and was reared as a farmer's son. He became a soklier for the I'nion during the first year of the Southern Rebellion, enlisting at r k ^^^^ .ii—ii. <-il!l>:iii]>.> ■^^^^^ ^^r^^^^ :^^K --r<^an>^IlD^>T^^^ :J^^ -#^((I^-^* ' 412 MECOSTA COUNTY. ) >; V Owego, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1861, in Co. H, Third N. Y. Vol. Inf., Capt. J. S. Catlin, and served as a private two years. He was in a number of engagements and skirmishes, and was discharged Sept. 16, 1863, at Folly Island, S. C, returning to Owego, where he stayed about six months. He then entered the con- struction corps in the Government service, and spent a year in the South. In the fall of 1866, he came to Big Rapids, and was employed by the lumber firm of F. H. Todd & Co., to scale logs, etc., in the lum- ber woods. He was thus employed about 18 months, and has served several lumber houses in the same and similar capacities. Nov. 17, 1882, he bought the general stock of goods of J. W. Fearns; he has added several lines of merchandise, and has since transacted business with sales averaging $50,000 yearly. His stock is worth about $10,000. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. He was married at Binghamton, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1868, to Hettie A., daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Thorn. She was born in Tioga, Tioga Co., N. Y., Oct. 18, 1841. They have two daughters — Lulie M., born Aug. 25, 187 i, and Maud B., born March 9, 1867. z-,,'^^!' tirry I. Orwig, County Surveyor, residnig at ri/A,^:, Big Rapids, was iiorn at Newport, Portage f^P^ Co., Ohio, Aug. 2, 1857, and is a son of ^^ John and Hannah M. (Hoover) Orwig. J In 1866 his father bought a farm containing I 40 acres of land in the vicinity of St. Louis, Ci\>iiot Co., Mich., where Mr. Onvig was reared un- til 1874, when he went to Valparaiso, Porter Co, Ind., and attended the Northern Indiana Normal .School and Business Institute two years. He went to the high school at St. Louis, and also studied under private tutors, interspersing his educational i. course with teaching, which profession he followed ',,-' ^'^ years. ■ ''j In March, 1881, he came to Big Rapids, and en- ^ gaged with Wm. M. Tacipies, City Engineer and i^ County Surveyor. A year later he was appointed ^ Deputy to the latter office, and in the fall of 1882 ^ was elected, on the Republican ticket, to the official position he now holds. ^'^^H*'^ r 'j^tfilUllard A. Whitney, M. D., Big Rapids, Ij^J l was born at Clifton, Monroe Co., N. Y., J^^n ' ^^^- *-^' 'S44> 3. son of Willard S. and Mary A. (Whiting) Whitney. He was kept in steady attendance at school until about the time of the Southern Rebellion, when, his iiUerest having become fully aroused by the element of patriotism which pervaded the whole land, he en- listed at Buffalo, enrolling Nov. 22, 1861, in the 24th N. Y. Light .A-rtillery, Capt. Lee, and was in the ser- vice until July 25, 1865. During his long period of military life he parricipated in numerous encounters with the rebels, of greater or less moment ; among them the battles of Newbern, Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, etc., etc. In the fall following his discharge he went to Lan- sing, Mich., and was in a private academy under tiie instructions of Prof. Olds, where lie remained 18 months. His father being a physician, the studious boy and youth had gathered a considerable fund of medical information and had, whenever opjiortunity offered, read medicine systematically. In 1868 he matriculated at Cleveland Homeoiiathic College, and was graduated in 1870. He began the practice of his profession at Lansing, and went thence to Lock- port, N. Y., where he remained about a twelve- month, and came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1873, where his father, Dr. W. S. Whitney, was already established. Their business interests were con- ducted jointly about one year, when Dr. Whitney of this sketch opened an office alone. He has a satis- factory business as physician and surgeon, and is now County Physician, a jwst he has held since 1875, with the exception of tlie year 1S82. He is examin- ing physician for the A. O. U. W., and also for the Order of Chosen Friends; is Surgeon of Post French, G. A. R.; Clerk of the I'.oard of Education of Big Rapids; and President of the Northern Michigan Homeopathic .\ssociation. Dr. Whitney was married at Big Rapids, Nov. i 1874, to Lizzie E., daughter of Alfred L. and Fannie M. Clark, born at Oswego, N. Y., .May 16, 1854. Dr. and Mrs. A\'hitney have one child — Fannie M., bom at Big Rapids, Mich., Sept. 25, 1875. Vi> 9 1 c ^^n!i:^ -s%^§,^ mi \ :?, ^m Y'^^y^^l^' m^ -^i^^ — ^rr-r<^iin^^:Dn>>r- -2«€^^ 4^^j(@v^; MECOSTA COUNTY. A :^ V > ) -s 4'5 o v^(?(» W, illiiini D. Hopkinson, merchant, at Paris, Mif and whose jiortrait we i)resent upon the 'l^y^'^ preceding page, was born in Dutchess Co., kS^r N. Y., March 14,1848. His father, WiHiam Hopkinson, was a native of Vermont, and by profession a surveyor and civil engineer. Pie came West about 1840, in the pursuit of his business, and assisted in the surveys of Lake and Osceola Counties, and while in the discharge of his duties contracted disease, of which he dietl in i860. His mother, Phebe (Scoutin) Hopkinson, was born in the State of New York. She settled in Mecosta Co., Mich., in June, 1862, locating with a family of five children, on a farm in Green Tp., on which she still resides. Mr. Hopkinson had such advantages for education as the common schools afforded, and took a short course of study in Eastman's Commercial College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He has spent 20 years of his life as a school-teacher, continuing that calling up to the spring of 1883. He opened his mercantile establishment at Paris in May of this year. He was married in 1872, to Mary A. Dodge, born in .St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and is a daughter of Luther and J'lne (Norton) Dodge. She is a lady of superior intellectual attainments and has devoted the greater part of the last 15 years to teaching. The graded school at Paris was under the care and man- agement of herself and husband in 1882-3. 'I' wo children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkin- son : Cora ^L, in 1874, and Luther, Aug. 29, 18S3. Mr. Ho[)kinson held the position of Supervisor in 1879-80. The year 1881 he spent in Dakota for the benefit of his health, and on his return to Michigan in 1882, was re-elected, holding the [lOst until the following spring. He is also a member of the School Board of Mecosta County. dward P. Strong, farmer, sec. 12, Sheri- dan Tp., was born Sept. 24, 1836, in the State of New York. He is a son of Abner ^ .Strong, born in 1802, in New York, of English descent, and Marietta (Handy) Strong, born in 1802, in the same State, and of the same line- age. They moved to Burlington, Mich., in 1837. Mr. Strong became " his own man " at the age of 15, and after working some time as a farm assistant he learned the mason's trade, and afterward that of cooi)er. He came to Mecosta County in January, 1866, and bought 80 acres of land, to which he has since added 77 acres, all of which at date of pur- chase was in its original state. The owner has placed 90 acres in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Strong enlisted in the late war, in Ionia County, in Co. P., i6th Mich. Inf, and served three years, receiving his discharge in Virginia, Aug. 12, 1864. He was wounded in the loft hand, June 30, 1862, at the battle of Bull Run. He was married Aug. 7, 1864, in Pennsylvania, to Mary, daughter of Aaron and Eliza (Thomas) How- ard. Her father was of Holland Dutch descent, and both her parents were born in Pennsylvania about the year 1800. Mrs. Strong was born in Schuylkill Co., Pa., April 4, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Strong now have three children in their household, namely: Nelson A., born Oct. 9, 1868, and Eugenie B., May 31, 1869; M rs. Strong had one child by a former mar- riage, Clara L., born Aug. 21, 1859. In regard to political issues, Mr. Strong is a Re- [Hililican. >ipiM(lbert H. Ganong, farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp., I^^^JiT was born Jan. 22, 1841, in Hector, Tom p- ''^M '''"s Co., N. Y., and is the son of John and ^p|i Margaret Ganong. The father was a farmer, ';' and was born June 27, 1798, in Orange Co., I N. v., and died Nov. 4, 1873. The mother was born in Tompkins County, in 1810, and died Feb. 17, 1841. Mr. Ganong was but 26 days old when he was de- [)rived of maternal care, and was placed in charge of relatives until he was 10 years old, when he went to live with a man named J. C. C. Smith, residing in Seneca Co., N. V., under whose supervision he re- mained for nine years. He was engaged in the ca- pacity of farm bibcrer three years. In the second year of the war of the Rebellion he responded 10 the sentiment of patriotism that ruled the hour, and quickened into life the young and true impulses of the best blood in the lind, enlisting Aug. 14, 1862, in Co. .A, 141st N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Department of the East, until after < V m*-* •<^• <*i/ (■' ))«$i#' •^iKS^^ -K^ ^0 H >: DD> ^A-*-^ ^^- ■:A.i' <(•) T 1 S3 <^llD)^IlIlr> MECOSTA COUNTY. r2»^^^ ^ t ? @$ <A.^^ — ^»«€^^ ■-4^^^ i.{>n^(yi^ i^ 0, ^£^(>k^>^- -■--7<^DIl>:C0>>r MECOSTA COUN2Y. "^^QP^ -•fv* V ) he emigrated to the United States. He went to Philadelphia, and after residing there some time went to Wellington Co., ("an., and there found em- ployment two years, as a farm laborer. He went thence to Wisconsin and worked for a railroad com- pany, in various capacities. Two years later he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he spent four months. In the f;ill of 1867 he came to Big Rapids and passed the winter; next spring he came to Chippewa Tp. and entered a homestead of So acres of land, the enlire tract being dense forest. He cleared a place to build a house, took possession of his property, and proceed- ed zealously with the labors and struggles of the pioneer farmer. He owns 120 acres of land, and Iins one half of it under tlie best kind of ctdtivation, realizing all the satisfaction possible to a successful agriculturist. He is neutral in politics, and has discharged the duties of a man and citizen in the various local offices to which he has been chosen. Mr. Wylie was married Oct. 29, 1866, to Christina McMullen, born in Wellington Co., Can., May 31, 1848. She is a daughter of John and Grace (Blue) McMullen, natives of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Wylie have had seven children : Annie, John, Ben- jamin, Grace, Ellen, James and Jennie. The two . last named are not living. -}— 'A^wg 1«%" ''i ichard S. Decker, farmer on sec. 2, Mill- brook Tp., was born in IJelaware Co., N. Y., ■^"' Sept. 10, 1825. In 1833 his parents re- V(V|^ moved to Canada, and Mr. Decker remained J there until he was t,}, years old, when the fam- ily went to Illinois and settled in Kane County. In the fall of i860 he came to Mecosta County and entered a claim of 40 acres of land under the Sw.unp Land act in MillbrookTp., then attached to Hinton. Mr. Decker was a laborer from the age of four years until he became a farmer in Michigan. Previous to his 30th year, he was employed at intervals in a ma- chine shop, alternating with farm work and as a car- penter. Two years before going to Illinois he was variously occupied, and in that State he was employed nearly three years as a carpenter. Reverses in Can- ada swept away all he had accumulated, and on coming to Mecosta County he began life anew. The ;^kV5>)«^(I< ^^- — -^m township had no independent organization until 1865, 5f and at the date of Mr. Decker's settlement this sec- f^ tion was mostly in a state of nature, the first per- 'v manent inhabitants of the township having been res- ident but a year. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Decker V^ entered upon the work of a pioneer; built a log house for his family and set about clearing his land. The year following he bought another tract of 40 acres of land and has since added 40 acres more, aggregating I 20 acres in all of which he has been the owner. His home farm now contains 76 acres of his original estate, and nearly all of this is well improved. In 1870 the pioneer home gave place to its moilern rep- resentative — a good frame house, but the days of struggle and privation are still honored in the mem- ory of those who had the fortitude voluntarily to confront them and the forethought to look beyond to the years of fruition sure to follow honest, persistent endeavor. Mr. Decker was married Feb. 26, 185 1, to Ellen, second daughter of Lorenzo and Fanny (Fisher) Aldrich. Her parents were natives of New Hami)- shire and ^Lissachusetts respectively, and she was born in Lower Canada, Dec. 26, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have had seven children. The eldest, Dan- forth D., born Jan. 1 1, 1853, died a month afterbirth. Those surviving were born in the order named : Mary C, May 23, 1854 ; Ida M., March 11, 1856; Hiram S., May 22, 1S58; Leonard H., May 3, 1863; Darwin D., Aug. 6, 1867 ; Addie J., Oct. 19, 1869. In politics Mr. Decker is a Republican, as his rec- ord shows. He has served his township two terms as Supervisor, four terms as Treasurer, and has been Constable one year. While acting as custodian of the municipal finances he became involved in diffi- culties that caused serious trouble and considerable litigation. The safe where the moneys belonging to the township were deposited for security, was broken open and $800 abstracted; but Mr. Decker claims ex- oneration from responsibility in the affair. He was drafted in 1864 and served in the l^nion army until tlu- close of the war. His regiment was atlachcil to the lomniand of General Sherman, and Mr Decker was in most of the engagements of tha memorable campaign. Himself and wife are Advent- ists in religious belief. As one of the leading agri- ^ culturists and a prominent citizen of the county, we "/ present Mr. Decker's portrait in this Album. r^--'^ ( ^ A -0- f r i \ 420 Ta*^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ \ >; V ) ^ m Sriil W. Eldredge, dentist, office No. 115 Mich- 1^ igan avenue, Big Rapids, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1843. His father, Erastus Eldredge, was born at Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1789, and died Feb. 22, 1864. The paternal grandfather of Dr. Eldredge enlisted as a soldier of the Revolution at the beginning of the war, and was at one time on the staff of Gen. Washington. His father was a soldier of 18 12, and fought at Platts- burg. The Eldredge family, of English ancestry, is one of long standing in America. The mother of Dr. Eldredge was Anna, eldest daughter of Samuel Watson. She was born in Maine, Sept. 5, 1799, and died in Penfield, N. Y., near Rochester, Aug. 28, 1883. Herfatherwas born in Maine, Jan. 3, 1777 ; her mother was born Dec. 12, 1877. They were the parents of 10 children, born in the following order; Anna, 1799; Rufus, 1802; Daniel, 1804; Marion, 1805 ; Merrill, 1807; Samuel, Jr., 1809; Susan, 1814; Maria, 1816; Emily, 1819, and Frank 1822. Seven of these children are now living. The children of Mr and Mrs. Eldredge numbered ten: AVilliam, Ezra, Polly, Charles, Samuel, James, Daniel, Lewis. Irving, and Dr. A. W. Eldredge, the youngest. He was seized with scarlet fever when two years of age, and partly lost the use of his right leg, which resulted in permanent lameness. He was a pupil at school most of his youthful life, and at the age of 20 attended the Commercial College at Poughkeep- sie ,N. Y., where he continued nine months. In 1 864 he went to Chicago and was employed as book- keeper in the establishment of E. T. Darby, plumber and gas-fitter. He remained in this position eleven months, and then went to Angola, Ind., and pur- chased the grocery and provision business of his uncle. Three months later he made an advantage- ous sale of the concern and commenced preparation for his professional career in the office of James Raw- ley, dentist. In the spring of 1866 he went to York, Ind., remaining a year. In the fall of 1867 he came to Big Rapids and opened an office. Dr. Eldredge lias a prosperous practice, and employs two assist- ants. He is tlioroughly read and adoi)ts the best improvements in dental practice; is peculiady popu- lar in his business and social relations, from his char- acter of manly dignity and integrity, winning and re- V^ taining the respect and j)atronage of the public by 'k. ;pect and j)atronage ol the pi his merits as a practitioner and gentleman. Dr. Eldredge was married at Fairport, N. Y., Xov. 16, 1870, to Alcesta, daughter of Abner and Cornelia Brown. She was born at Fairport, Sept. 19, 1843. #^ ^- illiam A. McCombs, farmer, sees, i and 2, Sheridan Ti)., was born May 16, 1825, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. His father, Archibald McCombs, was born in Washing- ton Co., Pa., in 1769 ; was of Scotch extrac- and died in 1875. The mother, Catherine (Jeffries) McCombs, was born in 1803, of English and Welsh descent, became the mother of 1 1 chil- dren, and is still living, in Wood Co., Ohio. Mr. McCombs is the third child of his parents, and was married Feb. 6, 1851,10 Catherine Patter- son. She died Oct. 22, i860, leaving six children, all of whom are living : Elizabeth Ann, John Wil- liam, Nicholas A., Caroline A., David M. and Archi- bald. Mr. McCombs was married March 17, 1861, at Uhricksville, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, to Mrs. Susannah (Jackson) Parish, widow of Abraham Parish, to whom she was married in 1852. He died in 1856, leaving two children — Dorothy and James. Mrs. McCombs was born March 29, 1826, in Ponte- land, Northumberlandshire, Eng., a few miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Her father, James Jackson, was born in England, about 1803, and died in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1855. Her mother, Dorothy (Familton) Jackson, was born Feb. 22, 1805, in the village of Duns, about half a mile from the field of Chevy Chase, in Northumberlandshire, Eng. She died in her native county Dec. 2, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. McCombs have had four children — Robert L., Sarah M., Etta M. and Nora B. The last child died when six months old. Mr. McCombs became a soldier in the late war, enlisUng at Camp Meigs, Ohio, in Co. G, 51st Ohio Inf , for three years, but was discharged on account of disability at the end of 18 months. He is a Demo- crat in political faith, and belongs to the Methodist Church. He came in 1865 to Mecosta County, and entered and proved a claim of 80 acres under the homestead law, and purchased 120 acres additional. Of this, \L >: < r ..t^ -^<^ll!]>:ilDv> JU^ -i^v^^^^i^rl. 4*®^ ^sA-)«>^t#- ^ t — ^^r<:tlD>:llD>>T- MECOSTA COUNTY. '^4»3ir- > A V 1 60 acres are under first-class cultivation, and ex- hibit a degree of thrift and industry eminently credit- able to the proprietor. He was a pioneer in the township of Sheridan. 'ames M. Adair, farmer, sec. 22, Fork Tp., '^ was born in Niagara, Canada, Aug. 4, 1803, and is the son of John and Phebe (Mills) Adair, both of whom were born on the borders of the Susquehanna River. The fatlier was a soldier of the war of 1812, and held the rank of Quartermaster. Mr. Adair remained with his i>arents until the death of his father, in 1813. His mother married Hartman Freeland, and after a short time he went to learn the trade of blacksmith, wliich he followed five years, and afterwards was employed on a farm and at the carpenter and builder's trade. Mr. Adair was first married to Magdalene London, a native of Niagara Co., Canada, and became the father of five children, two of whom are living: Daniel L. and John H. The deceased were Mary, Annie and Phebe C. In 1830 Mr. .\dair moved to Lucas Co , Ohio, and resided there until 1868, when he came to Michigan and, Feb. 5, located 80 acres of land under the provisions of the homestead act, and has since continued a resident. He was married a second time in 1861, to Mrs. Caroline (Dewese) Swilzer. Mrs. Adair has one child, Martin A., by her first marriage. Politically Mr. Adair is a Democrat. He has been School Treasurer a number of years and served Fork Tp. 15 years as Justice of the Peace. '\^.w- ^°^®^ ^- ^y®> farmer, sec. 30, Sheridan Tp., J'l^ir^ "''^'5 '^Of" ^ct. 5, 1829, in Medina Co., Ohio., and is of Irish descent. He is a ly son of .\mos J. and Deborah (Scranton) Dye, "; nativesof Saratoga Co., N. Y. The lather was ly born Feb. 20, 1808, and was married in .March, 1829. The mother was born July 15, iSio, of Welsh parentage, and is residing with her son James R. Amos J. Dye died in September, 1864. " Mr. Dye is an unmarried man, and is the olde.t child of his parents. He enlisted in the Mexican war in 1846, and was in the service four months. He also enlisted in the Union army, Feb. i, 1862, for three years, veteranized, and was honorably dis- charged in October, 1865. He enlisted in Mercer Co., Ohio, in Co. K, of the regiment known as the " Bloody Fortieth," and was a participant in some of the hardest-fought battles of the war. In ])olitics he belongs to the National or Green- back party. He has figured somewhat conspicuously in local jwlitics, and has been Justice of the Peace 10 years. He settled in Sheridan Tp., March i, 1866 ; owns 100 acres of land, and now has 45 acres under cultivation. ly^^avid Ackerman, farmer, sec. 22, Fork T[), ^P»l 'i|. was born in Cayuga Co., N. V., July i, *^iX'f^ 1807, and is son of John and Rachel (Ben- "'jmiv nett) Ackerman. His parents were born in f- New York, and his paternal grandfather, W'ill- ', iam .Vckerman, was born in France, came to this country witli tlie French troops under LaFayetle and fought in the American Revolution. The mother of Mr. Ackerman died when he was but eight years of age, and he was reared by his grandfather to the age of 14 years. He engaged as a farm laljorer until 1826, when he went to Broome Co., N. v., and the ne.xt two summers worked on a farm and followed the oc<5\ipation of a lumberman in the winter. He went thence to Onondaga Co., N. Y., and in 1828 was marrieil to Electa, daughter of Daniel and Anna (Norton) Woodford. Six children were born of this marriage, three of whom are now living: Electa M., Rhoda A. and Emily M. The mother died in 1843 and Mr. Ackerman was again married Jan. 26, 1846, to Mary Ann, daughter of James and Ruth (Gould) Ford, the former a native of New York, born Feb. 28, 1776, of English parent- age ; the latter was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., May 5, 1779. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have had five children, four of whom now survive — Alzina I,., Charles .\., Edward E. and Imogene N. James H. is deceased. Mrs. Ackerman 's grandfather, Nathaniel Ford, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Ackerman resided in New York until 1832, when he went to Huron Co., Ohio, and resided there I A >: v *; ^^i^^> -^^^ •nUvV- .3,^^^ *'^r^^ lJ^ ®^^>)«^ii ii>: n ii^>? MECOSTA COUNTY. -t- r six years ; he moved thence to La Grange Co., Ind., where his first wife died. He moved next to Cal- houn Co., Mich., in 1857, and was there 21 years; then he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1S78 and lo- cated in the township of Fork. Politically Mr. Ack- erman is a Democrat. ) >5 If ohn H. Bright, farmer, sec. 26, Fork Tp., 'TF-'2],; was liorn in Darke Co., Ohio, April 21, 1853, ■ '^ and is a son of Jesse Bright, who was born \,'J' in Nortli Carolina, and after the death of his if wife in 1859 married again and moved to Ohio, V goi'ig thence to Indiana, and after a brief stay moved to Montcalm Co., Mich.; in 1870 he came to Mecosta County, and settled in Fork Tp., locating a farm containing 80 acres, under the homestead act, on which he has since resided. Mr. Bright acquired his education in the common schools and was bred to agricultural pursuits. He accompanied his father to Mecosta County, and is now resident on- a farm in the same section. He was married in 1876, to Rosa M., daughter of William and Jane (Sidler) Creevey, born Jan. 8, i860, in Eaton Co., Mich. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bright are Eva Jane, Jessie Bell and John William. Mr. Bright is a Republican in political adherence, and has served his township in several local offices. illiam H. Audfews, saw repairer at Big Rapids, was born in Sheffield, Eng., Sept. 17, 1831. Benjamin Andrews, his f.ttlier, was born in Sheffield, in May, 1792, and his mother, Sarah (Utley) Andrews, in September of the same year. The grandparents of Mr. An- drews belonged to the agricultural class of England, but the sons on the paternal side were brought up as artificers in Sheffield, celebrated the world over for its cutlery and artisans' tools in metals. Mr. An- A. drews' father carried on a general hardware business V in Ix)ndon for ten years, and came to New York with ^ his family in 1834, where he carried on the business fof saw repairing until his death, Dec. 3, 1841. The mother died in Elmira, N. Y., March 8, 1869. Wm. >^ Andrews, uncle of Mr. Andrews, of this sketch, (Is) came to the United States in 1819, and brought witli V^ him the first saw-makers' anvil ever used this side of the Atlantic. The anvil has been preserved and was exhibited at the Centennial ExposUion at Phila- delphia, by Emanuel Andrews, brother of Mr. An- drews, of Big Rapids, himself at that time a saw- maker located at Williamsport, and the first founder of saw-making as a regular calling in Chicago. The uncle went to Auburn, N. Y , and founded an estab- lishment for the repairing of saws, where he died. Mr. Andrews spent his boyhood's years in school. At 14 he was apprenticed to the well-known house of R. Hoe & Co., of New York, to learn the trade of saw-making, to serve until he attained his majority. He remained a year after the expiration of his in- dentures, and in 1853 went to Elmira, N. Y., and worked a year there with his brother Emanuel, whom he accompanied to Chicago in 1854. He afterwards returned to Elmira and there pursued his trade until 187 I, when he went to Williamsport and was again engaged with his brother Emanuel for the space of two and one-half years. He came to Big Rapids in 1874, and, associated with his brother Joseph, opened a shop for the s.de and repair of saws. His business relations with liis brotlier ceased at the end of ten months. In April, 1883, he bought the site where he is now located, and erected his shop, a structure 20x36 feet. His business includes re-teething, gum- ming and straightening saws, and his trade is pros- perous and profitable. Mr. Andrews wiis married at Big Rapids, July 24, 1880, to Anna, widow of Peter Klynsma. Mrs. An- drews was born June 22, 1848, in Holland, and is the mother of one child from her first marriage. Mr. Andrews belongs to the Masonic Order, Union Lodge, No. 95, at Elmira, N- V.; also to the Royal Arch Chapter, No. 42, of Elmira, and is a member of Southern Tier Council, No. 16. illis Morse, farmer, sec. 12, Grant Tj I ^«^^ i^^*- -^m lilJLl ''- w^s 1^0''" ^"^- -'' '^3°' ^^ Concord, N. H. ),^ir'''^' His parents, Jacob and Nancy Morse, \3.' were both natives of New York. Mr. Morse "IvlT"' was reared to the vocation of agricultiire, \ which he pursued until lie was 31 years old, wlien the Soutliern Rebellion, with all its horrors and attendant calamities, made its fierce onset to destroy the national unity. He enlisted Sept. 15, 1861, in Co. H, 44th N. Y. ^' k \' ■:a*€^K- ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. I i A >;^ V > ^ ^ — ^""= V^ Vol. Inf., Cul. Striker. His regiment rendezvoused 'Tij at Albany about five weeks, and then went to the ,'^'^ front. The first battle in which Mr. Morse engaged was at Yorkiown, followed by that of Hanover Court- House, May 27, 1S62, where he received a bad scalp wound from a niinie ball. After a lengthened stay in the hospital he was furloughed 30 days. When he rejoined his regiment at Harrison's Landing, the Union fortes were falling back, and his command was detailed to protect the Federal Capital when Lee crossed ^Llryland with the e.\pectation that that State would rise to his aid, and the capture of Wash- ington be a comparative tritle. But the rebel chief found his hopes vain, and, instead of establishing him- self in the seat of the Union Government, he found battle precipitated at (Gettysburg. 'I'he regiment of Mr. Morse reached that most memorable field of the conflict on the second day of the fight, and at once went into action. He was wounded twice in the head and removed to the hos[)itat, whence he was sen', to Baltimore. Four months later he joinetl his regiment at Fredericksburg, and was next in the fight at Chancellorsville, under Hooker; and, after that most disastrous campaign, retreated to the north- ern bank of the Rappahannock, near Manassas. After the second Bull Run fight he went to Alexan- dria, and thence to Washington Hospital, on the sick list. He was transferred to the hospital at Point Lookout, and after four months again rejoined his regiment. The seven days' battles of the Wilderness ensued immediately, when Mr. Morse was captured. He was held by the rebels about 36 hours, when a charge was made by Cen. Custer and a rescue effected. He accompanied the forces of the cavalry chief to City Point, and went back to his command via Washington. He took part in all the liattles where his regiment was engaged, until his discharge from service, Oct. 11, 1864. He came to Michigan, and in July, 1866, entered a claim of 80 acres of land, where he established his homestead. The entire tract was covered with heavy timber. He has added to his estate by subsequent purchase, and now owns a fine landed properly of 240 acres. In jwlitics he is indei)endent. He was married Nov. 21, 187 1, to Ruth A., daughter of Elijah and Rhoda Blanchard, of Chip- pewa, Mich. Mrs. Morse was born Aug. 16, 1S49, at Calon, Steuben Co., N. Y. Of this marriage there ^^^^ — ^-K^na are four children, lx)rn as follows : Nancy R., March 29, 1874; Emmett L., May 8, 1875 ; Leonard E., Nov. 19, 1877; Orville T., Aug. 19, 1879. 'V^^<' l;?;i?"icc;M: ^►i"»,rv. I ^^^^ames M. Darrah, of the firm of Darrah 'S^^i'' '^''o*- '''^' ^ '^•' proprietors of the City Flouring |te.^% Mills at Big Rapids, i ^1 'W and Sinia (Mitel: Y* Co., Pa., when h was born in Luzerne ^ Co., Pa., March 4, 1835. His parents, Robert hell) Darrah, went to Jefferson he was two years of age, and where his father engaged in farming and lumbering. His parents and brother came west in the spring of 1856, and in the fall he followed. He found eniplov- ment in the lumber woods and for some time worked by the month, engaging a part of the time in scaling logs. He was in the service of the lumber firm of Roberts & Hull nine years, and during the three last of these he was in sole charge of tiieir lumber interests. The force of assistants numbered nearly 100 men. .\t the end of nine years he bought limber land and engaged in [lie lumber trade on his own behalf, and also conlinucd to fulfill contracts to furnish lum- ber for other parties. In the winter of 1S82-3 he managed the labors of .So men, and put in nearly seven million feet of lumber. In .\ugust, 1882, the Darrah Bros. (James M. and Ciiarles M.) bought the City Flouring Mills in upper Big Rapids, and not long afterward the son of one member of the firm, W. E. Darrali, was admitted to the firm as a partner. They are now engaged in building a new mill for llieir trade and will ap|iropri- ate the old mill to custom work and feed. Mr. Darrah owns a fine farm on sec. 2ih '^^ dreen Tp., containing 80 acres of land; also one of 80 acres in the Township of Colfax, and 40 acres of land in Missaukee County, besides four lots in the city of Big Rapids. He was married at Big Rapids, Oct. 11. 1874, to Emma L., daughter of Daniel C. and Rhcu- ama Gore. Mrs. Darrah was born at Elkhart, Ind. Nov. 28, 1852. Of her marriage to Mr. Darrah three children have been born, — Grace E., March 9, 1877; Ella R. and James Chester. Only the first named child survives Mr. Darrah is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and was one of the charier members of the Big Rapids National Bank. He was elected ( >: r / 1 \ "9 I <:I]D>^|]D^> '«JS7 MECOSTA COUNTY. V f Director al its organization and is a member of its present Board. As one of tlie reiiresentative citizens of this County, and a gentleman well worthy the position, we present the portrait of Mr. Darrah in this work. ) ■<^ :) -s |enjamin T. Lovejoy, farmer, sec. 4, Sheri- dan Tp.,was born Jan. 16, 1830, in Catta- raugus Co., N. Y. Almon Lovejov, his father, was born in Connecticut, June 22, 1792, and came of a clear line of Puritan ancestry, and died Nov. 27, 1880. His mother, Hannah (Ames) Lovejoy, w^s of Welsh descent, born near the extremity of Lake Ontario, in the State of New York, Sept. 18, 1795, and died Nov. 6, 1880. Mr. Lovejoy was married Dec. 25, 1857, in Paris Tp., Kent. Co., Mich., to Charlotte A. Van Amburgh. She was born May 6 1830, in Oakland Co., Mich., and is a daughter of Matthew Van Auiburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy have been the parents of four children, born as follows: Almon M., Oct. 22, 1859; Abner L., May 19, i85i; James Nelson and George Ben- jamin, twins, born Feb. 16, 1863, and died three weeks subsequent to birth. Mr. Lovejoy came to the State of Michigan in the fall of r843, ^"d settled in Hillsdale County. Li 1855 he went to Kent County, where he remained 25 years. On the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion, he felt himself impelled to do all in his power to avert from the nation the impending evils of disruption. He enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in Co. E, 21st Mich. Vol. Inf., and was in the service three years, three months and seven days. Among other engage- ments in which he took part were the battles of Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8,1862; Miirfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862, and Jan. i and 2, 1863. He was transferred to the Livalid Corps on account of dis- ability, and was discharged Nov. 12, 1865, at Spring- field, 111. He came to Mecosta County in 1S80, and boughl 80 acres of land, where he has since been farming. He has improved his farm to the best advantage; has 50 acres in tillage, a good frame house, and suit- able farm buildings. He is a Republican and be- longs to the United Brethren Church. ugh Johnson, farmer and lumberman, sec. 6, Chippewa Tp., was born in Middlesex Co., Can., June 18, 1833, and is a son of Alexander and Mary (Nesbit) Johnson. They were natives of Scotland, where the father was born, in February, 1794, and the mother in January, 1806. They came from their native land to Canada iii 1820, and lived on a farm until the death of the senior Johnson, which occurred Oct. 4, 1874. In 1882 the mother became an inmate of the family of her son. Mr. Johnson became " his own man " at the age of 18 years, working as a day laborer on a farm and as a hand in the saw-mills of the vicinity where he grew to manhood. He was married in i860, to Margaret, daughter of John and Wealthy (Degraw) Whiting. The parents were born in the State of New York, the daughter in Caradock, Middlesex Co., Can. After his marriage, Mr. Johnson operated as a farmer in the Dominion 12 years. He sold out and in July, 1876, came to Chippewa Tp., Mecosta Co., bought 136 acres of land on sec. 6, and engaged exclusively in agriculture until 1882. In that year, associated with his brother, John, he erected a saw- mill and has since been diligently engaged in the manufacture of lumber. The niill has all the most desirable modern fixtures, with a capacity to saw daily 12,000 feet of hard or soft lumber. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been the parents of five children. Three are still living, — Amelia L., Alexander G. and Maggie L. Two are deceased, — Wealthy A. and Mary E. The family attend the Baptist Church. Mr. Johnson is a Republican. l.Vharles B. Lovejoy, grocer at Big Rapids, i£ was born in Locke, Ingham Co., Mich., May 21, 1844, and is a son of Israel H. and Mary B. (Hill) Lovejoy. The father set- tled in Locke in 1840, when that and the ' joining townships were in their primeval con- dition. In order to reach the location of his claim, he was under the necessity of cutting a road through the wilderness a distance of three miles. At that time only half a dozen families were settled in the township, and those at widely distant points. ( (c^ % ^«^#»' <^n!i?^:iiD;>^ li 7ri .<^ I ■'\ ^ v<>llD>:mir>: ^ rrr MECOSTA COUNTY. > A 2 ) ^ Lansing was the market for the produce of Ingham County, and the city pioneers were then clearing away the limber, where now the thronging citizens traverse finely graded streets and behold stately and splendid buildings. Mr. Lovejoy, Sr., was the youngest in a family of two brothers and three sis- ters, all of whom are now living, each having an average age of ^^\i years. He is a second cousin of the brothers Elijah Parish Lovejoy and Owen Lovejoy, the great Abolitionists. (The former died a martyr to princii)le on the evening of Nov. 7, 1837, at Alton, 111., and the latter was a conspicuous mem- ber of Congress, who died in 1S64.) Mr. Lovejoy, of this sketch, is the eldest of nine children who attained mature age. (Two sisters and one brother are now deceased). He was reared on a farm, and at 20 years of age went to Albion, Mich., where he took a special course of commercial study at Mayhew's Business College. On leaving school he made his parents a short visit, and with $8.50 as a capital for future operations he set out to Bay City to commence life on his own account. Eight weeks later he went home and entered the eni|)loy of George N. Cady, merchant at Albion, at $10 per month and board. Six months later a better situa- tion offered, and he went to Litchfield, Hillsdale Co., Mich., to enter the store of his cousins, F. E. & A. C. Lovejoy, as clerk and accountant, where he remained three years; in 187 1 he came to Big Rap- ids, where he engaged as book-keeper five years; in 1876 he formed a partnership with John G. Gill, in the grocery business, a relation which existed 18 months and dissolved. He was for some time em- ployed by various firms in the capacity of account- ant, and .Sept. i, 1883, entered the business house of Cannon & Gottshall, as book-keeper of the Big Rap- ids Iron Works, but only remained until October, 15. '883, when he went into the general grocery business on his own account. Mr. Lovejoy was married in Litchfield, July, 10, 1870,10 Lucy E., daughter of Hanford B. and Jane Wood. Of their marriage four children have been born, namely, Winfield E., Allie M., Edith M. and Edna J. (twins). Mr. Lovejoy is a member of ilie Mas(jnic Order and Royal Arch Chapter; has also been a member of the Board of Education of the Fifth Ward five years, and in 1875 was Supervisor of that ward. He owns his residence and three lots on North Stewart avenue. 429 ^ J .^fjEj^jharles L. Tuttle, farmer, sec. 18, Grant v, ij|k=ial Tp. was born in Rochester, Monroe Co., ^}^ N. Y., Jan. 18, 1836, and is a son of David ^^ and Mary Ann Tuttle. His father was born Vy. Jan. 3, 1 813, in New York, and died Sept. i, ^ 1879. His mother was born in the Empire Stale Sept. 24, 18 15, and died Feb. 15, 1847. Mr. Tuttle became a citizen of the Peninsular State in 1864. After a stay of a few months at Grand Rapids he went to Cannon Tp., Kent Co., where he remained a year, and after passing a simi- lar period of time in the township of Cortland, in that county, he came to Grant Tp., and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres. He has since bought 80 acres across the highway on sec. 19, both tracts being choice land. In 1880 he built a fine dwelling- house on sec. 18, at an expenditure of §2,000. Mr. Tuttle was married Jan. 6, 1858, lo Mary C. daughter of R. L. and Mary LTnderhill. The father was born April 27, 1810, in New York, and died Aug. 10, 1854; his father, Samuel Underbill, was born in the same State, in 1777, and died Aug. 17, 1850. The mother was born Nov. 19, 18 14, and died April 4, 1852. The grandmother, wife of Sam- uel Underbill, was bom in 1780, and died May 20, 1859. Mrs. Tuttle was born at Allen, Allegany Co., N. Y., March 4, 1833. She is the mother of six children: Livingston D., born June 18, 1859; James W., Sept. 18, 1861; Roseltha A., June 11, 1863 (died .Sept. 2, 1876); Irving A., July 4, 1865; Charies M., July 9, 1S70 (died July 26, 1870); Florence L., Sept. 13, 187 I (died Aug. 30, 1873). Mr. Tuttle is a Republican in political sentiment and was the first Supervisor after the organization of the township. Himself and wife are members of the I'nited Breth- ren Church. Livingston I). Tuttle, farmer, sec. 19, was married March 7, 1881, to Mary Ella, daughter of Ralph and Sarah A. Walker, born Sept. 7, 1857. There is one child, — Rali)h Latham Tuttle, — born .\pril 15, 18S2. In selecting representative men with whose por- traits we wish to embellish this .Vlbum, we have cho- sen the subject of this biography, Mr. Tuttle, and present his portrait u|)on the preceding page. A V r ■^"^^f^ ^ -^:^- -4^®^^^ V iia^^M ®))«^fr»- ^K" <:lln^llO^>r MECOSTA COUNTY. ) A :< V ) 1, i %^ ames P. Cawthorne, fanner, on sec. 36, Wheatland Tp., was born in Flint, Genesee y.x^ Co., Mich., May 7, 1853. His father, John '%% ^^'- Cawthorne, is an Englishman by birth and ir descent, and his mother, Myra J. (Calkins) I Cawthorne, is a. native of New York. Mr, Cawthorne is a music teacher by profession and has for years combined his labors in that avenue with the other duties of life which have devolved upon him. He finished his preparation for his vocation at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti and begin to teach in 1872. He justly deserves the wide local reputa- tion he has earned as a skillful musician and a com- petent teacher, whose success in the latter capacity is acknowledged without qualification. He teaches both vocal and instrumental music. He was married March 2, 1876, to Susie A., daughter of John A. and Ada ((jolden) Wood, who was born May 27, i860, in Chemung Co., N. Y. Her parents are of French and German descent. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cawthorne resided with their parents until 18S1, when they located on the farm where they now reside. The place was purchased some years previous, and contains 120 acres, with 47 acres under cultivation. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cawthorne are two children : Charles C, born June 3, 1879, and Mabel, Nov. 9, 1882. Mr. Cawthorne is a Reinibli- can in politics, and is Secretary of the Order of Good Templars. Himself and wife belong to the M. E. Church. 'irij^aj -i:^^ Jl^^liarnabas Kelley, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrook -^lE^Jl^ Tp., was born in Canada, Sept. 15, 1841. ^'{^Jjif^ His parents, William and Maria (Samos) ''1^'^ Kelley, were also natives of Canada, and about 1869 settled in Wheatland, Mecosta Co., where they now reside. Until the age of 16 Mr. Kelley passed his time at school and as a farm laborer; after this, until he was 22 years old, he was in the employ of various farmers, and passed one year working as a lumberman. He came to Ionia Co., Mich., in 1S65, and worked one year on a farm, coming to Millbrook in 1 866. He purchased 40 acres of wild land on sec. 14, and at once commenced clearing and otherwise improving it. To his original purchase he has added too acres, and now owns a valuable farm of 140 acres, with a considerable pro- portion under the plow, and a good house and barn. He has acquired his property by frugality, persistency, and the exercise of good judgment. He was married in Canada, Jan. 27, 1863, to Mary L., daugliter of Samuel and Betsy Fisher, and they have had five children : Almon E., Charles H., William E., Ida A., and Medora D. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are members of the Advent Christian Church. In politics Mr. K. is an an ardent Republican. ^JAU^i" andall T. Capen, retired farmer, resident at Remus, was born in Tolland Co., Conn., June 2, 1823. His jiarents, Philip R. and Julia A. (Fenton) Capen, were natives of Con- necticut and of English descent. During the I years previous to attaining his majority, Mr. Capen attended school winters, and spent alternate summers in labor in the cotton factories at Windham and Bozrah. On reaching the age of 21 years he entered Swift's cotton mill asoverseer, and afterwards occupied the same position in Fitch's mill, in the town of Bozrah. He was married June 16, 1S44, to Julia A., daughter of Geo. H. and Lydia A. (Miller) Armstrong, who was born Dec. 1, 1825, and is of English and Scotch descent. She was liberally ed- ucated in her native State, and in hergeneral deport- ment gives evidence of her New England training. Mr. and Mrs. Capen worked in the cotton mills after their marriage until the fall of 1847, when Mr. Capen had a serious attack of hemorrhage of the lungs, and was incapacitated for labor three years. When sufficiently recovered he engaged in farming, adopt- ing agriculture as a calling in life in 1850, pursuing it diligently until the last few months, when he re- tired from active life and fi.xed his residence at Re- mus. In 1850 Mr. Capen went to Jefferson Co., Ohio, where he owned a farm, and operated until the fall of 1S59. He then came to Wheatland and bought I 20 acres of wild land, built a pioneer's shanty and proceeded after the most approved pioneer style to clear and improve his farm, putting 45 acres in first- class farming condition. The first election held in the lownshi]) of \\'heat- V (^ 1 '^'"^Cd^t^Y^ c^^^^^^^ ■>^^^^*ii:- 'rr MECOSTA COUNTY. 433 ^ land occurred at the house of Mr. Capen. It was in ^j the fall of 1864, and 14 voters asseinliloil, i_;ut iliciii .'fl castinn their liallots lor Ahiahaiii l.iiuolii k>r I'lcsi- • dent. V .Mr. and Mrs. Capen luive live cliiUlren, vi/..; Cyrus R., born July 5, 1S45 ; Charles H., (U:l. 15. 1849; Pearl L., Keh. i,^, 1855; Ellen J., .April 19, 1S63; Estella R., Sept. 1, 1S66. Tiiey have re- ceived a good business as well as common-school education. Mr. Capen is a radical Republican in poli- tics and has held various local offices. He is a member of the I. O. of G. T. at Millbiook. ^v^Si ^ V eorge Brady, farmer on sec. 22, yElna 'I'p , was born in Virginia, Feb. 18, 1823, and is a son of Thomas and Jemima (Culver) Brady, who were natives of Canada, '{"he date of the father's birth i . unknown, but he ived in Virginia all the early period of his /^ life, and died in Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1839. The mother wa.s born in iSi i and died at the age of 72 years, at the residence of her son, and was buried in the Morley Cemetery. On the death of his father the maintenance of the family devolved on Mr. Brady, and they soon after went to ."^andusky Co., Ohio, where they remained until 1847, t'l"-'" .^^oi'ig to Fulton Co., Ohio, where th^y resided until 1856, the date of their settlement at C'roton, Newaygo Co., and after a residence of two years they came to ^l^tna Tp., where they fi.xed their residence on 80 acres, which Mr. Brady had previously purchased. It was all in timber, and Mr. Brady built the usual log house and sought his fortune in the lumber business. The original purchase of 80 acres is now in a fine slnte of cultivation, well supplied with modern build- ings except the house, which will soon be replaced by a suitable residence. Mr. Brady is the uldest resident settler of/Ktna Tp. He was an inhabitant of the township seven years before its organization. He was married in s-^- Fulton Co., Ohio, Jan. i, 1862, at the age of 28, to 1 Alvira, daughter of John and Permelia (Hadley) ■-'- Davis, born Feb. 11, 1835; parents were natives of fOhio and of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Brady iiave had eight < hildren, si.\of whom survive: ^r») Kiugene, born Jan. 5, i8t;4; Adelbert, May 20, 1856; ^ Adaline, March 6, 1861; William, Aug. 10, 1863; '^ Isabell, Oct. 23, 1867. Those decased are, Florence, ^ born May 1 i, 1856, died July 15, 1857 ; a child born 4 Sept. [, 1872, died Nov. 12, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Brady are active members of society, though of liberal religious views. Mr. Brady is still . " in busy life, and, as a land inspector, has no rival. He is independent in |K)litical thought and action. •^- lljLgl^iidrew MeFarlane, farmer, sec. 16, C.reen i^^^Jt Tp., was born in (iodmanchester, Can., Oct. /; f !f> 30, 1835, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret V .i ((Jray) MeFarlane. His parents were natives of Scotland and emigrated to America in early life, locating in Canada, where the father died; the mother came to the " States " with her children. -She is still living and has a home with her son I'eter, in Mecosta County. Andrew MeFarlane came to Michigan in 1856. Reaching Grand Rapids by established routes of travel, he found that an almost trackless wilderness lay between him and his \y6\w\. of destination, and in the fall of that year he walked to Mecosta County, and found employment in the lumber camps during that winter. In the spring of 1S57 he bought 160 acres of land, paying therefor ten shillings per acre, located near Hersey, Osceola Co., and on it he labored five years. In 1862 he sold his farm and bought a half interest in a mill and a tract of land, and turned his attention and energies to milling and lumbering. He was thus occupied about 16 years, sold out again and interested himself in hotel and mercantile business at Paris, in which he continued si.\ years. In May, 1878, his store was burned, and he determined to devote the balance of his life to agriculture and settled on his present farm. He owns 640 acres of land in Mecosta and Osceola Counties, his home place having 150 acres in the best condition for agricultural i)urposes. Mr. MeFarlane was married July 5, 1862, to Laura E., daughter of James and Laura L. (Hungerford) Montague, born Oct. 9, 1845. (See sketch of C. H. Montague.) Mr. and Mrs. MeFarlane have had five children, born as follows: James A., .Aug. 18, 1865; {Villiam A., March 28, 1867; Henry C., Feb. 5, 1870; Frederick, Dec. 15, 1882. John M., born Dec. 12, 1863, died Aug. 26, 1866. Mr. MeFarlane A V r -=^<^^ ^m^M^y- .^C¥^ >434 -25^^^^ rrr<^^Ill]^Bn>>r MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ has always been alive to the public interest of the com- ^ munity of which he is a meml)er, and served his •'.^ townshi|) in several local offices; is at present School T and Township Treasurer. Himself and wife are ^1 members of the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Republican. We give a iMrtrait of Mr. McFarlane opjx)site the preceding page. arry M, Wilder, farmer, sec. 30, ('.rant Tp., was l)orn March 20, 1837, in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich., and is a son of Joel and Hannah Wilder, both of whom were natives of Ontario, N. Y. His father was born Sept. 6, 1794, and died June 28, 1S67 ; and his mother was born July 19, iSoo, and is now living in Lapeer Co., Mich., where tlie family settled in 1836. Mr. Wilder became a soldier of the civil war, en- listing at Detroit, Aug. 20, 1861, in Co. F, i6th Mich. Vol. Inf. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He [)articipated in the siege of Yorktown, in April, 1862 ; Hanover Court-House, May 27, 1862; Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862; Gaines' Hill, June 27 ; White-Oak Swamp, June 30; Malvern Hill, June 30; Turkey P.end, July i ; 2d Bull Run, Aug. 30; Antietam, Sept. 16; Shepards- town, Sept. 19; Fredericksburg, Hec. 13; Chancel- lorsville, .\pril 3, 1863; Middleburg, June 21; Cettysburg, July i to 3 ; Williamsport, July 12; Wapping Height, July 21 ; Bristow Station, Oct. 14; Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7 ; Mine Run, Nov. 27 ; Wilderness.May 5, 1864; Laurel Hill, May 8; Sfx^tt- sylvania Court-House, May 18; Magnolia Swamp, June I ; Bethsaida Church, June 2 ; Petersburg, June iS; Petersburg & Norfolk Railroad, July 30; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 18, 19, 21 ; Preble Farm, Sept. 30; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27; Dabney Mill, Feb. 6, 1865 ; Hatcher's Run (2d), March 25, 1865. Mr. Wilder holds the following testimonial from his superior officer: "Sir: Accept my congratulations and thanks for having so nobly and successfully perforpied your duty during your perilous term of service, ai^d for having been connected with an organization which has with honor to itself participated in the following V 7> ■ ' '9 named Iwttles : (See foregoing list.) With many good wishes for your future, I am respectfully yours, B. F. P.^ TKinGE, Col. Commanding 16th Mich. Vol Inf.' Mr. Wilder was married Jan. 15, 1863, to Melinda Thompson, of Lapeer Co., Mich., born April 26, 1845. One child was born of this marriage — Don J., March 31, 1866. The mother died .April 21, 1866; and Mr. Wilder was again married June 18, 1867, to Lydia K., daughter of L. D. and Nancy Marsh, of Charlotte, Katon Co., Mich. She was born in Ouincy, Branch Co., Mich., May 22, 1849. Of this marriage two children have been born: Del. C., .\ug. 17, 1870, and l)io D., May 28, 1872. Mr. Wilder came to this townshii)in August, 1865, and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres, where he has since resided. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Road Commissioner,- is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Order of Masonry. He was one of 12 voters who organized the township in 1 866, and his first wife's death was the first event of that character in Grant. The present Mrs. Wilder tauglit the first school term of 13 weeks. She re- ceived Init $2.20 cash for her services, her patrons paying her in such articles as they possessed. One man settled his proportion with ax-helves, another with part of a harness, another sent his ox-team to work on her husband's farm. Those people were all honorable, and iiave made their way in the world, now owning well improved farms. The character of the primary school-ma'am of Grant may be better understood from the fact that she walked twice to Big Rapids and back — 15 miles — to hear political speeches, feeling it her duty to be informed on the popular issues of the day. unson Lamb, farmer on sec. 5, .Etna Tp. was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1829. His parents, Isaac and Emeline (Hickok) Lamb, were natives of New York t^ ■,!" and Vermont respectively. He came to Mich- igan in 1838, and made his first location at Hillsdale, where he was married in 1854, to Clarissa, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Millsi)augh) Jolls, A ( C <^4»— ^^^^ -^^tl!i:^:ntiv>^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 435 f natives of the State of New York. Mrs. I.anib was born Aug. 9, 1S40, in Hillsdale Co., Midi., where ■;^^ they continued to reside for eleven years. Mr. iLamb removed in 1865 to Lansing, Ingham Co., Mich., and there carried on farming 16 years. In 18S1 he came to Mecosta County and located where he now resides, in yEtna Tp. Of five i hildrcn horn to Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, one is deceased. Noble was born Dec. 29, 1S56, and died Feb. 20, 1S59; Mary K. was born Jan. 3, 1859; .Mverta was born Dec. 15, 1 86 1 ; Thomas J. was born April 11, 1S6.); Ihillie was born Feb. 9, 1866. ) (S ^^hif^k^ eorge P. Waring, resident on sec. 1, W liealhuul Tp., a well-driver by calling, I'^r was born in Farminglon, Ontario Co., Can., Sept. 30, 1836. His parents, Nathaniel and Sarah (( Hid) Waring, were natives of the same |>hue. Until the age of 25 Mr. Waring was an assistant on liis lather's farm, ans born Dec. 5, 1853, in fvA-^ the State of New \'ork, and is a son of Henry 15. and Ruth (Taylor) Wolcott (see sketch). .\l the age of 23 years, Mr. \\'olcott bought 40 acres of timbered land whereon to establish his home, and as a starting ]X)int to build his fortunes. He now has 20 acres cleared and under gootl improvements. He was married in Mill- brook, Mich., 14, 1S77, to .Mice M., eldest daughter of Solomon and Jane (Reed) Evarts. The father was a physician in Shiawassee County, where he died ; the mother resides with her children. Mrs. Wolcott was liorn in N'ernon, ."shiawassee Co., June 9, 1849, where lie obtained a good education, and for ten years previous to her marriage was a po|nilar and success- ful leaositions in the tdwnship. Himself and wife attend the Wesleyan Melliodist Cliurcli. ohn Blossom, farmer, sec. 24, ylvtna Tp., •i was born .March 21, 1844, in Jenkins Co.. Wis., and is a son of /enas and Mary (Hunt) lilossom. His parents came to Mich- igan when he was 7 years old, and settled, in ;\llegaii Co\inly, where lie lived until the out- i)reak of the Rebellion. He enlisted in the I'jghth Michigan Cavalry, his regiment being assigned to the .\rmy of the t'umberland, under Hurnside. He was with that command until 1863, when he was iransferreil to that of Sherman. At Macon, Ca., he was taken prisoner, and sent to the stockade prison pen of Andersonville. -After three and one-half months incarceration, a removal was ordered to Cioldsboro, and he made his escape by jumping from the train. He soon foimd a friendly negro who secreted him in a barn three weeks. He then fell in with Sherman's advanced guard — 17th .Army Corps — and joined Sherman at Milledgeville, Ca. In the winter of 1865 he came home on a lurlough, and uliinud |an. 8, to Tennessee. lie was pu>- c A $>: (c mrKl^^^^^ A <'i]!)>:nav> JL-^ '-^^ % (• m^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ) A moted to a Corporal's rank, and honorably discharged at the close of the war, Sept. 28, 1865. The following paper is a valuable testimonial to the bravery of character and high esteem in which Mr. Blossom was held by his superior officers: " This witnesseth that Corporal John Blossom of Co. F, Eighth Mich. Cav., has no superior in all that is reijuired to make an excellent soldier. For the cheerfulness and alacrity with which he always per- formed the duties assigned to him; for his gentle- manly conduct, wliether on the marcli or in the camp, and for his fortitude and courage while in the enemy's prison and on the battle-field, he will be highly esteemed. (Signed) Homer Manvei., Adjt. Eighth Mich. Cav." In January, 1S73, he purchased 80 acres of bind on which is now his residence, 60 acres of which are improved. His farm buildings arc convenient and substantial, and he has recently completed a good residence, at a cost of about $1,000. In politics he is a Republican, and has held several offices in the ser- — r vice or his township. 1<^ Mr. Blossom was married in 1873, to Rebecca, ^ daughter of John and Martha (Cuitan) McCormick. ^ She is a native of Ohio, and was born Nov. 24, 1840. S The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Blossom were born ) as follows: Edward, July 17, 1877, and I-aura M., March 20, 1880. The latter died Sept. 14, 1881. lexander Bane, farmer, located on sec. 32 of Deerfield Tp., P. O. Morley, is a son of Alexander and Susan (I'.olton) I'ane. His father was born in Scotland in 1816 and died June 24, 1883. His mother is anativeof Lanark Co., Can., and is still living in the place where she was born. Mr. Bane was born in Lanark County, Jan. 10, 1840. He obtained his education at the common schools and worked in a saw-mill wlien in youth. At the age of 18 years he engaged in luinbering, and in the spring of 1871 came to Kent Co., Mich., where he stayed three years in the em|)loy of the C. R. & i. Railroad Company. (Jn the ex])iration of his engage- ment he came to Mecosta County, and bought 40 acres of unimproved land <>f Henry A. l-'rench, where I 4 he now resides. Twenty acres are now in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Bane was married Dec. 15, 1862, to Sarah Jane, second daughter of William and Catherine (Sly) Ward. She was born March 17, 1840. Five of the nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Bane were born as follows: Emery E., Feb. 23, 1864; James, Sept- 25, 1 871; Addie, June 6, 1874; Ernest, Feb. 10' 1879; William, Nov. iS, 1882. The deceased were Winnie E., Ale\ander,.Susanand an unnamed in- fant. The family belong to the Methodist Clnircii. Mr. Bane is independent in political sentiment and action. -^>— ?- ■"^ll euben J. Weber, fanner, sec. 35, JVXn^ 'p., was !)orn in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 85 8. He is a son of John and I'hebe (Martin) Weber, natives respectively of C.er- ( 1 \'iJ many and Ireland. Mr. Weber remained at home under the care of his parents and at- tending school until 1867, when he came to Kiddville, Midi., and after a residence there of a few months he went to (Irand Rapids. Here he went to school, and was variously engaged, until the spring of 187 i, when he came to .'Etna Tp., and lias been since oc- cupied as a farmer. In 1882 he purchasetl 40 acres of wild land, and now has a consiilerable portion cleared. In politics Mr. Weber is a Repuiilican. He is a member of the German Lutheran ('hurch, and active in furthering its interests. He is still a young man, zealous in what he undertakes, and executes intelli- gently. He is sure of future success and a life of usefulness in his generation. mos R. Streoter, junior memlier of the firm ^1 of Slawson & Streeter, proprietors of the ^^"^ stave-mill in Mecosta village, Morion Tj). was born in Tioga, I'a., July 12, 1854, and is a son of Jesse and Lydia (Reed) Streeter. He was reared on a farm and received a com- mon-school education. His father dying when he was about 14 years old, himself and mother man- aged the farm one year and then sold out. In March, 1871, Mr. Streeter came to Altona, Me- A Si/ (^<|««^ -^>^^^ ^^r^m .^ W> >*-^ ^>^f^ 7 A i>^. z^z- 11 ar''«iv T<-^i]a: ^^ ->l)^2 MECOSTA COUNTY. 9^% V cost.i Co., and, with his brotlier, Wm. W. Strecter, as a partner, he estalihshed himself in the hlacksinith business. In 1S76 he wcnl to Rustford and engaged in the same emiiloyment singly, managing success- fully until August of that year, when lie went to Roland 'I'l)., Isabella Co., and there operated simi- larly one year. In August, 1S79, lie came to Me- costa village and opened a sliop, which he still owns, together with two lots on Main street, lie bought So acres Ml the township of Martiny, and for two winters was engaged in cutting cedar timber for telegraph j)oIes and fence jwsts. Of the latter he mar- keted alx)ut 30,000, and of the former several thou- sands ; he also cut a considerable amount of pine logs. In the spring of 1883 he formed a business rela- tion with \V. A. Slawson and Iniilt a stave-mill. The products include tub and pail staves, and are ship- ped chiefly to Granil Rapids. Phe mill fixtures comprise the most modern machinery, and the ag- gregated daily product averages from 15 to 20 cords of staves. About 20 men are employed. Mr. Streeter owns his residence and three lots on Main street, and 40 acres of land on sec. 14, near the mill, also two village jots in Sujierior City, Wis. Hebe- longs to the .A. O. U. \V., anil was elected a menvber of the Town t'ouncil in the spring of 1S.S3. In 1S80 he was Townsliip Clerk, and in iSSi was Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Streeter was married in DL-erfieli! Tp., Sc)!!. 24, 1876, to Lillian, daughter of Lemuel and Kliza Chipman, born in Livingston Co., Mich. Tiiey have one son. Royal, born in Rustford, May 30, 187S. The mother of Mr. Streeter died at Jamestown, N. v., Dec. 26, 1877. f onathan Milner came to Big Rapids in ''Ie>?^|j- 1870, and formed an association with Col. ,, , ^ J. O. Hudnutt and H. M. Hanks in the Is F.ilcon Planing Mill. Four years later he sold ^F his interest to his partners, and devoted his at- I tention exclusively to an apiary which he had gradually been establishing near his resilience. The seasons jjroving favorable, his careful anil skilled management brought its reward, and his apiary soon numbered 400 colonies ofbees, which he continued to manage, with satisfactory success, until 1X79. In June of that year he purchased the site of the build- ing where he has since carried on his transactions, and proceeded to erect a suitable structure for the consummation of his plans. The mill is ci)mi)ara- tively new, is 50 .\ 130 feet in size, and is fitted with the best modernized machinery for turning out first- class products in its line. Mr. Milner is skilled in his business, and carries on transactions amounting annually to about $8,000. He employs a number of hands, and does ]ilaning, matching, re-sawing, mold- ing, etc. The peculiar situation of the Eagle Planing Mill is eminently advantageous to managing its ship- ments, having a side track of the D., L. & N. rail- road on its west side, and a branch of the G. R. & I. road on the east side of the building. Mr. Milner was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Oct. 28, 1S17. His ])arents, Thomas and Rebecca (Long- horn) Milner, emigrated to the United States in August, 181S, and purchased a farm near New Castle, Del. The son was a student at school and his father's farm assistant until he was 16 years old, when he went to Wilmington and learned the car- lienter's trade. He was married in that city, June 10, 1843, to Minerva Daidy. They had one daughter, Elizabeth, now deceased. The mother died in Wil- minglon, .\piil 6, 1846. In the spring of 1850, Mr. Milner came west to Milwaukee, Wis., and was engaged by John Lajioint as manager of a sasli and door factory, and later with Smith McVicker. Two years afterward he removed to .Mlegan Co., Mich., where he was interested in luiiil)ering until 1854. In that year he entered the sash and iloor fa< lory of Messrs. Krouse iV Kellogg at Kalamazoo, as manager, where he continued until lie ( anie to liig l\:i|iids. Mr. .Milner formed a second matrimonial relation in .Mlegan County, Nov. 5, 1854, with Loretta M., daughter of Julin and Melissa Barnes. She was born in Odeaiis Co., N. Y.. March 9, 1S31. They have four children: Charles H., eldest sou, is a druggist at Big Rapids; Ceorge W'., second son, is in his employ as clerk; 'I'homas J. and Mary E. are the younger chikiren. Mr. Milner is deeply interested in the educational affairs of Big Rapids, and is a member of the Board of Education. We take pleasure in presenting the jxartrait of Mr. M ihuT in this wmk ^ >• r ^V^' X^* ^ s^^f^ <^DD: ^ m i))«^#^ 440 A >:» V ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -»%t l^^fl^^ ilson E. Darrah, is junidr meinlicr of tlic ^^Mli? liini of Darrah Bros. iV Co., proiirietors of '^IS^'^ the Big Rapids City Mills, and wholesale M^} and retail dealers in flour, feed and grain, is a son of Charles M. and Sarah E. (Hall) Darrah, and was horn April [5, 1856, at Hrookville, Jefferson Co., i'eim. I lis parents re- moved to this county in i''^57, hetore it was or- ganized. His father bought 40 acres of timber land in what is now the township of Mecosta. In 1S67, having cleared and almost wholly improved his tract of land, his father sold and bought 240 acres of land on sec. 6, with about 1 00 acres cleared and under tillage. In 1872, Mr. D. left home, and for some years was occupied in locating timber land. In 1882 Charles M. and James M. Darrah, brothers, associated with Mr. Darrah of this sketch, ])urchased the Flouring Mills of Big Rapids, situated on Osce- ola avenue antl at the foot of Waterloo street. Their business reaches an average of $75,000 annually, and is rapidly increasing. They oper- ate four run of stones and employ four hands; arc manufacturing about half the amount ot prod\icts for which they have capacity. They are now en- gaged in the erection of a fine new building near the old one for milling purjioses, 37 .\ 50 feet, with four stories and basement. It will be the most ex- tensive milling establishment in the county and pos- sesses a capacity of 150 barrels a day. It will be fitted with all the latest improvements, and be form- ally styled the Big Rai)itls C"ity Mills. The present works of the Messrs. Darrah arc the only flouring mills in this city. I t acob Parrott, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook fe. Tp., is a native of 1'' ranee. He was born W^ Aug. 6, 1835, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth I'arroti, alsf) natives of France. He came to the United Slates in the spring of ^ 1845 and settleil at Detroit, coming five years later to Kent ("ounty. He was a farmer there 20 years, and in the summer of 1S71 came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of land in the townshiji of Millbrook. He now owns 40 acres of his original purchase, 25 of which is in tillage. He was married in Kent County, Ajnil 9, 1859, to Sarah A., eldest daughter of Peter and Louisa (Ford) Aldrich, natives respectively of Canaila and New York. She was born in Grattan, Kent Co., Mich, Sept. 19, 1844. Of their seven children, six survive, viz : Emma E., Charlie E., Lewis ?>., Lida A., Vernon L. and Myrtle M. Julius (lied when two years old. I'olilically Mr. 1'arrotl is a Kepublican. ■t^' oseph Smith, farmer, sec. 4, Chippewa Tp. "^^ was born Jan. 14, 1844, in Norway, a son. of Ole and Ine Smith. He came to America in 1861, and during the ne.xt two years was a sailor on thelakes, from Buffalo to Chicago. His ne.xt employment was at (irand Haven, where he worked in the hmiber woods one winter, coming thence to liig Rapids and engaging in the lumber camjis. In the fall of 1867 he homesteaded the farm on which he now resides, containing 80 acres, 35 of which he has placed under fair cultivation. Mr. Smith was married in 1870 to Lucy, daughter of Hibbard and Lucy (Lease) Preslon. She was born Nov. 27, 1852, in Tioga Co., N. \ . Of six chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, five arc living : Lucy A., Minnie I., Jennie M., Olson K. .ind Wil- liam G. One daughter, Ella J., is deceased. In ]iolitics Mr. Smith is a Kepublican. ( 'hippew a 'I'l)., y!Sg^|lf ohn White, farmer, sec. 5 l^p||- was born Oct. 31, 1838, in Argyleshire, ?w'''^ Scotland, and is a son of John and Mary 4g (McLaughlin) While. 'I'lie jiarents came with their family to Canada in 1843, and located in in Williams Tp-, Middlesex Co., where they lived on a farm. The father died .'Vug. 24, 1863; the mother resides with lur son in Chiiipewa Tp., aged 70 years. Mr. White was married in 1862 to l.ydia .Ann, daughter of Martin and Ann (Spanswick) Tol- man. Her father was born Oct. 22, 1821. in Phila- delphia; heruH)therin 1S26, in \'orkshire, l'',ng., and died in 1859. Mr. Tolman resides in Saginaw Co. > C) A \ cy^A^iM SAc '/ MECOSTA COUNTY. r^l^^P^ 443 i ) A Mich. Mrs. While was born in the village of Pres- ton, WalcrliK) Co., Can., Sept. 19, 1S42. After mar- riage Mr. White was a fanner in Williams Tp. u|)- wards of si.\ years, when he became a resident of Warwick Tp., Lamhlon Co., Can. Between tliree and four years later he sold out and came to Me- costa Co., Mich. He reached Chippewa Tp. May 9, 1 87 2. and bought 160 acres of land. Willi the energy atid perseverance characteristic of the nation- ality to which he lielongs, he has prosecuted iiis lal)ors until one-half of his acreage is in a finely cul- tivated condition. Following is the record of the nine children of which Mr. and Mrs. White have l)een the parents: John M. was born July 17, 1S63; Peter, Feb. 6, 1.865; Lydia Ann, Dec. 13, 1866; Alexander, ( )ct. 16, 1870; Mary K., Jan. 23, 1876; Hugh, born July 22, 1877, died Sept. S, 1877; Catherine M., born Aug. 20, 1879, died Feb. 5, 1881; .Vn liibald. born Aug. 18, 1 880, died Sept. 21, 1880; William C.eorge, born June 21, iSS2,died July 7, 18S2. :<§ ^:III1^.>A:^^^ ^^^^(K. native ®\ - Co., ^ ^ >^ Mich., in 1835, and some years after, the father went 'x-'i to California, returninj; after six years as far as Fay- ,%, ettc Co., Iowa, where he died in 1867. The mother I died in April, 18S1. Mrs. Armstrong was born in , Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 28, 1830. In i860 Mr. Armstrong went to Fayette Co., Iowa, and there followed farming for seven years. In the fall of 1867, he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., and took a farm of 80 acres under the regulations of the homestead act. He and his son own 250 acres of / land in Mecosta County, lying contiguous. In 1S69 % Mr. Armstrong was elected Supervisor of Chippewa C and served nine successive years. He has been Justice of the Peace 12 years, and is one of the jjresent incumbents of that office in the township. He belongs to the National party, and was nomin- ated in 1880 as candidate for Representative on the Greenback ticket, and made a good run. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have had three children, one of whom, Ellen, is deceased. Those living are ^ Thomas H. and Estella M. ^H illiam Broomfield, farmer and lumber- man, sec. 31, Hloomfield Tp., Isabella Co., was born in Ontario, Canada, Oct. JP 2, 1832. His parents, Neil and Catherine l^-^s (McLerin) Broomfield, were natives of Ar- gyleshire, Scotland. They came to America and settled in Canada, in 1831. Mr. Broomfield acipiired the elements of a good education at the schools of the place where he was born, which he attended until he was 17 years old ; by his experience and observation, he has improved his early acquirements to an unusually practical de- gree. In 1849 he went to Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., and was there employed some lime in a siiingle factory. He went thence to Hamilton, Canada, and engaged extensively in the shingle trade. .After some months, he made a prospecting trip through Western Canada, and in the sjjring of 1853 came to Sanilac Co., Mich., and engaged in shingle manufacture. He remained there two years, and in the spring of 1855 .,j journeyed through the Western country, visiting his ^ home in Ontario in 1856. He extended his stay • there tnilil 1861, and in the fall of that year came to ^ (now) Bloomfield and sijuattcd on the place where he ^ ^ 1^ now lives. He could only hold his land by the right of possession, as the homestead act was not yet pass- ed. He kept himself informed as to the particulars affecting the interests of such land-holders as him- self, and immediately upon the passage of the home- stead act by Congress he entered the first claim under its provisions in Isabella County. The record was effected in May, 1864. His landed estate now includes 360 acres of land, of which he has placed 260 acres under the best improvements. .Ml the buildings thereon are of the first order, and his beautiful residence cost $3,000. In politics Mr. Broomfield is a Republican ; has held the position of Supervisor in his township for ten years, and has been State Road Commissioner by appointment. He is a member of the ancient Order of Masonry. Mr. Broomfield was married at Ontario, in April, 1859, to Ellen J., daughter of Marshall and iSIary (Jackson) McLerin, who dietl Oct. 31, 186S, of tyjjhoid fever, leaving three children: Ida, born March i, i860; Marshall, June 17, 1863, and Nellie, March 15, 1 86 1. Mr. Broomfield contracted a second marriage in Ontario, Can., March 17, 1870, with Elizabeth, daughter of Malcom and .\gnes (Cameron) Malhiy, natives respectively of .Scotland and Canada. She was born April 11, 1840. Three of six children born of this union are living; Catherine, born April 1, 1871; Neil, Jan. 14, 1873, and .Archibald, July, 3, ■(^Si ' ^'^^ Pearson, farmer, sec. 5, l!ig Rapids Tp., ^^P was born Feb. 2, 1831, in Smith Tp., >^* Peterborougii Co., Ont.,'Can., and is a son of William and Mary Pearson. The father of William Pearson was a native of Massachu- setts, an American soldier (if the Revolution, and removed to ("anada. ( )n the advent ol the second war with (Jreai Briiain, his son Wil- liam went to the Bay State and enlisted in the American service, fought at Plattsburg and returned to the Dominion after the war was ended. He is still living there and receives a pension from the Government of the United States. Mr. Pearson became a citizen of Michigan in 1870, when he caiue to Mecosta County and bought 68 acres of land, where he now resides. He has ^ c ■<■■ V t H^nD5^Diis>-^-^ •-^^f <;iiD:o:Dlir>v ^ (5) I ^ rs ^^ V MECOSTA COUNTY -Zi^QP^ ^^ 447 placed 50 acres of his farm in a creditable state of cultivation, and has erected tliereon a t;o()d frame liouse. Ill- was married in October, 1S54, in Kli/.a Jane Diiard, of Canada, where she was l)orn June 25, 1S36. Children: William 1)., Jane, Mary, Kliza A., John E., Richard /., Harriet A., Joseph A., Nellie and Minnie E. Mr. Pearson is a member of the Order of I'aUons of Husbandry. -f3= =£>- r. Jerome F. Pease, dnii;i;ist and dealer in ^ real estate, resident at Big Rapids, was born in Otisco, Ionia Co., Mich., Aug. 28, 1848. His father, Jerome Pease, was born Feb. 22, 8 15, in Knfiekl, Hartford Co., Conn., and be- K * came a citizen of the Peninsular .State m 1839. \ He was married Jan. 29, 1843, to Deiiorah Ann, - daughter of Samuel and .\nna Dcmorest, of Otisco. He was a man of peculiar temperament, developed under the circumstances in which he was reared anil fostered. He was by nature ambitious and energetic, and his pioneer labors in Ionia County, witli the per- plexities under which he strove to accouiplisli his life's purixjses, culminated in rendering him a husband and father of uncompromising principle. The mother was born July 6, 182 1, in Prattsburg, Steuben Co., N. Y., of a family of stainless repute and record. She is one of eight children, all of whom are living and who are wearing worthily the descending laurels of their ancestral virtues. They are, Clark L. Demorest, Mrs. D. A. Pease, Samuel L. Demorest, Lyman Dem- orest, Mrs. Ezra Satterlee, Mrs. Henry Green, Valen- tine Demorest and Mrs. Abram Satterlee. The second son, .Samuel I,., reached distinction in the service of his country during the Rebellion. He went to the front us a Captain in the 25th Mich. Vol. Inf, performed valiant duty in action, passed through the various degrees of promotion and, before reach- '~^ ing the termination of his meritorious career, dis- played the stars of a Major-General. Mrs. Pease was a thrifty and affectionate wife and a judicious, conscieniious mother. Three of five children live to hoilor and adorn her record as a woman and a Chris^an. Her son. Dr. Pease of this V sketch, places \\\tvh permanent record his sense of r.-) the beauty of her character and unselfish devotion to the best interests of her family. Her ( hildren are .S)piironia Ann, Charlotte, Jerome K., Sophronia Adele and Deborah. The first named daughter died when a year old; her namesake, third child, dieil at 19, at the dawn of a [iromising womanhood, leaving a most precious and beautiful memory. She learned the Christian's hope early in her life, and in her prema- ture death she verifieil the truth in the words, "Those lives are long that answer life's great ends." She was a member of the Baptist Church. Dr. Pease comes of a long ancestral line of de- scent in both the paternal and maternal lineage, strongly characterized by almost unparalleled tenac- ity of life. Four j)rogenitors within his own jiersonal knowledge became centenarians, or approximately so, and a great-great-aunt — Peggy Demorest (Mrs. Van- \'ranken)— is living in Montgomery Co., N. Y., aged io_5 years. The maternal grandmother died of an acute bilious attack when she was aged 84 years. She was recovering her sight and licr gray hair was being rapidly replaced by a new growth, with its pri- mal dark color. Dr. Pease was a boy of ardent, sanguine tempera- ment, entering early into an understanding of his re- lations to life and the world at large. His labors as the son of a pioneer and the circumstances which surrounded him, brought upon him the sobriety and apparent maturity of advanced years. At 15, Dr. Pease foimd himself destitute in a new world, one that demanded of him the best application of all he believed himself to be lioth in ])iirpose and capacity. His early life had tleveloped in him a determina- tion and |X)wer of will that acknowledged no ruling element in events, and his ac'ive, energetic, ho[ieful temperament stood him in good stead when occasion demanded their co-operation. He has naturally all the traits of a successful business man, and has met with a |>rosperity which refiects a large degree of ( rcdit upon his abilities. His already generous for- tune is the second he has accumulated within 20 years. He possesses to an unusual degree the traits of promptness, shrewdness and perception, is honest and upright in his dealings, and understands with clearness the re<|uisite ipialifications of a financier. His moral character is unimpeachable, his habits those of a self-respecting, Christian man. He con- siders the means he [assesses as a trust to secure to those in whom he is interested the comforts and priv- 1: K f As V .r>~*"v>«?:^ .^^.1. <' j^^'^i^^ >^'J^S r \ P^^SPI'^ ®)>?^^^^**~" MECOSTA COUNTY. '$ ileges their merits demand. His character is dem- onstrated by the record of his care of and kindness to the afflicted family of his wife. He has alleviated by every means in his power the burden resting upon '§■ them through the disability of the husband and father, and is giving the advantages of education to the two young brothers of Mrs. Pease and guarding the personal interests of all with the same vigilance he bestows uixm his individual affairs. In political adherence and action he is a staunch Republican. He possesses a fine sense of the value of mental culture, and acknowledges the supremacy of the % world of intellect. He has a keen discrimination in books and finds a high enjoyment in terse poetry. The following is one of his favorite quotations : ""Tis toil tliiit over nature Gives mini his ])r<)iul euiitrol. And i)uritics mid lialliiws Tlic t('nii)lc of liis soul : It scatters I'oiil diseases With :ill tlicir j;li:istly tniiii, I'lUs iidii ill the iiiiisclc. And ciystiil ill tlic liraiii. TIk' giMiid Ahniiility liiiildcr. Wild liisliidiii'd (lilt tlic c:irl li. li:itli s|:iiii|icil Ids sc:il id' Ikhkh- < >M l,:iliiir IVdiii licr liiitli. Ill every :iiig'el lliiw er 'I'lial lilusMiiiis tVniii tlie sod, Bellidd llle lll;Hlel' tiillelles — 'I'lie ll:nidi\\dll< nf (idd!" When Dr. I'ease found himself at liberty to enter uix)n a career in his own behalf, with wise judgment he availed himself of the first opportunity that jire- sented, and engaged with Frank Belding, a neighbor- ing farmer, in whose employ he remained a year. His next service was with the Hon. John Avery, M. D., of Greenville, where he won the esteem of all by his energy and probity. In 1867 lie entered the employ of J. M. Fuller, druggist, now County Clerk. In 187 1 he "came to* Big Rai)i(is, where he engag- ed in the drug trade and practice of medicine, for which he h;ui prepared at intervals during his other engagements. His business was prosperous, and in 1874 he built a store and dwelling-house. In 1876 he relin(iuished his medical practice on ac- count of impaired health, and spent about two years in travel in the Eastern and Southern States. In 1878 he began to operate in real estate, to which branch of business he has since devoted a portion of his time and attention. In 1S79 Dr. Pease estab- lished a drug business at Gowen, Montcalm Co., ) * :^ V :) ^ -^ A ^ which he is still managing. In 1S83 he purchased a stock of drugs, located at the corner of Scotten and Michigan avenues, Detroit, where he is doing a jirosperous and increasing business. Dr. Pease was married July 29, 1878, to Anna, daughter of M. F. and Caroline (Hill) Gerls, born in Texas, Crawford Co., Ohio, July 26, 1854. Her father was a native of Albany, N. Y. He was a man of shrewdness and capacity, possessed of natuial characteristics such as would tend to secure a large degree of puijlic influence; but in 1S72, while yet in manhood's prime, he was stricken with paralysis, and has since been a sufferer from its irremediable effects. He was ever keenly alive to, and solicitous for, the best advantages for his children, and made many [lersonal sacrifices to secure for them what he considered substantial benefits. Mrs. Caroline Gerls was born in .Sterling, Windham Co., Ct. She pos- sesses the traits of character which in early times made the women of New England historical. Her patience, perseverance and hopefulness are remark- able, and, combined with uncommon mildness and amiability of temper, serve to render her a type of woman worthy of emulation. She has devoted her- self with untiring assiduity to the care of her hus- band and father for the past twelve years, and yielded most unselfishly to tlie e.xtraordinary de- mands incumbent upon her. Mr. and Mrs. Gerls have been the parents ol ^\\c cliiidren : Mrs. Eli/a ^\'est, deceased; Mrs. Ellen Henry, of Sherwood, Mich.; Mrs. Pease; 'I'homas W. and J. Henry Gerls. The two last nametl are young men of pure lives, correct habits and unusual piomise. The elder is in charge of the business of Dr. Pease at Detroit, the second is occupying the same position at (lowen. Thomas. F. Gerls, paternal uncle of Mrs. Pease, is Postmaster at Pontiac, Mich., and is generally esteem- ed fi)r his sterling traits of character. Henry Hill, brother of Mrs. Gerls, was a soldier in the 25th Mich. Inf., rose by merit to the rank of Captain, and is now cashier of the l'"irsl National Bank of Green- ville. The earliest ambition of Mrs. Pease was to enter the ranks of jiublic educators, and she bent every energy to the achievement of her purpose. She be- gan her career as a teacher in Mecosta County when 14 years of age, and alternated as a student at school and a teacher until she was 19 years old, when she was graduated at the high school at Greenville. ^ A >$>; < r U )5«g8#' '^^^^^~ ■^myM-^>^^ — ^^^^ ^' t ^^i^^i^ A V ; ■-rT<:lin>:OIl>>V— MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^*(<^4' 449 She passed eminently creilitable examinations and ranked as a superior scholar. Since she left school she has been constantly engaged in tlie pursuit of her chosen vocation, and has made rapid [)roL;ress in the grade of lier position. In 1874 she was Trecei)- tress of a school at Stanton, Montcalm Co., and in 1S76 was Sui)erinteiident of a school at Howard City. Tlie suhsemient four years she taught at (Ircen- ville, and in 1881 received her appointment as I're- ceptress at Big Rapids, where she is doing a work tliat will result permanently to the advantage of educa- tional interests at that i)lace. Too much cannot he said of her as a disciplinarian. Her silent control of her pupils is a marvel to witness, and is accomplished l>y an innate skill that cannot he described : it is a natural gift jxassessed by few. Of her work at Greenville, Iv P. Cliurcli, Superin- tendent of Schools, says : " She is most excellent help. She jwssesses skill to impart instruction, is a good disciplinarian, manages pupils easily, is a will- ing and faithful worker and presents to her pupils the example of a blameless Christian lady in her every-day life. We should be happy to secure her services again in our corps of teachers. " This ex- pression is fully corroborated by testimonials from R. F. Grabill, editor of the Greenville Irulcpciulint, Rev. J. I-. Patton, Dr. ('has. Martin and Hon. James W. Helknai), all of Greenville. I'rof. J. S. Crombie, .Superintendent of Schools at I'.ig Rapids, says : " Her management of the school, anils. " A partial iViend says of her: "It is to be hoped that a long career of usefulnesss lies before Mrs. Pease. .She is a wonian of uncommon character and asiii rations, which should place her in a fitting si)here to do entire justice to herself and benefit the generation to which she be- longs, and in whose interests it is her highest ambition to labor. Her temperament is as ecpiably ad- justed as is |)ossible, and her subservience to con- science and religion guides her life in unswerving right. She sways her friends by her firmness, her candor, her loler.ilion and her hopcf.ilne^s, and lu-r possible iiilluencc on the lives of others is always with her a matter of constant solicitude. " In their relations to Christianity both heiself and husband afford worthy examples. They both be- canie members of the M. E. Church early in life and devote unlimited time and me ms to furthering the interests of the Church and Sunday-school. A permanent reprint of the features of Mr. and Mrs. Pease may be found on page 446, in connection with this sketch. k^satf s. Baker, Cashier of the Northern National bank at Big Rapids, was born near Bridge- '.ViFT water, C!onn., Sept. 21, 1853. His parents w removed to Chicago in 1864, where his father >p operated as a capitalist, and was a member of v the Board of Trade. Mr. Baker came to Big Rapids when he was 12 years old (in 1865). His grandfather, Daniel Stearns, was a resident of Big Ra|)ids, as was also a considerable circle of relatives, lie attended school and was employed in various business houses; kept the books in the mercantile house of 1 ). K. Stearns two years, and serveil one year in the same capacity with ( ). P. Pillsbury. In the spring of 1S72 he became book-keeper in the Northern National Bank and has been promoted through the different positions to the post he now fills, to which he was ap|)ointed in January, 1875. He is now one of the Directi)rs, and heavily inter- ested in transactions in lumber, being connected with three different firms. He owns a half interest in the mill and yards of P>aker & Stearns, situated at Cra]X), in Osceola County, where the firm have car- ried on an extensive lumber trade six years. They employ a force of 100 men, and manufacture be- tween 12 and 15 million feet of lumber annually. Mr. Baker also owned a half interest in the concern styled "B. F. Comstock & Co.," founded in 1881. Their production of lumber in 1882 was alwut twenty million feet. Their mill was sold in the fall of 18S2, andthe firm are about to close their rela- tions. Mr. Baker keeps a desk in the bank for trans- actions in lumber, i)ine lands, etc. His real-estate interests include about 20,000 acres in Michigan and Wisconsin, and some small tracts of farming Ian A 'M^>^ -^^€y^ ^ 45o_ f A >; ) t MECOSTA COUNTY. «4^^C<»vM; Mr. Baker was married in Paris, Mecosta Co., to Emma, daughter of James Cooper. She was born in Halstead, Essl'X Co., Eng., July 6, 1S53. A son, Arthur, was born Dec. 6, 1875, and a daughter, Kitty Irene, Oct. 10, i^v^ — ^^k^tr- -^^^ -k / a/yi/u i ■5<€^»sr -r<>iiii:o:iinv>r »-ax£,-v ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 453 S[f Parham, of Concord, Dodge Co., Minn. They have 'h two children : Ina May and Jennie Eliza. Mrs. .'j^ Carr was born Dec. 2S, 1S55. Mr. Carr votes with * the Re|)ul)lican [larty. ^ ^ A :^. V > ^ 4 -'-•^''■'VVj illiam Hugh, senior meniherof the lumber linn ot' Higl)ee iV Hugh, was born in Kid- *^'(^ willy, Wales, l'"eb. 2, 1829. He is the J"' son of \Villi;nn and Rebecca ((lonar) Hugh, natives of Kiihvilly, where the father died about iS^>5- '"^'l '''^ mother in tiie spring of tSSo. Mr. Hugh experienced all the hardsliips of the class of people to which he belonged in his native land, gaining his limited but eminently practical edu- cation l)y studying under the most adverse circum- stances. He commenced life's active work at the early age of 12. His father was the village i)lack- smith, and he, assisting in the shop, gradually learned the trade. For a period of about five years he was occasionally employed in some iron works and rolling mills; tlien for a time he was engaged in the timber business. His next employment w^as with the South Wales Railway Company, in which work he went from his native country to England, engaged with a railroad construction corjjs. SiKin afterward, in 1853, he sailed for this continent and, upon landing at New York, at once proceedeil to Cincinnati. Here for a year he was occupied in a machine-sliop, on blacksmith work, and also on sleaml)oat work. He assisted in making the needed iron-work and finishing the rountl-house of tlie ("., H. & I. R. R., at Cincinnati. He had become imbued with a desire to eng;ige in fanning in Iowa, and he took a trip to the Hawkeye State, but on reaching there changed his intentions. He retraced his route as far as Chicago, and thence went to New York, where he embarked for \\'ales, by way of I,iveri)ool, with the purjxjse of returning with his wife. His final decision was that he would first establish a home in Cincinnati. He sailed once more for the ITnited .States, but when off Cape Clear, Ire- land, his steamer collided w ith a coast vessel ; and being disabled she put back to Liverpool, her captain not daring to venture across the sea in a ( rip|)led vessel with 600 or 700 souls on board. Mr. Hugh returned then to Wales, and when he finally reached New York, proceedeil direct to Hamilton, Province of Ontario, Can., locating at a small village near that city. He started a common blacksmith shop, and finally began the manufacture of agricultural imple- ments. His residence there lasted 18 years. In the fall of 1S72 he came to Morley, and built the first planing mill in the townshiii, which he conducted nearly seven years. In the fall of 1879 he went into business with Mr. Higbee, and built the saw and planing mill where they now carry on an extensive business. Politically Mr. Hugh is a Re|niblican ; for eight years he has been a member of the village Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Masonic Order. Mr. Hugh is a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church. He is a self-made man, financially, as he held no pro])erty when he commenced life for himself. By habits of industry, economy and fair dealing, he has acquired a substantial property, and is now classed among the representative citizens of Mecosta County. Mr. Hugh was married in Wales, in the winter of 1851, to Amy Thomas, who was born Nov. 8, 1828, the daughter of William and Jane 'I'jiomas. The family circle n(.)w incluiles five children: .\nn, Iwrn Se|)l. 33, 1853; William, born June 19, 1858; Re- becca, born Feb. 20, i860; Jane, born -Aug. 28, 1861, and DavitI, born Oct. 15, 1870. .\ [)t>rtr:iit of Mr. Hugh is given in this volume. —Cdtf — P illiam Crecvcy, farmer, sec. 26, I'ork Tp., was born in County Rildare, Irelantl, April 28, 1832, and is a son of Patrick and Rose (.Armstrong) Creevey, both of whoni were na- tives of Ireland. Mr. Creevey was 18 years old when he left his native land to come to the New World. He first located in Monroe Co., N. Y., and after a residence of three years came, in the fall of 1855, to Eaton Co., Mich., and worked as a farm laborer three years. In 1858 he married Jane, (laughter of Jonathan and Agnes Seidler. She was born in Sieinbrook, Penn., where her father died when she was quite young. Her mother married ("onrad l'"riend, and now lives in Eaton, Mich. ,\fter marriage Mr. Creevey took farms to work on shares until he had by industry and good manage- ment acipiired sufficient means to enable him to ven- V^ ( A. :^ r ^k^^i^ -K^^DD>:DDr>- ■^^€^^ 4. (£))€^f|« -^^^ — ^v^inn:^:Dn^:>r r^^. J .4 ) A i MECOSTA COUNTY. ture upon the purchase of a home for himself, and he finally bought 40 acres of land, which he improved and occupied until 1867 ; and then he sold out and came to Mecosta County, locating 80 acres of land under the homestead act, on sec. 26, in the township of Fork, which has since been his home. He en- listed in the service of the Union Sept. i, 1864, and received his discharge at the close of the war, June 10, 1865. He was taken sick at Newhern, N. C, and sent to the hospital at Foster, and three weeks later to David's Island Hospital in New York Harbor, where he remained until he was discharged. Mr. Creevey was elected the first Supervisor of Fork Tp., at the meeting held for its organization, a posi- tion he has filled 10 years. He has officiated as Postmaster of Fork 14 years, was Road Commis- sioner 10 years. Justice of the Peace 12 years, Treas- urer one year. School Director three years. He is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 77, at Sherman City. The family of Mr. Creevey comprises the following children, born in the named order: Rose M., Jan. S, i860; George M., Oct. 8, 1861 ; William J., April 14, 1863; Charles c:., March 10, 1870; Edwin, Sept. 27, 1872; Perry, Aug. 26, 1875; Agnes P.., March 12, 1879; Arthur Grant, Dec. 25, 1881. 1 Big , in ' jFj^A"!' iiliam C. Philleo, farmer, sec. 27, ii t^aMfe Rapids Tp., was born April 25, 1S4 J^ ' Savannah, Wayne Co., N. Y., and is a son '^> of Martin and Elizabeth /\nn Philleo, the former born Jan. 20, 1815, in Dutchess Co., N. Y., and died Aug. 20, 187 i ; the latter was i)()rn June 6,1821, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is still living, in Ottawa Co., Mich. The paternal grandsire was a soldier of 18 12, and fought at the battle of Plattsburg. Mr. Philleo was married Oct. 30, 1867, to Mary Jane, daughter of .Mien G. aid Jane M. Pierce, of Flint, Mich. The parents were both natives of Orleans Co., N. Y. Two ( hildren have been born of this marriage: Anna M., Jan. 6, 1872, and Fannie A., June 17, 1882. Mr. Philleo came to Michigan with his parents in 1854, and settled in Ottawa County. He was edu- cated chiefly at Kalamazoo College, where in 1863 he ^^«^#- ^^^F^ took a scientific course. He aftenvards took a com- mercial course of study at P>astman's Business Col- lege at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which he completed in 1 806. He has taught 43 terms of school, mostly in Ottawa and Kent Counties. Mrs. Philleo taught school 12 terms after her marriage In 1869 Mr. Philleo bought 100 acres of land on sees. 27 and 28, in Big Rapids Tp., and has since added 40 acres adjoining by purchase. He has put So acres under advanced improvement, and has one of the best barns in the county. He has nearly completed arrangements for the erection of a dwell- ing in keeping with the general character of the place. In iwlitical affinities Mr. Pliilleo is independent. He has been Townsliip Supervisor four years, and Justice of the Peace eight years. He was nominated for Representative by the Democratic party in 1879, but jxjsilively refused to become a candidate. ^^I'fe^'fe'ames W. Mann, farmer, sec. 15, Fork Tp., 1|^^li7 was born in Maine, Jinie 24, 1854, and is a Wh'"^ ^ son of John F. and Susan A. (Churchill) "'^ Mann (see sketch of John F. Mann), who were natives of the Pine-Tree State, and in 1866 came to Saginaw, and later to Fork Tp., Mich. He obtained his education in the connnon schools of Saginaw an^ -^^^^ 1^^ ^^. m^^ *r;<"- >LJ !>,.- >A^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^^ ) :« O ) Mecosta Co., Mich., and settled in Jiij; Rapids 'r|>., wliere he has since resided. In Oitol)er, 1.S69, he located on the farm he at present ociupies. He was married Dec. 23, 1S67, to Etta, daughter of A. C and T. G. Kneeland. She was born at Indianapolis, Sept. 6, 1S40. Mr. and Mrs. Conner have three children, horn as follows: James C, May 13, 1869; Vesta, Oit. 15, 1S71; l>ellis, Nov. 17, 1872. In [xditical matters Mr. Conner is a believer in the principles of the National party. ■■i«'i«< |;;«;;jot;;;;i >."%,-t- eroy Cartwright, farmer on sec. 10, Hin- ton 'I'pi "''^* \':nii.>-^,Q — ^^^>^ :f^»- r^m- fr^ <>mmh>r -^i^^i MECOSTA COUNTY. )^ V ^ ^ ^ intellectual accomplishments. She attended the district school in her native place until she was ten years oUl, when she went to Wyandotte, Wayne Co., Mich., and studied at the college about eight years. She also studied for a time at Ann Arbor, and finished her educational course at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. She was a popular and successful teacher four years previous to her mar- riage. ["oseph Falardo, resident at Bit; Rapids. ||r- was l)orn in St. Es[)rit, I'rovince of (Que- bec, July 28, iSj7. He is a son of Louis and Lucille Falardo, the former a carpenter and wagon-maker by trade. Mr. Falardo is of French descent, his ancestors having emigrat- ed from that country to America. The family name has been changed fnim Falardeau to its present form. Mr. I'alaRlo began life for liiniself as a clerk in a general store, where he was em[)loyed two years, and at the end of that time went to New Hartford, Conn., where he worked in a cotton mill about i^-^ MECOSTA »:liOri>^r- COUNTY. '^:«i=^ ■V- t chard, containing 120 trees. The farm is well sup- plied with buildings and a new and beautiful resi- dence has just been completed, at an expenditure ofS2>ooo- Mr- K.. and his family may justly be rated among the leading inhabitants of the county. Mr. Knettles was married in Tompkins Co., N. Y., July 4, 1856, to Susan, daugliter of Joseph and Katie (Protts) Everhart, lorn May 21, 1846, in Seneca Co., N. Y. The two children born of this marriage are still living: Cora B., born .April 6, 1868; Libby M., April 18, 1870. Mr. Knettles is a Demo- crat in jxjlitical faith, and im lines to the Ur.iversal- ist doctrinal views. Mrs. Knettles is theoretically a Presbyterian. ■ntassm^r-''^^ <'^^%0iny»y' ': f^ ■='>^^ ■^^Do:-^nii;> -^>^^ ..fA-^W- '. J^ ^■''■■' mm '^s^ 460 f J ^^^^* -Tr^>Bn>:iins>r^-= — -^^^^ ^£. MECOSTA COUNTY. Julia (Caudle) Newcomb was born Sept. 3, 1834, and lives at Bay City ; Mary (Caudle) Nordon, born April 26, 1S36, lives in Walker, Kent Co., Mich; Ann (Caudle) Waring, jjovn July 26, 1837, is a widow and keeps her father's house. Sarah F. (Caudle) Martin was born April 19, 1841, and lives in Sum- mit, Mason Co., Mich. Mr. Caudle is a Democrat in politics and a mem- ber of the Roman Catholic Church. Mi obert Jamieson, farmer, sec. 22, Chippewa 5?A3. Tp., was born July 6, 1845, "" ''""^ 'f*''^ °f A - * • V 4 \ ^ J, (. J'"' Islay, and is the fifth child of Donald and ,..-^ Margaret (McDougall) Jamieson, the former V a native of the Isle of Bute, the latter born on the Isle of Jura. (The islands named are in the Atlantic Ocean, west of and belonging to Scot- land.) The inxreiits came to Canada in i860, where the mother died in 1S64, and the father in 1882. Mr. Jamieson obtained a fair education in his native country, and came with his parents to America and resided a year with them in the Dominion. He came to Michigan in 1861 ; in 1867 he located in Chippewa Tp., this county, in which year several other settlers made their entries of land and began with energy the work of clearinof and settling that part of the wilderness. Mr. Jamieson was married in 1868, to Minnie, daughter of John and Mena (Licker) Martiny, born in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1850. Her parents were natives of Germany, and pioneer settlers of Mecosta County, being the first permanent residents of Mar- tiny Ti>., which received their name. (See sketch of John Martiny.) Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson have had three children : Donald, John and Alexander. J-Wv^-f- ) r\].;,arwin C. King, Postmaster at Morley, was ' y' born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1846. His father, Laban King, was a farmer, and is still a resident of Wayne Co. His mother, ^ Matilda (Ringer) King, died in 1866. Mr. \ King was reared at home, and until the age of 20 assisted in tlie labors of his father, and ac- ([uired his education. At that period of his life he ^i|v' P^ ^^-m went to Yates Co , N. Y., and engaged as a farm laborer. In 1869 he came to Michigan, and at first found employ in Jackson Co., with his uncle, Jas|icr King, remaining 14 months. He then went to Battle Creek and s[ient six months as cleik in a store. In 1872 he came to Morley and found a situation in the general store of E. W. Gerrish, and acted in that capacity two years. His next engagement was in "Schofield's " restaurant. The ne.xt year, 1875, he began to operate in lumber, shingles, etc., and has been so engaged to date. He was associated for a time with D. W. Stewart, and later with W. D. Lake in a general store and lumbering. In 1880 they sold their claims in the business and Mr. King has since continued alone. He received his appointment as Postmaster of Morley in January, 1S83. He was married Feb. 2, 1881, to Miss Lake, daughter of Robert O. and Maviette (Redker) Lake, natives of the State of New York. Mr. King is a Republican in political faith and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Assessor, etc., a long period of years. He cast his first Presidential vote for U. S. Grant. oseph J. Everhart, farmer, sec. 34, Big Ra^jids, was born Feb. 17, 1843, in Rose, .|,,;, '-■' \\'ayne Co., N. Y. His father, Joseph I'liy Everhart, was born Feb. 3, 1799, and died 'W April 16, 1866, in Lansing, Tompkms Co., P N. Y. His mother, Catherine Everhart, was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 27, 179S, and died in 1872. Mr. P2verhart left his native State in 1867 and went to La Grange, Ind. In 1868 he came to Ber- lin, Ottawa Co., Mich., and after a year's stay there came to the township of Big Rapids, and in 1869 bought 80 acres of land, lying wholly within a belt of hard wood. He has 65 acres under the plow, and the place and fixtures are in the best condition. The tract has a fine lot of bird's-eye maple and other standing timber. Mr. Everhart was married March 13, 1S66, to Dora Teeter, a native of Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y. She was born Feb. 25, 1846, and' is a daugh- ter of Vincent and Catherine Teeter, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born April 23, 1807; the latter was born in New York in 1822. Children, ^> V A r 4>)«t«?|- -^<-(l!)>:DDr:>A .:3>^^^ ^f^'^^f® K^^ i^r^ rr I t 5^ ^ V MECOSTA COUNTY. ""^i^iii"^^ 3f{j^ fcut'.Oi 461 Lewie E., born Oct. 2, 1867, and died Feb. 18, 1872; Oreii v., born Dec. 12, 1870; George K., born Oct. 7, 1878. ^fr. Everhart is a pensioner of the hue war, in which he was a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. D, Ninth N. Y. Artillery, and was in t'.ie ser- vice until Feb., 1864, when he was discharged on ac- count of disability, his liealth having become hope- lessly broken. He is Road Commissioner, and lias been Justice of the Peace one year; is a niemher ot the G. A. R. ^ oah Eaton, fanner, sec. 24, Chijipewa Tp., was born in Ingham Co., Mich., July 25, 1848. He is a son of Edward and Eliza (Cole) Eaton, the former a native of Pennsyl- vania, the latter of New York. 'I'liey came to Ingham County in 1835. Mr. Eaton was trained to agiicultural pursuits, and had only a common-school education. On reach- ing his age of legal freedom he began life for himself as a farm laborer, working in Jackson Co., Miih. In 1870 he came to Mecosta County, and entered a claim of 80 acres under the regulations of ihc lionie- stead law, and now has 20 acres in first-i lass fanninii condition. Mr. Eaton was married in 1875 to Mary, daughter of .Simon and Ann (Crawford) Mott. Siie was born in Pennsylvania, in 1858, and became the mother of one child, Merrilon, born Dec. 16, 1876: she died in 1877. In political matters Mr. E. belongs to the National party. ^•^f^^-'o.^' Hayes, resident at Big Rapids, was liorn at P.ennington, Vt., Nov. 19, 1837, and is a . f^T'th' son of Erastus H. and Maria (Harmon) '^< iSv Hayes. His father died when he was between i .. four and five years of age, leaving the motiier ■^ _ with four young children, the eldest of whom ^ was but nine years old. With the energy and de- termination which characterize New I'aigl.ind mothers, she kept her flock together, bringing her lio)s up to work on the little farm of 36 acres; and when Mr. s. r^-^f^^' !?.4fc- -^*^^- -K % Hayes, her youngest child, was 17 years of age, the place was sold and the proceeds distributed among the heirs. Through the mismanagement of a brother, Mr. Hayes lost his little patrimony and entered upon his life's struggle empty-handed. His first work for iiimself was to learn his trade, and he went to Glens Falls, N. Y., for the prosecution of that purpose. He stayed there five years, accomplishing all the plans he had designed and becoming familiar with all me- ciianical details. Five years later he went to Stillwater, N. Y., and became foreman for Cornell & Ladow in the same line of business, and filled the position three years. He then began business on his own account in the same avenue, employing half a dozen youths as as- sistants. He soon afterwards admitted John E. Bur- rows as a partner, and the ne.xt spring they removed their business to Mechanicsville, N. Y., and there continued to operate nearly three years, when they made another remove to Lape Hollow, near Lansing- burg, N. Y., where they remained about a year. Mr. Hayes sold out and went to Vergennes, Vt., and formed an association with Joseph Falardo. They established a large and prosi)erous business, whii h they prosecuted about eight years, when Mr. Hayes sold out again and bought the establishment of the X'ergennes Machine Co., manufacturing pump- ing machinery for supplying water to towns and cities. He had three associates, and, the affairs of the concern eventuating disas'.rously at the tennina- tion of si.\ years, Mr. Hayes closed business. Again associating himself with Joseph Falardo, they started a mill in Whitehall, N. Y., and operated about 18 nioiilhs in the manufacture of iloors, sash anh F. Hayes is the proprietor, and the operative depart- ments are managed by Messrs. Hayes & Falardo; a force of 50 workmen is usually employed, the busi- ness is prosperous and its relations gradually widen- ing. Mr. Hayes has a genius for his peculiar line of i)usiness. and is naturally adapted to the construction of mill machinery. Mr. Hayes was married at Glens Falls, March 27, r857, to Frances M., daughter of Stei]hen V. R. and Sarah Shouts. She was born at Glens I'alls, .March 28, 1842. Of f(Mir children born to Mr. and Mrs >:nii;:V-.. ^^r^-^ -4r*?^'y c fT I A ) ^ i V ■ X^' *-- ■:25^ ':^ <^llll^llll<1>-r T MECOSTA COUNTY. ^J Hayes three are living: Stephen V. R., an attorney at Big Rapids, Joseph F. and Fannie J. Lousie, eldest cliild, is deceased. -•il'P^raines M. Parkill, farmer, sec. 8, Green Tp., i^-'/l was born at Beloit, Wis., Oct. 25, 1842. •■"'^ He is the second child of Dennis N. and Sarah (Dunn) Parkill. The father was born in New York, and was a mechanic; he died in Wisconsin, and the mother, a native of Ohio, spent the last years of her life at Grass Lake, Mich. Mr. Parkill was sent to the common schools of Farmington, Jefferson Co., Wis., until 14 years old, when he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the calling of blacksmith, which he prosecuted until 1 86 1. On the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted in Co. H, 8th Wis. Vol. Inf., and was discharged from service in October, 1862, on account of a wound received at the battle of James Island. He re- sumed his trade on returning home, and continued to reside in Wisconsin until 1867, when he came to Mec(3sta Co., Mich., and settled at Big Rapids, where he worked at his trade five years. In 1872 he bought the farm on wliich he hns since resided, con- taining 80 acres of land. Mr. Parkill was married in April, 1867, to Ella P., daughter of Erastus and Sarah R. (Palmer) Fisher. Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and her mother of Ohio. They are now residents of Me- costa County. Mr. and Mrs. Parkill have had six children, as follows : Dennis J., L. J., Eva M., Sarah M., O. T. and Jessie J. (deceased). Mr. Parkill is a Democrat in his jrolitical views and sympathies. A. Wilcox, farmer, sec. 7, Big Rajjids Tp., !■}• was born Feb. 6, 1858, in Wilna, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and is a son of Charles and t'ox. The father was born in New York, April 12, 1833, and is now a resident of Ne- waygo County. Elizabeth Ressiguie was born May 17. 1844, in the State of New York, and is of French descent. She became the mother of three children : William L. Wilcox, eldest son, was born in Hounds- M Elizabeth (Ressiguie) Wilcr ■T^ of German descent and 1 ville, Jefferson Co., Aug. 29, 1854. He came to Michigan in 1S65, and in 1868 went to Denver, Col.; is now a resident of San Francisco, Cal. Samuel C. Wilcox was born Oct. 16, 1859, in Wilna, N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1865; went to Washington Ter- ritory April 2, 1883. Mr. Wilcox came to Michigan in March, iS65,and settled in Oceana Co., Mich. He came to Mecosta County, and settled in Big Rapids Tp., Nov. 5, 1880. He was married .\pril 25, 1880, at Big Rapids, to Emma L. Haight. She is of German descent and was liorn in Big Prairie, Newaygo Co., Mich., May i, 1862. The ceremony of marriage was performed by Elder Grice. Mr. Wilcox is connected with the National party in his jiolitical affiliations. homas Shaw, Sr., Circuit Court officer and ;,i^^i Deputy Sheriff of Mecosta County, residing I'T-.rlJiS" *■ at Big Rapids, was born' in Manchester, Eng., .'\ug. 28, 1813. He is the third son of John and Eleanor (Robinson) Shaw, the former I a native of Radcliffe, Lancashire. Mr. Shaw passed the years of his youth in the man- ner common among the people of his nationality, and at the usual age learned the craft of decorator of pa- per hangings. He was married Jan. 31, 1835, *o Nic- olas, daughter of James and Nicolas Stott, born Oct. 23, 181 1, at .Alnwick, Northumberlandshire. The family came to .\nierica in 185 r and landed at Boston, going thence to Lynn, Mass., where he worked at his trade a few months. He went successively to Hanover Society, Conn., and New Bedford, Mass., where he was similarly employed a short time, and then Law- rence, Mass., for several years. In 1855 he came to Mecosta County and pre-emi>ted a quarter sec. (17) of land in Green Tp., the year previous to its being taken out of market. His experiences differed in no material sense from the oft repeated but never wearisome history of the average pioneer settler, un- til the clouds of war hung like a pall over the land and disunion seemed imminent. The promptness with which foreign-born citizens flocked to the Union standard was significant of two things: first, the sense of obligation awakened by the privileges they enter upon at once under the regulations of this Gov- ernment; and, secondly, the value of discipline in C K^nn^DDi^-'^ V ■>i*€^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -S^^'-ST I t A s> ^) -^ I early training. Mr. Shaw felt that the emergency demanded his aid, and himself and two sons enlisted at Big Rapids. He enrolled in August, 1863, in Co. A, Tenth Micli. C'av., and was assigned to the posi- tion of Hospital Steward, and afterward was promoted to the post of Assistant Surgeon. The regiment went to the Dei)artment of East Tennessee and was first in action May 20, 1864, at Greenville, followed by the fights at Morristown, Kingsiiort, Carry lirancli, New Market, Morrisburg, William's Ford and Dutch Bottom. These engagements covered the service of the regiment in the months of July and August. The work entitled " Michigan in the War " gives an interciting account of the wounding and subsequent interviewing by Gen. Wheeler ((onfcderate), of a farmer named Griggs, who with six others had ex- hibited singular bravery. Mr. Shaw was ordered to go to Griggs, which he did, with an escort of one, brought him within the Union lines and attended him until he was well. The regiment was in the famous cavalry raid of Gen. Stoneman, which covered a period of 72 days. The initial movement was made about the middle of March, 1865. One result of the expedition through the western part of North Carolina was the cafHure of Salisbury and a large •piantity of rebel stores. The Union prisoners were removed in time to prevent their liberation, but the prison pens and arsenal were destroyed. In this the Tenth Mich. Cav. participated. On the aSth, Mr. Shaw was injured by his horse falling on him. Her- nia of a painful type was the result, but he did not report himself ill and continued to discharge the du- ties of his ix)st until the mustering out of the regi- ment Nov. II, 1865, at Memphis. He was dis- charged from the service at Jackson, Mich. On returning to Green, Mr. Shaw entered upon the practice of medicine, which he pursued two years, but was obliged to abandon it from inability to per- form the necessary duties of the profession at night, and he resumed farming. He held most of the local offices of Green Tp., and after a few years moved to Big Rai)ids. Later, he sold his farm. He has been Deputy Sheriff eight years, and was appointed to his position in the Circuit Court in January, 1881. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw in England, and one in America. An infant died before their removal to the New World. Eleanor, eldest child, and Mary Ann, fifth child and second daughter, 46s "S are deceased. James Stott Shaw, eldest son, is a af popular physician in Boston. John and Thomas 1^ were soldiers, enlisting respectively in the Infantry and Cavalry service and passed their terms of enroll- ment in safety. Annie Howard Shaw is an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and preaches at East Dennis, Caiie Cod.- She is now pursuing a course of medical studies, preparatory to filling the ]X)st of a missionary where the competent services of a Christian woman are in most urgent de- mand. Henry Charles, fourth son, is deceased. ^«— ^^^® M|j ilbur A. Hendryx, physician and surgeon "^^Ml at Big Rapids, was born at Seymour, New jljSVi-, Haven Co., Conn., Feb. 21, 1849. He is ^-^^ a son of Wilson E. and Rosetta (Booth) I Icndryx. His father was a mechanic and had I harge of the Humphreyville Edge -Tool Fac- tory more than 30 years. He was born in South- bury, Conn., in 18 10. Dr. Hendryx was a pupil in the public schools of Connecticut until he was iS years of age, when he spent a year in the establish- ment where his father was chief, after which he en- gaged as a clerk in a store in Ansonia, New Ifaven Co. In 187 I he came to Pentwater, Mich., and 1 e- gan to read for his piotession in the office of Dr. E. N. Dnndas, and afterward matriculated at Rush College, Chicago, where he was graduated. He at- tended this school in the winters of 1872-3-4. He took there a special medical course in anatomy, surgery and diseases of the chest, and sjient con- siderable time in special wards of the principal hos[)itals of the Garden City. He went theme to Evart, Mich., and three months later, in August, 1874, came to Big Rapids and entered into partnership with Fred. B. Wood, M. D. The relation continued about eleven months, when Dr. Hendryx established him- self in an office on Michigan avenue. In November, i88i,he admitted Dr. Buikart to a co-partnership and the connection existed until November, 1882. Dr. Hendryx is in the enjoyment of an extensive and popular practice. He belongs to the Masonic Order and Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Northwestern Medical Society. In 18S1 he was appointed local surgeon of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., and in the same year as such for the the D., L. & N. 1 V r I > <^?iiti»:nDs>T- MECOSTA COUNTY. -Zd^S. -«fe> l^^jf T ) -TS / s -s '> R. R. Co. He was physician in charge of Mercy Hos- pital three years, and for some time was Surgeon of tlie 2d Mich State Troops, with the rank of Major, but in October, T883, was promoted as Brigade Sur- geon, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was elected Mayor of Big Rapids in the si)ring of 1880, previous to which he served two years as Alderman. He has been United States Examining Surgeon on pension claims since r876, and operates in the same capacity for several insurance companies, among tiiem the Travellers' Accident. He has also a drug store in connection with his office, in which he is as- sociated with A. H. Weber, style \V. .A. Hendryx & Co. Their stock includes a full line of drugs and druggists' sundries, and is valued at "about $4,500, with business amounting annunl.'v to $10,000. Dr. Hendry.\ owns a shingle-uiill at Lumberton, Neway- go Co., with a capacity of about 1,000,000 monthly; shipments are chiefly to Eastern markets. He also owns his residence and two lots on the corner of Spruce street and Warren avenue. Dr. Hendryx was married at 15ig Rapids, Dec. 22, 1875, to Lucy A., daughter of Dr. Guy B. and Sarah A. Shepherd, of Sheboygan, Wis., who was born at Sheboygan Falls, March 7, 1856. As one of the truly rejiresentative men of Mecosta County, not only as a citizen but as a professional and business man, we present the portrait of Dr. Hendryx in this work. *yMi!r eorge Grimes, deceased, was born in Car- •lil^l roll Co., Ohio, March 24, 1824. His par- "c'kjl" '^ ents, George and Isabella (Smith) Grimes, jt ^^^'^ '°"g residents of Carroll Co., Ohio, and X died there at an advanced age. Mr. Grimes I passed all his early life in his native State, and in the fall of 1868 came to Michigan and l)ought 40 acres of wild hir.d. He built tliereon a board house, and at the time of his death had cleared 25 acres. He afterwards purchased 160 acres on sec. 15. He (lied April 27, 1879. Mr. Grimes was first mar- ried Dec. 3, 1848, to Catherine Wathey, who was born Sei)t. 7, 1826, and died Oct. 29, 1849. They had one child, Matilda, now tiie wife of Wesley Carr. Mr. Clrinies was afterward married a second time April 13, 1852, in Carroll Co., Ohio, to Eliza J., daughter of Peter and Ann (Guthrie) Warren. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and went to Carroll County, where they were pioneers, and where they died about the year 1857. Mrs. Grimes was born in Ohio Dec. r, 1829. All the children of this marriage are living, born as follows : Milion P., July t9, 1853; Lorenzo D., Oct. 19, 1855; Cora A., May 10, 1859. Mrs. Grimes manages the farm left to her by the death of her husband. ^. :==s .j^h- ^^h^^^^ .:si^fi^ S5yJ li^kr.U s"; •i^l'l acob M. Dubois, farmer, sec. 8, Green Tp., T'iili was born in Tyre, Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct. ^ ',',j -' 18, 1826. He is a son of Conrad M. and ff Susanna (Spear) Dubois, the former a native of Dutcliess Co., N. Y. ; the latter was born in New Jersey. The father came to Lodi, Wash- tenaw Co., Mich., in 183 1, where he was a farmer. He went thence to Ionia County, and afterwards to Clinton County, where he died in 1873. The mother died in Mecosta County, Oct. 12, 1874. Mr. Dubois obtained a reasonable education in tiie common schools of Washtenaw and Ionia Counties, and remained at home until llie age of 18 years, when he set out in life to work for himself. After a few years he returned home and interested himself in tlie care of llie family for a considerable length of time. In the fall of 1855 he came to Mecosta County and worked in the lumber camp of W. S. Utley during the winter, and in tlie spring of 1856 he located r2o acres of land, under the provisions of the Gradation Act, which has since been his home. Sept. 17, 1 861, he enlisted in the Second Mich. Cav., Colonel Gordon Granger commanding. He was in several sknniishes, and at the battle of Perryvillle. In the summer of 1862 he was taken sick and was in Hospital No. 7, at Louisville, for some time, going thence to Quincy, 111., where he remained a year. In the spring of 1864 he went to Nashville, thence to rejoin his regiment, and passed the last month of his ]ieriod of enrollment in tiie service. He received an honorable discharge Oct. 22, 1S64. Mr. Dubois was married June 28, i8()5, to Pru- dence A., daughter of Tyler and Mary A. (Henlley) Duncan, who was born at Oswego, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1823. Her parents were natives of Fulton Co. N. Y., and in 1856 located in Mecosta County, v^ ^ r.-lm-jy :m/^))«^<^ -=-^^^ v<^DD:v -5*^^65^ MECOSTA COUNTY. h :< V ) where they resided during the remainder of their life. llic mother died Dec. 28, 1863, and the father March S, 1867. rohtically Mr. Dubois is a Republican. He is one of the pioneers of the county, and is considered one of its most reliable -!-?'• 'A ■ » ■ t j?e» — ^apt. James Judkins, Paris, Mecosta Co., was born in Hehnont Co., Ohio, March 24, 1825. His fatlier, Dr. James Judkins, was a native of North Carolina, and came to Ohio at an early date, where he foUuwcil the prac- tice of medicine for more than 50 years. He was a brother of Drs. Jesse and William Judkins, well known physicians of Cincinnati. His mother, Susan- nah (Boyce) Judkins, was born in rennsylvania ; both families were Quakers. 'I'he subject of this sketch was educated at the Quaker college, in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio. At the age of 22 he married Miss Mary h. Dorneck, daughter of John Doriieck, of Salona, Clin- ton Co., Pa. She was educated in the academy at that place, and afterward went with her parents to Ohio, and settled at Flushing, Belmont Co., where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Judkins have had five sons, three living and two dead. Judge Byron Judkins, of Hersey, Mich., is their eldest living son ; Lewis R. and Henry S. are telegraph operators. They also have an adopted daughter. Capt. Judkins is a Republican, and has held differ- ent township offices most creditably for many years. He enlisted May i, 1864, in the i56ih Regt. Ohio Vol. Inf., remaining in service until the close of the war. I^arles W. Pullman, farmer, sec. 16, Big Rapids Tp., was born in Oxford Co., Upper 'anada, Jan. 22, 1856. His father, George Pullman, was of English descent and born in XewVorkin 1829. He was 1 soldier in the civil war and died in captivity in Libby prison, in December, 1 863. The mother, Mary (Oamer) Pull- man, was born in 1 8 37, in (;ermany,and died in Oxford Co., Can., in December, 1863, in the same month she was left a widow. She was the mother of three chil- dren : Albert \V. was born Oct. 14, 1 858, and settled in Big Rapids Feb. 15, 1870, in company with Mr Pull- man of this sketch, (leorge R. was born in t S60 and died the following year. Mr. Pullman was married 0( t. 13, 1S80, to Mar- garet A. McCune, daughter of Samuel and Eliza (McKee) McCune, born Jan. 13, 1861, in Mecosta County. Of this marriage there is one ( hild, Oeorge R., born March 6, 1SS2. Mr. Pullman is a Republi- can in liis political views. i obert H. Bovay, farmer, sec. t^t,, Chip- pewa Tp., was born in I'rince Edward Co., '" Ameliasburg Tp., Can., Jan. 14, 1846, and ,rT is a son ot John and Minerva (Hlake) Bovay. ty His father was born in England, in August, I "792, and his mother was a native of Canada, where she still resides. Mr. Bovay was reared on a farm and received only a common-school education in his native Prov- ince. .\t the age of eight years he was " bound " to William Anderson, M. P. P., and resided under his guidance until between 19 and 20 years of age, when he went to Rochester, N. Y., anrf thence to the Che- mung River, where he worked two months in a saw- mill; then worked on a farm in Canada six months, during which time volunteers were called out, and he enlisted, going to Prescott, ("an., for a short time; then was on a farm on Prince Edward Island three months longer, where he had been previously en- gaged. He was then at Saginaw until 1868, in the lumber camps winters, and working at saw-mills during the intervening summers. He then came to Chippewa Tp. and bought 80 acres of land, which he has since increased to 120 acres. He has placed 40 acres under improvements, and has good buildings. Mr. Bovay was married May 29, 1873, to Sarah Jane, daughter of George and Mary (House) Con- nor, born in Sheffield, Can., Dec. 26, 1850. Her failicr was a native of Irelantl, and her mother was born at St. John's, N. B. The four children of the family were born as follows : W'illiam .Albert, March 6, 1874; Alice Lauretta, Nov. 27, 1876; Frankie H. and T'"annie May (twins), Jan. 4, 1883. X y^ < A r ■^^€^^ <-D|]:.> ^^^^K^ I I &5-:a M rf'^ MECOSTA COUNTY. A >5 V > Mr. Bovay is Republican in politics ; was elected District Treasurer, Jan. 22, 1882, and Justice of the homas Sales, farmer, sec. 7, Green Tp., was born in Caroline Co., Va., Aug. 4, 1823. He passed the first 18 years of his life in farming, alternating with other pursuits as occasion demanded. He left home in 1841, and went to St. Louis, Mo., going thence in 1S46 to Chicago, where he spent two years in various employments. In 1848 he came to Michigan, to en- gage in lumbering, and passed through Mecosta County, en route to the lumber camp of Delos Blodgett, in Osceola County, and was in the employ of that gentleman until 1858. In that year he bought a farm in the northern part of Creen Tp., containing 40 acres of land, where he expended labor and energy for five years, selling the property at the end of that time, and removing just across the line into Newaygo County, where he lived two years. In i860, he bought tlie farm on which he is now located in Green 'I'p , containing 88 acres of unimproved land. He has api>lied his time and efforts to the clearing and improvement of his farm to the best purpose, and has 40 acres in advanced cultivation, with a fine residence, good orchards and fi.xtures, generally in e.xcellent condition. He is esteemed among his fellow townsmen, and regarded as a valu- able and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Sales was married in i860 to Mrs. Catherine Goose, a native of Germany. Two children have been born to them: Maria L. and William T. Mrs. Sales had seven children by a former marriage : Kate, George, Margaret and Mary, now living, and Henry, Lizzie and Mary deceased. ^a-^^ jl^red B. Wood, jjliysician and surgeon, at miP -iig Kapids, was born Sept. 12, 1844, at '" Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Farnham) Wood. When he was two years old his parents moved to Williams Co., Ohio, and went a year later to De Kalb Co., Ind., where his father dieil within the same year. His mother was of Scotch lineage, and by her death six years later her seven children were fully orphaned. The little Hock — four boys and three girls — were scattered, never more to gather under the home roof. Dr. Wood co'.unienced his career as a practitioner after the manner in which children often indicate the bent of their proclivities. He experimented in surgery on small animals, and dosed with harmless compounds such persons as he could induce to yield to his importunities. He began to study early, and when 1 1 years old went to work for Wm. Mitch- ell, of Steuben Co., Ind., receiving $4 per month the first season, and a dollar additional during the second year. After that he worked for Martin Eldredge two summers, at %i a month, and went to school winters. He saved his earnings and spent the school years of 1859-60 at Hillsdale College, where he first studied anatomy. In February, 1861, he went to work for Benj. Dygert, of Steuben Co., Ind., and in May fol- lowing enlisted at Angola, in Co. A, 29th Ind. \'ol. Inf , for three years' service. He was the second en- rolled soldier from that county, and went out under Capt. J. H. M. Jenkins, rendezvoused at La Porte, Ind., and crossed the Ohio in June, 1861, from Jefi'erson- ville, Ind., to Louisville, Ky. His first smell of rebel powder was at Mumfordville, Ky., followed by engage- ments at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth (1st and 2d), Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga, where he received a gunshot wound in the head. At Liberty Gap, he was wounded in the leg by a niinie ball, and spent a few days in the hospital. On the last day of the fight at Chicka- mauga, Sept. 20, 1863, he was captured and sent to Scott's [)rison at Richmond ; was transferred success- ively to Royster, Pemberton and Belle Isle. Feb. 22, 1864, he was sent to Andersonville in the first S(piacl that peopled that (iolgotha of modern times He was transferred Sept. 7, 1864, to Savannah, and went thence to MiUen, Oct. 3, 1864. Nov. 20, fol- lowing, he was returned to Savannah. and exchanged, after spending 14 months in rebel prisons. He added largely to his medical knowledge by doing hospital duty while in cajjtivity. He had charge of the sniall-iiu.\ patients at Richmond, and as sisted in hosi)ital organization at Andersonville, Savannah and Millen. He was sent from An- napolis, Md., to Indianapolis, where he was fur- loughed 90 days, went home and returned in the k V < t k -?^.jr_ -^<^D!1>:dDv> ■^%.'^^si?^ •i^:y ^^- ^/^-^ w^^. "S. i f ^:^*^^^ V 1 t S MECOSTA COUNTY. winter of 1864 to the place last named, to be mustered out of the service of the United States. In the spring of 1865 he resumed his studies at Hillsdale. The next winter he taught school and pursued his medical course with W. Alphonso Wood, of Angola, and in the winter of 1866-7 went to Hellevuc (N. Y.) Hospital Medical College, and at- tended lectures. Dr. Wood came to Big Rapids Feb. 14, 1867, and began the practice of his profession in company with Dr. D. F. Wooley. Mecosta County was in its pioneer days, and the experiences of Dr. Wood dur- ing the next few years present a fair exhibit of the life of a physician in the early history of a lum- ber district. Big Rapids had less than 400 inhabit- ants, but it was the central point of a large section, and the lumbermen, at widely scattered points, de- pended wholly on the physicians there located, — Drs. Wooley, Whitfield and Wood. The sanitary con- ditions in the woods differed from those at local [wints. The lumbermen were in constant need of medical aid. In addition to accidents, of which there was a large percentage, the exposure and carelessness of the men at work in the woods occasioned a large amount of sickness. In the winter of 1867-8 l)r. Wood entered into a contract with all llie lumber- men on the Muskegon and its tributaries north of Big Rapids, by the terms of which each man paid him one dollar monthly, thereby securing medical treatment as his case demanded. Dr. Wood set out on his route every Monday morning, rode on horse- back an average of 68 miles daily, returning Satur- day or Sunday following. He carried with him his medicines and the mail for the lumber camps he ex- pected to visit. The woods he traversed were Indian trails or worse, and the incidents of his jour- neys included such experiences as are common to the early settlement of a lumber section. In 1870-1 Dr. Wood attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, was graduated m the lat- ter year, and in 1879 completed another course at Ft. Wayne, Ind. In 1877 he engaged in the drug trade at Big Rapids, and continued the management of that branch of business until April, 1880, when he sold out to Willard Jeffts and went to La Grange, Ind., where he fomied an association with W. A. Stewart in the drug business, combining medical practice therewith. In the winter of 1881-2 he at- 471 "^ = \^ ? tended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, and again, in the winter of 1882-3, took a jxjst gradu- ate course at the same institution. June 26, 1883, he returned to Big Rapids and resumed his career as a medical practitioner. Dr. Wood married July 20, 1865, Maty J., daugh- ter of Wm. E. and Eliza J. (Thornburgh) Sargent. The parents are of Scotch and Irish descent, and the father became a soldier of the civil war, going into the service as Lieutenant of the same company in wiiich Dr. Wood enlisted. The household of the latter includes two sons: J. Fordyce, born Jan. 13, 1868, and Phonso S., born Feb. 6, 1872. ohn S. Weidman, farmer and lumberman, '^ resident on sec. 29, Hinton Tp., was born in St. Clair Co., Mich., May 10, 1852. He t"X is a son of Evan and Harriet (Edgecomb) % Weidman, who settled in Hinton Tp. six years Y ago and still reside there. Uiit 1 the age of 25, Mr. Weidman was attending school and working on the farm, and was also employed on the rivers. He bought 40 acres of timber land in Hinton Tp., in the fall of 1876. In 1877 he was employed in lumbering on the Little Muskegon River and passed seven months in that occupation, then settled on his tract of 80 acres he liad bought for a homestead. He built a frame house, and spent five months clearing his farm, then returned to liis lumbering interests on the Big Muskegon, where he was occupied nearly eight months. He has continued ever since to alter- nate farm labors with lumbering. He has added to his farm and other land until he owns 600 acres, witli 60 acres under an advanced state of cultivation. Mr. W'eidman was married at Big Rapids, July 3, 1877, to Maggie E., third daughter of William G. and Mary (Plimi)ton) Mitchell, who was born in A-^tna Tp., Nov. 4, 1847. They have two children, — Ten- ora D., born Sept. 8, 1S78, and Mildred A., Aug. i, 1880. Mrs. Weidman is a memljcr of the Congrega- tional Church. Mr. Weidman deserves tlie trilmte due to every self-made man. He began in the world ov\\y with his hands, his energy and determination as farmer and lumberman, and has reached a social and financial status that compares fairly with the records of other M'ry- — ^"- ^' --^ X • > w V. r h A • ^ • V ( f t. • !M>r^:)«^^- '7<>DU:r^ ^ 472 ry MECOSTA COUNTY. % A ^^: V ^ leading men of Mecosta Count)^ In politics he is a Rei)ul)lican. We present a portrait of Mr. Weidman in this book. ^ % h lonzo Vangilder, farmer, sec. 6, Big Rap- ids, was born Feb. 24, 1824, in Onondaga ?3': '•■■/ '-°-> ■'^- ^1 '^"'^ '^ ''^^ third son of Ransom --•JUrf ,^1-jij A^iiba^ (Vantassel) Vangilder, the former a native of Vermont. 1 Mr. Vangilder left his native State and settled in Wisconsin in 1846, and resided in that State princi- pally until 1865. He was married at Foud du Lac, Wis., Oct. 22, 1854, to Maria Williams, who was born Jan. 16, 1826, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. In August, 1865, Mr, Vangilder came to Mecosta Co., Mich., and settled in the township of Big Rapids, where he now owns 100 acres of land, with 40 acres in tillage, 20 acres cleared for pasturage and 40 acres of good timbered land. Mr. and Mrs. Vangilder have had four daughters and two sons: Hannah M., Annis R., Mary E., James R. (died in February, 1881), Clara L. and Grant. Mr. Vangilder enlisted in the war of the Rebellion Aug. 31, 1864, enrolling in Co. A, 38th Wis. Vol. Inf., on what was known as the "one-year call." Mr. V. was honorably discharged June 2, 1865, the war be- ing practically ended. He is a Republican in poli- tics. '' I - - ' -^ ^ V /"f. ^ lanson B. Schofleld, farmer, sec. 32, Chip- '.\zJ.'JJl. pewa Ti)., was born in Orange Co., N. Y., ^I'i Aug. 10, 18 1 9. His [)arents, Reuben and .^bT Ruth (Kelley) Schofield, were natives of Ver- .'-' niont, and removed to the State of New York, ■ where they resided 30 years, after which they located in Branch Co., Mich. After a residence there of five years they again moved, going to St. Joseph Co., Mich, where they ultimately died. Mr. Schofield came to Branch County with his parents, and was there interested in farmmg for 20 years, on a farm of 160 acres. His first change of locality was to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, and there he engaged three years in land traffic. He came back to Branch Co., Mich., bought 100 acres of land, and carried on farming two years, when he again sold out and went to Polk Co., Iowa, and there engaged in farming between two and three years. He again liberated himself, and traveled in the Eastern States for a time. On his return he came to Mecosta County, and in the fall of 1875 bought 160 acres of land in Chippewa Tp., and again became practically interested in farming. He has continued to add to his landed possessions until he now owns 640 acres in Chippewa Tp., and is the most extensive land- holder within its limits. He owns also 100 acres of land in the township of Martiny. In regard to the principles of national government he is a Re- publican. Mr. Schofield was first married in 1840, to Cor- delia Schofield, a native of Orange Co., N. Y., who died in 1841, leaving one child, .4nna C. He was a second time married, to Rachel Bates, born in the State of New York. She died in 1857, leaving a daughter who bears her name. The third and present wife of Mr. Schofield was Delilah Bates, a sister of his second wife, by whon\ he has three children, — Robert R., Essa May and Bertha D. ^ t i I ||fWiil|,, urelle P. Glidden, Attorney at Big Rapids pl lJ'.iy/i ^' (firm of Glidden & Marsh), was born in ff^'"^ Orleans Co., N. Y., June 12, 1S50. He is %^^ son of Oliver D. and Adaline L. (Coy) Glid- den. His father was a farmer, and in the fall of 1 8s 2 removed with his family to Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Mich., where he engaged in farming and afterward in mercantile business. Young Glid- den attended the public school until he was 16, when he taught a term or two in the common schools. The following year he matriculated at Hillsdale Col- lege, and was graduated in the Latin Scientific Course, with the degree of B. S., in the class of 1873. Meantime, he had taught a year in the high school at Paw Paw as assistant, and another as Principal of the public schools at South Haven, Mich. During his teaching and college course he had been reading law, and after graduation at college entered the office of Hon. James Gould, of Jackson, Mich., where he continued his legal studies until February, 1874, when he was admitted to the Bar. In Marchi A )«^^- ■K-^D!l:M- — ^^^^r- -*«ft--?^ T-SSSS <:l I t A V I i i MECOSTA 1874, he opened an office at Paw Paw, remaining there until September, 1875, when he came to Big Rapids and entered upon the practice of his pro- fession. He formed his present partnershij) with E. J. Marsh, April i, iT COUNTY. Grand Rapids and remained nearly eight months, going thence to Cadillac, Mich., and was in the em- ploy of Hicks & Peck for 13 months. This engage- ment was ended I5y the burning of his employer's store. He went to Cedar Springs, Kent Co., and was there em])loyed fouryears. In September, 1881, he came to Morley, bought the building and lot he now occui)ie3, and has a fine stock of hardware, agri- cultural implements and farmers' tools, and is man- aging a flourishing and increasing trade, ranking among the first business men of the town. Mr. Pelton was married at Grand Rapids, Mich. July 5, 1877, to Mary A., eldest daughter of J. S. and Nancy L (VVeeden) Wright, who was born in \\'alker Tp., Kent Co., Feb. 12, 1854. They have one child, La Verne A., born April 16, 1879. In politics Mr. Pelton has always been a Republican ; has been Village Assessor, and was Township Clerk of Solon Tp., Kent Co., one year, but on removal resigned the [XJSt. t 'f- Vs^ V acob J. Tallman, farmer, sec. 34, Chip- pewa Tp., was born in the City of New PS^IP^ York, July 10, 183 1. His father, John J- Tallman, was born in Rockland Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1796, and was a farmer, carrying on that business for a number of years, when he sold his farm and went to New York city, where he resided eight years. He purchased a house at Hack- ensack, N. J., and engaged in real-estate tranbactions until his death, which transpired in 1875. The mother was a native of New Jersey, and s still resi- dent there, in the township of Passaic. Mr. Tallman was bred on his father's farm and in the city of New York, where he attended the public schools. At the age of 25 years he came to Cass Co., Mich., and found employment in the town of Porter, where he remained 'iw^ years. He was the owner of 40 acres of land, which he purchased and put into an improved condition. Three years afterward he sold this and went to Kalamazoo, where he resumed his occuiiation of 1 laborer by the day and month, which he followed two ^ " years. 'I'aking advantage of an opportunity that (:. offered, he went to Mieldlc Tennessee, to engage in ^ bridge building on a railway, and after a stay of si.\ (? months returned to Kalamazoo, where he worked at ^ r t^(^^^ ;?;5^ -*-^- ;(][]>: nn.rV- "vi-t- >< 'M 5«^ ■7 <:^aD^>;DDi^v rr I •if r A ;<^ s ' ) -s i MECOSTA COUNTY. the Seminary about iS months. After three months' residence at Big Rapids, he moved upon his farm, which he had " proven up," containing 80 acres of land; this he began to clear and" prepare for the pur- poses of cultivation. Mr. Tallraan was married March 31, 1858, to Mrs. Electa Irene (Tyler) Truesdell, widow of Ali- merin Truesdell, who died in Sacramento city, Cal., in 1 85 1. Of her maniage with him two children were born, one of whom died in infancy. The sec- ond, Jonathan Alimerin Truesdell, was born in 1850, and died Jan. 14, 1882. Mrs. Tallman was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 16, 1829. Her father. Job Tyler, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., and was a farmer, as also a minister of the M. E. Church five years, when he became a convert to the tenets of the Seventh-Day Baptist Church, and entered its ministry, continuing his labors until his death in 1851. The mother, Sally (Davis) Tyler, was born in Vermont, and died April 21, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Tallman have had two children: Milford J., born July 19, 1863, and died July 27, 1865; Josephine Alida, born April 4, 1866. Mr. Tallman is a Republican in political senti- ment. He has been Justice of the Peace four years, and has officiated in the positions of Constable, Township Treasurer and School Assessor of Chip- pewa Township. ^•s$<4l|^$$>^ ugene F. Burdiek, teacher, residing on N^Qi'; sec. 3, Hinton Tp., is a son of Reuben S. ®)v4^"^^° and Laviuia (Bailey) Burdiek, natives of jiW the State of New York, where they now reside and where tlicir son was born, June 20, 1S50. He spent his youth in the common schools and finished his course of study at Aurora Academy, Erie County. He taught school in his native State, and on attaining his majority came to Mecosta County and located in Hinton Tp. In the spring following he bought a small tract of land, on which he built a frame house, where he now resides. Since coming to the county he has been engaged in teacli- ing, and has earned an enviable reputation in his calling. He was married April 5, 1874, in the house which he now occupies, to Evaline, youngest child of Emery and Ruby (Petiingill) Hewlett. Her [)arents were natives of the State of New York. They moved thence to Indiana and afterward to Michigan, finally settling in this County, where the father died in 1876. The mother is now residing in the Township of Wheatland. Mrs. Burdiek was born in Berrien Co., Mich., Feb. 26, 1858. She is the mother of two children, — Gertrude E., born Aug. 3, 1881, and Reu- ben R. born April 26, 1883. Mr. Burdiek is a Re- publican and has held the office of Notaiy Pul)!ic I fames Johnson, farmer and miller, resident p at Paris, this county, was born in Sandusky Sj"'^*^ Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1834, and is a son of H Lewis and Abigail (Stults) Johnson. The r father was born in Ohio, of Irish parentage, I audjnoved to Jay Co., Ind., when the son was but seven years of age, afterward removing to Port- land Co., Ind., where he died. His mother was born in Virginia, and died in 1880, at Winchester, Ind. Mr. Johnson remained with his parents until he reached the age of 19, working on the farm and learn- ing the trade of machinist. When he left home he went to Fremont, Ohio, and worked as a machinist and millwright until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted in i86i,in the 71st Ohio \o\. Inf., sta- tioned at Fremont, and was seized with an affection of the eyes which, after three months, caused his dis- charge. Afterward he enlisted in the same regiment, and was in the service nine months, when he was again discharged, on account of sickness. Ou leaving the army he went to Ohio, bought a saw-mill and interested himself in lumbering, operat- ing until Sept. i, 1S64, when he enlisted a third time, enrolling in the 64th Ohio Vol. Inf., the regi- ment being attached to the command of Gen. Thomas, and was in the service until the termination of the war. Returning to Ohio, he resumed the pro- fession of millwright. In 1868 his place of business was burned, and he lost everything. He came at once to Mecosta Co., Mich., and located at Paris, where he followed the callings of millwright and miller. In 1875 he bought a farm on sec. 15, where he is now engaged in agriculture, and continues to manage his mill for the accommodation of the coun- try trade. Mr. Johnson was married to Bridget Mulholland, a %\^^^ \p; C ^ tS'.: ^-^ -^A,- ■^<^D!l>:ili]i>v^ — ^^^f^ -4*^^ m I |h/^)5e^t|« ^<€^ MF.COSTA COUNTY. t A V I native of Ireland, and daughter of Owen ard Bridget It was first in actional Bull's Run (2d), wliere an engagement lasting only 15 minutes (Aug. 29) cost 477 "S Mulholland. Four cliildren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, three of whom are living, vi/. : Francis, Mary Ellen and Sarah Jane; James is de- ceased. In his political principles, Mr. J. is a Democrat. - ^ •d» 5— -}- •.ol. Nathan H. Vincent, resident at Big pfa^^; Kapids, was born in Allegany Co., N. V., Dec. 5, 1839. His parents, David and Freegift ■^r (Saunders) Vincent, resided 50 -years on a farm in Almond Tp., Allegany Co., N. Y., and died there in the fall of 1866, the demise of the father occurring three months before that of the mother. A few months after Col. Vincent had attained his majority, the country was convulsed by civil war. It roused to activity every sentiment of loyal patriotism existing in the North ; it taught men how strong were their own unrecognized love and fealty for home and country; it brought to the altar of the Union the best blood in the land, and developed to the awe-stnick and wondering nations of the earth the imperishable character of American institutions. Col. Vincent enlisted Aug. 29, 1861, in Ilornells- ville, N. v., in Co. D., 86th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Capt. D. S. Ellsworth, and his rc;;imcnt was mustered into ser- vice at Elmira. After six months' service as a private, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and suc- cessively to those of Sergeant and Sergeant Major, and Feb, 15, 1863, was commissioned Second Lieu- tenant. May 3, following, he was promoted to be Captain of his Company. His commissions as Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel followed in swift succession, and after a command of eight months he brought the regiment to Elmira, where it was mus- tered out, .\ug. 5, 1865. On leaving Palmira tlie 86th N. Y. Regt. proceeded to Washington, and was engaged during the winter building fortifications for the defense of the Capital. Early in the spring it was assigned to detached ser- vice in Washington and Georgetown, and did provost guard duty until the return of the Army of the Poto- mac from the Peninsula Campaign under McClellan, when it joined the army at Manassas Junction, and was assigned to the command of Fitz-John Porter. 1 Jr.'.-^ the senior Captain killed, and Captain Ellsworth the regiment upwards of 200 men. Col. Vincent was wounded below the knee, and was sent to the hospital, where he remained until the following morn- ing. As the coming daylight streaked the east, he discovered that the Union forces had moved to the heights at Centreville, and the rebels were advancing to occupy the ground held the previous day by the Federal soldiers. He pressed two fence pickets into service for crutches, and made his way to a ruined bridge, crept across on a stringer, and joined the army. He recovered in time to participate in the destruc- tion of Fredericksburg. May 2, 1863, he was again under fire at Chancellorsville, at the close of what is on record as exceeding in disaster any previous campaign in which the Federal army had been engaged. The loss in officers of the 86th at Chancellorsville was terrific. Ceneral Whipple, on the first day, led a rcconnoitering force toward the left from the point held by the right wing (Howard's corps), and at- tacked the rear guard of Stonewall Jackson. Mean- while the latter made his daring Hank movement with his advance, and utterly routed the right wirg. After some hours' severe figluing, Gen. \\'hipple fell back to an open field in the vicinity of the position whence the " right " had been driven. It was after nightfall, and the rebel pickets surrounded the field on three sides, a portion following in the rear of the withdrawing force and closing in, while the other sides were guarded by pickets from Jackson's force holding the former position of Gen. Howard. The night was thus spent, and at break of day it was dis- covered that the enemy's pickets had not joined on the side nearest the Union forces, and the beleaguered troops under Gen. Whipjjle availed themselves of the promise thereby afibided, and made a precipitate bolt, followed by the rebels. The soldiers crossed a ravine and met Gen. Hooker with his forces, who joined battle with the troops under Jackson. Whijjple's men moved to a position to support Hooker's batteries, but were obliged to cross the ravine on the right to intercept the enemy marching a|.' "n the Union lines. Under the severe fire to which the 86th was subjected, the Lieutenant Colonel com- ounded, ^ vorth ol "^ % A. £ ^ sj -^ r I I 'Si ^)(^fl«" T • ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. Co. D fell at the side of Col. Vincent. Whipple's men came up into the road, but an enfilading fire compelled them forward toward the batteries which they had previously supported, to find them fallen back to the Chancellor House, whither they follow- ed, and while yet heated and panting were ordered back to the relief of a regiment that had been cut off. The destruction of officers had been so great that it was next to impossible to determine who was the legitimate leader, and Col. Vincent, the junior Sec- ond Lieutenant, assumed command, led back the regiment, rescued the organization and flag, but lost more men of his own force than he saved of the regi- ment he delivered. He was covered with blood from a scalp wound, and while standing amcjVig the battle- stained men. Gen. Whipple came up and advised him to go to the rear. Col. Vincent e.xpressed his deter- mination to abide with the regiment. His General marked him for promotion and moved on. A few minutes later they were once more in action, below the Chancellor House, where Col. Vincent received another scalp wound, a slij;ht injury in the right arm, and another in the right hip. Gen. Whipple was shot, and his duty devolved on others. The regiment was next engaged in a fight at Bev- erley's Ford, whither they went on a forced march, and did effective service, capturing the rebel head- quarters, with papers outlining Lee's plans for carry- ing the war into ALaryland and Pennsylvania. The rebel chief found himself unexpectedly on the eve of battle, and his hopes scattered like autumn leaves when it became certain that two years of indecisive war had lulled his sagacity blinded his judgment, and inveigled him into premature battle. The 86th N. Y. Regt. was prominent through the Gettysburg campaign, where it did heroic service in repulsing the impetuous attack of the corps of Gen. Longstreet, July 2, 1S64. Being in Sickles' corjis, he participated in several actions along the route of the Orange & Alexandria railroad, and in the valley of the Shenandoah. It was transferred to the command of Gen. Hancock, and went into action at the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, having 770 etjuipped men. The struggle ended seven days later, but at roll-call at the close of May 10, only 50 men of the 86th re- sponded to their names. Col. (then Capt.) Vincent was disabled by gun- shot wounds in the left arm and thigh, and was off duty three months. His left arm was badly shat- tered, and has never recovered. He was an inmate of Seminary Hospital at Georgetown, until sufficiently well for furlough. At the end of 60 days he went to the Convalescent Hospital at Annapolis, Md., and was sent thence on detached duty to Camp Gilmore Concord, N. H., where he was occupied in the duties attendant upon the assignment of recruits. In November he made application to be relieved, and joined his command before Petersburg. On his way he stopped at Albany, and received his intermediate and final commissions from Gov. Seymour, and assumed command of his regiment as its Lieutenant Colonel. Soon afterward he ijecame Colonel in verity, and took part in the closing conflicts of the spring of 1865, among tliem Hatcher's Run, Peters- burg (final battle), and the other engagements in pursuit of Lee, until the surrender of the latter to the Federal authority at Appomattox Court-House. The regiment went thence to Beeksville Junction, and on to Washington for the Grand Review. Col. Vincent hears on his body seven scars — the ineffaceable credentials of his bravery on the field. The regimental flag of 1864 is preserved at Albany, N. v., with the record of the year and the following statements : " This flag was received at Brandy Sta- tion, Va., in March, 1864 : " and " Four Color-bearers have fallen beneath its folds." This was but one of several flags carried by the "86th " during the war. Col. Vincent returned to Hornellsville, where he went into business as a real-estate broker, and oper- ated three years, officiating also as policeman and ticket agent of the Erie railroad. \\\ May, 1868, he came to Big Rapids, where he purchased a lot and built a residence, which he sold soon after, and bought the well-known Stimson farm, containing 280 acres of land, situated on the north border of the city of Big Rapids, and lying on sees. 3 and 4, Big Rapids Tp. On this he moved, and followed farm- ing about II years. He has made considerable im- provements, and still owns the place. Li 1881, he bought 25 acres adjoining his farm. In the spring of 1883 he sold 21 acres off the southern extremity. He also owns two lots in the rear of the Northern Hotel, each 240 x 60 feet; two lots adjoining, front- ing on State street, 50 x 150 feet, on one of which he [jroiioses to erect his residence. He is engaged in breeding trotting slock, in which he takes great pride and satisfaction. c C), A >K r ®/)«^t#«- Sl^^ ^^llDv> 4^^f® -:^^^^ enK^D D >: Uli^ i^r -:2^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. "?; ^ ^ A :< ■ r * V -S Col. Vincent was married at HornellsvlUe, N. Y., Feb. i6, 1864, to Angeline Ellsworth, sister of Capt. Ellsworth, and a daughter of Horace and Susan Ellsworth, born in New York, Dec. 22, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent have two children: Clara A., born at Hornellsville, May 7, 1865, and Daniel H.,boni at Big Rapids, Sept. 7, 1869. In the fall of 1S76, Col. Vincent was eleon an apathetic people. The sentiment of the Englishman who scornfully informed the parties at Big Rapids with whom he was negotiating, where C news was received of the disaster at Bull Run, that their business was off because they had no country, was identical with that which filled the North with unutterable shame, and awakened her hidden lieroes to a sense that men were needed at the front. The young Vincent, in the first flush of his untrammeled existence, only saw one fact, — that the time to act had come, and the emergency demanded promptness and self-abnegation. The story has already been told in brief, but in the cause wherein was the- ele- ment of success is contained a lesson that the young men of this generation might consider with profit. In a cursory review of the facts of his career he was asked concerning the governing impulse of which he was conscious. " I only realized an earnest desire to understand my duty," was the resjxjnse which merits permanent record, both as an exponent of its author's character and in what it may mean to others. On reaching his post of duty, his incompetency irt military detail led Col. Vincent to strive in every way to remedy the defect, and lie devoted all the time and opportunity he could control to that pur- pose. His aiiparent proficiency in acquiring the details of mililaiy tactics obtained his rapid advance- ment through the non-conmiissioned grades of [iromo- tion : his bravery in action did the rest. Like jxiets, leaders are born. The grandest development of the civil war was the exhibit to the world of what stuff Americans are made ; how quiet men, moving in humble walks in life, rise to heights reached by few others under the impelling power of an unheralded emergency. Fore- thouglit and self-knowledge are the foundation of Col. Vincent's achievements, in whatever avenue he acts. He needs no eulogy : his record is his crown of fame, but its luster pales in the glory of his perfect and pre-eminent manhood. His portrait on page 476, enhances the value of this volume. ^PgiUlen Chapin, merchant at Morley, is a son ^*' of James and Mary A. (Rice) Chapin, the father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of New York. At the age of 1 2 years Mr. Chapin left home to enter ujion his life work alone. He was engaged in farming and other occupations until 18 years of age, when he i^n rented a large dairy farm in Illinois, which he man- ^ A r ®i ^KgX ^1- -^^^ -^mn > 480 rmr i>: 'V -^a^^^^ -4^^C<®V^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. aged one year. His parents had moved to Michigan where they were pioneers, and Mr. Chapin has passed his life at different points in Michigan, Ohio and In- diana. In tlie fall of 1868 he came to Morley and has since resided here uninterruptedly. He carries on a general merchandise business, with an average slock of $5,000. He is also owner of 40 acres of land in the township of Deerfield, 20 acres of which is cleared. He is independent in political sentiment and action, and has occupied the positions of Town- ship Clerk and Village 'I'rustee, and has declined several offices to which he was elected. Mr. Chapin was married at Logansport, Ind., June 12, 1862, to Carrie, daughter of William and Nancy Warner, who was born Jan. g, 1S45. They have one child, Frank, born Feb. 29, 1864. V ^ 4— ^~^^S%-orn, two of whom are deceased. In 1S64, Mr. McDuffie became a Union soldier, and was in the campaign under Gen. Shemian. He returnt"d at the close of the war to tind his wife a hoi>cless suffeivr under the ravages o{ consumption, of which she died in 1867. Mr. McDuffie was again married in i8o8, to Elvira, youngest child of Andrew and Jane (Day) McFarlin, lK)m in Ohio, in 1S35. Her father was bom in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 17 82. His parents came ' with their family to America in 1796, and the son ^ Andrew iHv.ime a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. McDuffS- came to Mecosta County in 1871 and established himself in the township of Big y ^'V-^ Rapids. He is the present Township Clerk, and has held the position six years. Mrs. McDufifie is serv- ing the township as School Inspector, and is the first lady incumbent of that office in Mecosta County, re- ceiving her appointment from the Township .School Board. r alorus W. Bruce, editor and proprietor of the Big Rapids Cm rent, was born in Leslie, Ingham Co., Mich , March 26, 1843. His V father, William Bruce, was a native of Massa- chusetts, born Sept 12, 18 18, and was a black- P smith by trade. His mother, Diantha C. (Rice) Bruce, was born in Vermont, Dec. 22, 1822. Mr. Bruce, in early life, was for a brief season em- ployed in his father's shop, after which, until the age of 19. he interested himself in agriculture. On the outbreak of the Rebellion he shared the enthusiasm of the hour, and, despite the fact of his minority, enrolled himself as a private soldier in Co. .•\, 17th Mich. Inf.. Capt. L. L. Comstock. He was in the service iS months, and was in action at Fredericksburg and Vicksburg. .^t the battle of Campbell's Station, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1863, during Longstreel's advance on Knoxville, he received a severe wound, which resulted in the loss of his right leg. He. with 19 others, was captured by the rebels, and placed in a field hospital. He was carefully nursed by Mrs. Nancy S. Galbraith, a Union widow- lady ; and when the countr\- was once more at peace he made a practical exhibit of his gratitude by secur- ing to her from the general Government a just remuneration for her services. Mr. Bruce was discharged at Detroit, March 4. 1S64. The use and advantages of a more extended edu- cation to one in his circumstances became a fixed conviction during his illness, and on recovery he entered college at .-Vdrian, Mich., and there pursued his studies until 1867, when he obtained a position as clerk in the office of the Auditor-General at Lansing. He discharged the duties of the situation continuously until May, 1870. At that date he came to Big Rapids and established himself in business as a book and stationery dealer. He continued his trade until the autumn of 1S76, when he sold his interests. During the session of 187 1, he acted as Engrossing and Enrolling Cleit of the Michigan House of Rep- r 4 kj.R^'ir -^^^fV^ <'00>:DOr>^ ^^^5^ ->^^«V s> ii cJif' , C/''AS^r/£t>€<:>fC . •■■■^a^'' s Qy^-yyi-'i^- (yAt-^oCt^'icJk^ k\ ©"AV^®^** -^^^^^K- •rr T<^DD:<>:CDr>r ■5<^^>C- f v' V ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. resentatives, at Lansing, and while absent at his post his name was placed on the Union ticket of Big Rajjids as a candidate for City Recorder. He was elected and served one year. At the Legislative Assembly of 1877, he was elected Postmaster of tlie two Houses. In June, 1877, .Mr. Bruce commenced his career as an editor, by the purchase of the Recorii, at Howard City, Montcalm Co., which he managed until 1879. On the 6th of February of that year, associated with \V. F. Slawson, lie founded tlic I'lig Rapids Ciimiit, and soon afterward sold the Howard Record. .After a partnership of a few months he jnirchased the interest of Mr. Slawson. The Current is a creditable representative of the Republican press, anil is ably and consistently con- ducted. It is the official newspaper of the county, is (piarto in size, and has eight pages of seven col- umns each. It has the largest circulation in tlie county, and, mechanically, is an evidence of the good taste of its manager. It is printed on a fine Camp- bell i)ress. The office receives a considerable amount of job patronage. Mr. Bruce was married in Creeii Tp., Mecosta Co., Oct. 22, 1873, to Maria, daughter of Jesse A. and Caroline Barker. She was born in Cascade Tp., Kent Co., Mich., Dec. 19, T847, whither her parents came to Mecosta County in 1855, as pioneers. They made the journey to Green Tp. from the city of Grand Rapids with an ox team, coming all the way through the woods. Mrs. Bruce was educated at Grand Rapids and Muskegon, and began her labors as teacher at the age of fifteen, and continued them until her marriage. Herself and sisters were prominent among the pioneer educators of Mecosta County. .Mr. Barker, her father, was Chairman of the first Board of Supervisors of the county, and was its first Probate Judge. In 1872, Mrs. Bruce was appointed to the charge of the money-order department of the ixjstoffice at Big Rapids, under her uncle, Thomas Lazell, Post- master. The abilities of Mrs. Bruce are in rei|uisi- tion co-ordinately with those of her husband in the publication of the Current, in whose profits and resix)nsibilities she is with him e([ually interested. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have one child, Carrie C"., born at Big Rapiils, Jan. 13, 1876. Mr. Bruce is a zealous member of the M. E. Church, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday- school since 187 1, e.xcept during his brief residence at Howard City. 483 <^ i» t s. ■^w V <-tlD li Frederick, Siieriff of Mecosta Co., resi- > dent at Big Rapids, was born near North Liberty, Knox Co., Ohio, -Aug. 24, 1843, ^^ and is a son of Christian P. and Esther (Divel- K bess) Frederick. When he was 14 years old ! his parents moved to Richland Co., Ohio, where his father bought a saw and grist mill, and, in addi- tion to the management of these, followed agricul- ture. Mr. Frederick was trained to active liabits, and at the age of 17 commenced to prepare himself for the vocation of blacksmith, which he followed about two and a half years. In 1863, he yielded to tlie influ- ences which controlled men and events, and enlisted at Mansfield, Richland Co., (^hio, in Co. G, 71st Ohio Vol. Inf , and served in the ranks until the close of the war. He was in action at Pulaski, Franklin and Nashville, besides being in a number of skir- mishes, and was discharged at San .\ntonio, Texas, Oct. 16, 1865. He returned to his home and trade in Ohio, and pursued farming to some e.xtent. In the fall of i868 he came to Big Rapids and opened a blacksmith shop, in company with a Mr. Chellis, which they managed about 18 months. Mr. Chellis was succeeded by James M. Parkhill and the last relation existed about four years, the firm selling out their Inisiness in 1874. Mr. Frederick bought a half interest in the carriage and wagon manufacturing establishment of L. C". Lincoln. The concern continued to transact busi- ness until the fall of 1882, when Mr. Frederick was elected Sheriff of the county on the Fusion ticket, running against Arnold Ely. His majority was 433 votes, showing an advance of nearly a thousand votes ahead of his ticket. He was married in Big Rapids Jan. 24, 1S70, to Anna, daughter of James and Susan Cooper, a native of England, born .\ug. 24, 1850. They have three children: Harley E., Cora M. and Lora E. Mr. Frederick is a member of the Order of Masonry and belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows. He has been Supervisor of the Second Ward two years and \^\m>^— — --^-'^ -'-^^^ • >' r A V k 1 % ®))«^rrr 4^^f MECOSTA COUNTY. He is of a speculative tuni of mind, and has f always been engaged more or less in handling real estate, which is now his sole business. He owns his f residence on State street, 80 acres of farming land on '^ sec. 22, Grant Tp.,80 acres in Newaygo, and a house ^ ) ; born Dec. 7, 1835, at Forty Fort, Luzerne Co., Pa. At 15 lie left home and proceeded \^ u|) the west branch of tlie Susquelianna River to [.ock Haven, where he jiassed three years in the occupation of lumberman, when he arranged to per- fect himself in the details of the carpenter's trade. I G A ^. to) ^tDDiD-V^^" ^^^^^ l-« I 11 j'.^- '<^^A Cf-^^^^^ C^-~ 'r-Iii'" kiTr»;-;< /^/^®)$«^#- -:^f^^ t /N V ■ ' ) 1 MECOSTA COUNTY. "Z^t^'^ and spent two and a half years in the prosecution of 'i^ this calling. In the simng of 1858 he came to Big Rapids. While (•// route he reached (Irand Rapids and paid three dollars to be conveyed to this place. He was accompanied by other travelers of similar destination; and soon after leaving Grand Rapids he and one of his companions became disgusted willi their tardy progress, and made their way on foot, outstripping the stage by several hours. At that date there were but two residences on the west side of the river. He worked as a carpenter at Big Rapids and bought of Zera French a block in the Third Ward; also some lots in the First Ward, and continued to work at this trade until the advent of tlie civil war. Yielding to the influence which swayed the entire North, Mr. Montonye enlisteii, Feb. 22, 1862, in Co. E, Third Mich. Cav., Capt. Lattimer. His regiment was attached to the Western army, and he was in active service at the battles of Shiloli, luka, Corinth (first and second), and was taken prisoner at Rocky Ford, Miss. He was first sent to Mobile, and suc- cessively to Richmond, Andersonville and Savannah. He spent eleven months in captivity, undergoing all the horrors whose unparalleled activity stand out in bold relief on the events of modern warfare. At the expiration of that period he was exchanged, and in June, 1865, was discharged from service, at Baton Rouge, La. On his return to Big Rapids he embarked in mer- cantile traffic, in company with Charles Shafer. Their store was located on part of the site of the Furniture block, and the business relation existed three years, when Mr. Montonye sold hisinterest and built a livery stable on Michigan avenue, in com- pany with George B. Jones. Two years later he sold to his partner, and since that time has been operat- ing in scaling logs for various lumber firms. Mr. Montonye resides in the Fourtli Ward, on Woodward avenue. He owns 15 acres of land in that precinct, and two city lots and barn on .Maple street, rented and occupied by an omnibus line, and also owns the dry-goods store on Michigan avenue, tenanted by S. Wildberg. He was married at Grand Rapids, to Amanda Eggleston, a native of Connecti- cut. She died at Evart, Osceola Co., and Mr. Mon- tonye was again married at Big .Springs, Ottawa Co., in January, 188^, to Mrs. Lydia Demond. lie be- 489 \ longs to the Order of Masonry, and during the first ^ year of his residence here was elected Constable, A holding the office one year. *•',■• 1 ^SgsrtjSi m 5^?^>(it T-K^^DH -jj,j_5-_*,on. William Ladner, Probate Judge of Me- |-||^ali costa County, residing in Me' Co., Mich., where the father and mother died. ^ William was kept in school until his parents came V/ to the United States. His father purchased a farm ^ of 80 acres in the township where he located, and his son became his assistant, remaining on the home place until he was 20 years of age. He then came to Muskegon and interested himself in lumbering, operating winters and engaging in farm labor sum- mers. In 1856 he settled in Mecosta County and bought a timbered tract, 80 acres in e.xtent, in Mecosta Tp., then an annexation of the township of Leonard (now i5ig Rapids). Mr. Ladner brought his i' inherited energy and perseverance to bear uiwn the portion of wilderness of which he had become the possessor, and added to its dimensions by purchase, until he now has a valuable farjn of 440 acres, with 240 acres under the best improvements. Mr. Ladner has been identified with the interests of his township since his first location therein, and has held most of the positions of trust in the man- agement of its local affairs. In 1876 he was placed in nomination by the Republicans of the county for I'robate Judge, and receiveil a decisive majority over Dr. Gruber, of .Mtona, opposition candidate. In the fall of 1880 he was again the successful nominee of K r * .' ^(V^ tl^ ^ ^ w r^ J 490 -7-7<^Ill]/>;DIli>r- MECOSTA COUNTY. 1^^^ his party, running against Wni. Warren, of Hinton Tp. Judge Ladner has been a member of the Masonic fraternity 20 years. He resides on liis farm, located five and a half miles from Big Rapids, and drives to the city during the sessions of court. He was married in the township of Big Prairie, Newaygo Co., Mich., Aug, 21, t86o, to Lucy A. Howe, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Howe, who was born in Pennsylvania, March 12, 1843. Their family includes seven children: Linnie, Fred, Harry, James, Eugene, Allen R. and Florence. Judge Ladner has never had occasion to call a physician to treat his children, and has always man- aged his affairs so judiciously that he has never needed the services of a lawyer. -tec- illiam Miller, farmer, sec. 10, Grant Tp., .. „ was horn in Glasgow, Scotland, April 15, '"^l^yf 1838. His parents, John and Mary Mil- ler, came to the United States in 1842, and l^-y ■> settled at Mooers, N. Y., where the mother lived but a sliort time. Not long after her death, the father returned to Scotland, and there passed the remainder of his days. After the death of his mother Mr. Miller went to C'anada, and there found a home with a farmer, with whom he remained until he was 15 years old. ill 1S53 he returned to Mooers, N. Y., and three years later went to Orwell, Vt. He remained two years in the Green Mountain State, and then went to Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y. Three years afterward he returned to Orwell, where he was married Sept. 14, 1859, to Emily, daughter of John and Susan Rogers, who was l-orn in West Haven, Vt., Oct. 11, 1S39. Her father is still living, in (.rant T|). Her mother died April 16, 1875, in Orwell. Mr. Miller enlisted Dec. 16, 1863, in Co. K, i ith Vt. Heavy Artillery, and was detailed for duty at Fort 'I'otten, Washington, 1). C, where he continued until the following spring. In May, 1864, his regi- ment was sent to the front, and he was first initiated ■'■*? into the merits of war, with all the accompaniments / of fierce battle, at Laurel Hill, Va. The fights at fjy. Petersburg and Cold Harbor followed in swift suc- 1® cession, and his command was sent on to guard the ^> Weldon Railroad. The force was cajjtured by the V ) ^m rebels, taken to Libby Prison, and held there a week, when they were transferred to Danville, and thence to Andersonville, arriving in time to witness the exe- cution of six Union soldiers for the crime of stealing from their comrades in bondage, a proceeding which received the sanction of the Confederate and United States authorities. On Sherman's appearance within the borders of Georgia, the prisoners were removed to Millin, where they were retained a short time, and then taken back to Andersonville, w-here, two weeks later, the stockade was broken by heavy rains, and the captives were sent to Savannah. P'our weeks later they were remanded for the third time to Andersonville. In November, Mr. Miller was sent again to Savannah to be paroled, and while waiting suffered all the miseries of cold, nakedness, disease and exposure, froze his feet badly, and lay on the ground in the bitter atmosphere without covering. When he was sent to the parole camp at Annapolis, Md., he was in so exhausted a condition that he was carried from the steamer on a stretcher. He re- covered somewhat, and received a furlough of 60 days. When the time expired he joined the Union forces once more, returning just in time for the final assault on Petersburg. His discharge papers bear date June 17, 1865. In the fall of 1868 Mr. Miller came to Michigan and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres of valu- able land, on which he is now resident. He is a member of the G. A. R. The Miller household in- cludes two children: Mary E., born Sept. 16, 1862; and Julia, July 30, 18S0. I^^L orest W. Aldrich, wagon-maker, Millbrook ^^JL village, was born in the township of MIll- r'^ '■- brook, Aug. 28, i860. His father's family were the first white settlers in the township, ...^ removing there in 1859 and settling on sec. '4. { His mother, Sarah J. (Decker) Aldrich, is still living, and is a sister of Peter, James and John Decker. (See sketches). Leonard Aldrich, her first husband, and father of Mr. Aldrich of this sketch, died, and Mrs. Aldrich was married to J. S. Denney, brother of W. F. Denney, who died leaving seven children. She was married a third time, to Hazen Aldrich, brother of her first husband, and lives on :«:Dn;>ir«i— I I ^ I 4i^jf 1^ tt^< 1>$«^T ^> iJfe-. 49' A V ) I 5ec. !. F. W. Aldrich was the oldest of three chil- dren, and was the first white child born in the town- shij), receiving his name, Forest, from tlie forest in whose depths his conscious existence commenced. He obtained such education as the facilities of that l>eriod afforded, attending school as opiJOrtunily served, until the age of 17 years. In 1877 his parents removed to Montcalm County, where he was emi)loyed two years in a shingle mill ; he afterward returned to Millbrook, where he has since been en- gaged in the manufacture of wagons, and manages a repair shop. He is independent in politics. ^*HJH»^ wjt'enjamin F. Woolworth, Morley, harness- ^3^ maker, was born in St. Joseph Co., Mich., Aug. 29, 1846. He is a son cf Benjamin '/if'^ and Sarah Woolworth, the latter born in 'i Pennsylvania, the former in New York. Mr. ! Woolworth was apprenticed in 1869, to learn the trade which he is now pursuing. His engage- ment lasted three years, and he entered the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co., and there continued eight years. In 1879, with a capital of S90, he established liis present business at Morley, and now owns a fine stock of goods peculiar to his line of trade, and is free from debt. In politics Mr. Woolworth is a Re- publican. He was married at Elkhart, Ind., about 1873, to Lizzie Ross, whose parents were of .Swiss nativity. Charles H. and Frederick B. are the names of their children. li Hathaway was born in Lewis Co., N. V'., July 25, 1820; he is a son of Henry and Lucy (Seavill) Hathaway, natives of New York: they settled in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1842 the father died in Allegan Co., Mich., and the mother came to Mecosta County, where she died in 1880. Although his advantages for an early education Were limited, Mr. Hathaway managed by his own ef- forts to obtain sufificient learning to enable him to teach school, which he did several terms. He has '' *" '''^ bridge, Mass., Jan. 30, 1S36. % followed farming principally through life. He was married in .-Xllegan Co., Mich., in 1850, to Sarepta, fl- daughter of Silas and Polly Nicholas; she was born -i in Berrien Co., Mich., in October, 1828. They have had the following children: Mary, wife of Timothy Haughy; Lina, wife of William King; Henry; Ed- ward E. ; Lucy; and Matilda, deceased. Mr. Hathaway is an uncompromising Rei)ublican and prohibitionist. He has held nearly all the town- ship offices; was Justice of the Peace several years. He is a member of the M. E. Church. He came to Mecosta County in 1869, settling in Big Rapids, and now owns a farm of 60 acres, in Creen Tj). i |tQ'?J?' tephen R. Crandell, Assistant Postmaster at Big Rapids, was born in West Stock- He is a son «^^ of Stephen W. and Harriet (Frisbee) Crandell. His mother died when he was a few weeks old, and soon afterward his father removed to Columbia Co., N. Y., where he was placed in charge of Mrs. Starks, of Whiting's Pond. He remained with her until he was three years old, when his father was again married, and he was taken to Hud- son, where the family resided. He received a good common and select school education, and at 18 secured a position on the West- ern railroad, where he reuiained 14 years, acting in the capacity of foreman of section corps. He was next employed as engineer on a " stationary," where he operated one year. In 1866 he bought 50 acres of land in Tioga Co., N. Y.,near Owego, which [jroperly he held two years. DisixDsing of his interests at the North, he bought land in Virginia, and entered the employ of the Point Lookout & Washington R. R. Co., and became Superintendent of road construction in Maryland, where he operated about 18 months. He next en- gaged with the Fredericksburg i^- OordonsviUe K. R. Co , to construct five miles of track; but the |)rojeclors failed, involving Mr. Crandell in a loss of $8,000. This disaster (()mi)ellcd him to begin his career •^i anew, and he went to Washington, where he entered Jc into the service of contractors, and was employed one •'i year on the public works. He then returned to ^ r S^ ^2- ■^V^^^ <-^DP>:DDs>^ r-'S'-^ -^i^^mj^^M: m It^*- 492 — r<^ati MECOSTA >:ll|]^:>r- COUNTY. t V s v^ ■# ■>l>/i -I New York and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1879, when he came to Big Rapids and accepted his present position under his brother, C. W. Crandell. (See sketch.) He is a member of the Order of Masonry, and was elected Treasurer of the City of Big Rapids, April 2, 1883. Mr. Crandell was married in November, 1857, in Canaan, N. Y., to Mary A. Anderson, a native of the Empire State. The wife died, leaving one daughter, Harriet, wife of George Michaels, residing near Owego, N. Y. He was married a second time in Cheshire, Mass., Dec. 25, i860, to Ella Jenkins, a native of Berkshire Co., Mass. Four sons have been born of this marriage : E. Burdette, Stowel A., Fred- die W. and Ellis M. 115 infield S. Tucker, merchant, Stanwood, was born in Southfiekl, Oakland Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1852. His parents were Ransom D., and Maria (Dexter) Tucker, the I i. former a native of Vermont, and of English !_, descent; the latter a native of Massachusetts, and also of English ancestry. His father died in Oakland County, in February, 1S77 ; his mother was killed by the cars, Sept. 28, 1883. Winfield S. was the eldest of two children, and was reared on his father's farm. His chances for an early education were limited, yet by his own studious efforts he obtained a suffi- cient education to fit him for almost any commercial position in life. He worked on the farm during the summer season, to earn means to enable him to at- tend school during the winter. AVhen 1 8 years old he learned the art of telegraphy and first operated at Milford, Oakland Co. He fol- lowed this occupation eight years, four of which were on the F. & P. M. railroad. He came to Mecosta County in 1877, entering into the mercantile business at Stanwood, which enterprise he still follows. He was elected Supervisor of Mecosta Tp., in 1876, which position he still holds and fills accept- ably. He was appointed Postmaster in 1877, and is the present incumbent ; is also a Notary Public. He was married in this county, July 18, 1874,10 Mary, daughter of William T. and Sarah A. (Davis) Russell, who was born in Rock Co., Wis. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of New York ; both were of German descent. They emigrated to Mecosta County in 1868, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have had three children ; Anna L., born Aug. 10, 1882; two died in infancy. Mr. Tucker begrn his business career without any means, but by industry and frugality has acquired considerable property, and bids fair to become one of Mecosta County's most useful citizens. illiam W. Smith, farmer, sec. 8, Fork Tp., was born in Lenawee Co., Mich.i j|^> Smith, was born Nov. 6, 1812, in Pennsyl- li/^ vania, and came to Michigan in 1834, where t he was a farmer, until his death, Oct. 12, 1864. His mother, a member of a well known Vermont family named Terrill, was born in the Green Moun- tain State, Nov. 14, 18 11, and died Nov. 22, i860. Mr. Smith received a common-school education, and was an assistant on his fiither's farm until his marriage with Phebe Sanford, which occurred Oct. 14, i860. Mrs. Smith was born in New York, and died in Michigan, June 6, 1864. Their first child, Augusta A., died in infancy. A second daughter, Cora E., is now Mrs. B. F. Laraway. Mr. Smith was a second time married April 20, 1867, to Frances Amelia, daughter of Everett W. and Mary Jane (Sweezy) Horton, who was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Aug. i6, 1839. Her father was born in Wallkill, same county, Dec. 28, 1816, and her mother was born July 24, 1819, in New Jersey. They came to Michigan and located in Woodstock, Lenawee Co., in 1848, and are now residing there. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Mary Annora and William Evert. Mr. Smith was a farmer in Lenawee County until the spring of 1878, when he removed to the county of Mecosta, and located 80 acres of land under the homestead act, in the township of Fork, where he has with vigor and success prosecuted the work of clearing and placing his farm in a condition suitable for the best type of farming. It was heavily tim- bered, and the manual labor necessarily severe ; but the reward is in jjvoportion to the effort, the farm ranking now among the best in the township. It has "^ < V .^r '^'^SjJFI. ^ <^Da/^iiD>>^ .:?Hff?;;r^ I rJ^Ji^^t^ TT" ^ V ■) '*^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 495 *>^ I ^•^ an unusually good spring, which by means of a "hydraulic " sends living water to the house. There are other springs on the farm where required. TIk' first place of shelter erected on the land was a tent, where he and his wife lived several weeks, until he made a clearing and luiilt a tog house, in whi( li he still resides. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican. He is one of the most prominent citizens of the township, and has held all the local offices of any importance. dwin H. Kenrick, druggist, MiIII)rook vil- lage, is a lineal descendant of Philip Hen- ry, who was born in the city of London, in ** 163 1, and educated at Westminster, and was 1 one of the 2,000 clergymen who left theC'hurch { of England in 1662 in consequence of the pass- ing of the "act of uniformity." Our present subject lias in his possession the en- tire chain of genealogy extending back through more than 250 years, but was himself born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1845, and is a twin brother of Edward A. Kenrick, of Hillsdale Co., Mich. He is of English descent in the paternal line, his father, Edward Kenrick, being a native of Worcestershire, England, where he was born Feb. 10, 1801. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wilcox, was of Rhode Island stock, but born at White Creek, Washington Co., N. Y., April 28, 181 r, and was at the time of her marriage with Edward Kenrick the widow of Abraham Kalder. After their marriage the parents settled in Allegany Co., N. Y., and in 1855 came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where they are yet living. Mr. Kenrick acquired the rudiments of an educa- tion at the common schools, where he was a student until 15 years of age. He entered the grammar school at Hillsdale and afterward the college in that city, where he studied five years. He completed his educational course at Bryant & Stratton's Commer- cial College at Chicago, where, after a year of study, he graduated, receiving his diploma in November, 1866. To allow his twin brother to complete his college course he returned to Hillsdale County and for two years managed the farming interests of his father. Mr. Kenrick went to Ohio in September, 1868, and engaged in general merchandise at Pioneer, Williams Co., forming a partnership with A. C. Mar- shall, under the style of Marshall iV Kenrick. Dur- ing the three years of their combined business engagements, circumstances impelled them to take an interest m a lumber mill owned by (r. R. Joy & Co., wliich they lield some months. In the springof 1871 Mr. Kenrick sold his interest in the mercantile branch of the concern, and confined his efforts to the prosecution of lumber manufactures. Radical changes had placed the mill property in wholly dif- ferent conditions, and it was now operated under the style of Sweet, Kenrick & Co. A few months later Mr. Kenrick embraced an op- portunity to sell out his mill property, and at once embarked in the drug trade, three years of his col- lege course having been taken with a view of grad- uating as an M. D. Mr. E. N. Skinner.of Hillsdale, Mich., became a partner, and they operated under the style of E. H. Kenrick & Co. The firm entered upon the prosecution of the business and operated one year, when Mr. Skinner sold to the senior part- ner, who conducted the affairs of the concern alone until the spring of 1878. He then sold out his en- tire property in Pioneer, Ohio, and in May of that year he came to Mecosta County, located at Mill- brook and became by purchase the proprietor of the small stock of drugs owned by Dr. E. B. Tucker, at that lime the only representative of liiat line of trade between Stanton, Montcalm Co., and Big Rapids, north and south, and Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Co., and Morley, east and west, thus covering a diameter of more than 50 miles. At the date of writing, the drug establishment of Mr. Kenrick ranks favorably with any other in the same line north of Grand Rapids, and he is engaged in a thriving, prosperous business, conducted on commercial principles of acknowledged uprightness, which have secured him a large confi- dential patronage. A special branch of his business is the manufacture of a "diphtheria cure," which is swallowed, and is considered an antiseptic for this dread malady, and is claimed to be the first medicine ever given internally for this disease. He ships large quantities of the medicine to all parts of this country and to England. He was married at Adrian, Mich., Dec. 24, 1866, to Caroline A., daughter of David C. and Abigail T. (Jackson) Fuller. She was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., May 9, 1846. They have one child, Maud t K.. A C< V r r i WlyiV" -:3^^:5^ -K^till>:iin^>-%^ — ^>^- \L!.Z^J Ms/^4>)$^^- <-^iiD^nD^> t ) o 496 ^3-7- MECOSTA COUNTY. 4 C, who was born at Pioneer, Ohio, March 14, 187 1. Mr. Kenrick has always been a Republican, and in 1880 was a delegate to the State Convention at Jackson; but he is a practical business man, intensely devoted to his private interests, and, as he s;ys, " has Yankee blood enough in his veins to make him love a good bargain more than political advance- ment." He is a Knight Templar, and made the " Pilgrim- age " to San Francisco in 1883, and devoted more than three months to the journey, "doing" not only the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the whole Pacific coast as far north as British Colum- bia; and on his return delivered several lectures on " What I heard and what I saw in a Journey of 10,000 miles." He also wrote a series of letters de- scriptive of his trip, which were published in the the Big Rapids Current and were well received. We take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Kenrick in connection with this sketch. a.^iharles H. Crane, Abstracter, Notary and i ^ Conveyancer, Big Rapids, was born in IP^^ East Smithfield, Bradford Co., Pa., May j* 30, 1858. He ii a son of Stephen R. and Lorinda W. Crane. His father was born March 15, T822, in Port Byron, N. Y. ; is a blacksmith by trade and is still residing in Ulster, Pa. His mother was born in East Smithfield, April 16, 1822, and was married there Sept. 12, 1844. She became the mother of eight children, born as fol- lows : Ezra H., Oct. 14, 1846 (died Aug. 6, 1850); Lucy J., Oct. 17, 1848; Lewis E., Oct. 9, 1850; Ella J., Apiil 27, 1853 ; Almira E., Dec. 11, 1855; Charles H., May 30, 1858; Harlo G., Nov. i, i860; T. Cornell, Aug. 14, 1864. The parents removed to Columbia Cross Roads in i860, and in 1873 Mr. Crane of this sketch went to Troy, Pa., and was there employed two years as clerk in a hardware store. At the expiration of that time he came West to Lansing, where he entered the employ of Jones & Porter, real-estate and insurance agents. Two years later he entered the office of J. H. Moores, dealer in pine lands, etc., and a year after returned to the employ of Jones & Porter, remaining with them until April, 1882, when he came to Big Rapids and engaged, and is at present, with Joel Perry. The set of abstracts in their possession was made originally by J. ^L Colby, and has been supple- mented and brought down to present date by Mr. Crane. They are complete in every respect, and are the only set in Mecosta County. Abstracts of any property within the limits of the county can be fur- nished. Mr. Crane was married in Lansing, Dec. 15, 1S81, to Ada M., daughter of D. K. and Mary A. Fuller, born June 12, i860. Mr. Crane is a member of the Big Rapids Lodge of Sons of Industry. —5- *^ -^-^ A. Verity, senior member of the grocery ^^l | house of C. A. Verity & Co., Big Rapids, was born in Kimball Tp., St. Clair Co., Mich., Marcli 3, 1856, and is a son of Will- iam B. and Maria L. (Adams) Verity. The latter was a lineal descendant of John Quincy Adams. His father was a native of New York, of German lineage, and followed the calling of a farmer all his life ; he died in Oshtemo Tp., Kalamazoo Co., June 28, 1872, at the age of 51 years. His mother was also born in the Empire State, and died in Osh- temo, Oct. 19, 187 I, at the age of 49 years. Mr. Verity was taken to Kalamazoo County by his parents when he was nine years of age. He found himself an orphan at 16, and went to Kalamazoo, where he attended school two years, and afterward entered the grocery and crockery store of Barrett & Torrey, where he operated two years, going thence to Sturgis and engaging about si.\ months in the same capacity. His ne.\t employ was with L. E. White, dry-goods merchant, and he continued to serve in the house as a clerk two years, after which he obtained a situation with L. (i. Twitchell. Six months later he opened business for himself at Kalamazoo, selling groceries and provisions about seven months. He came to Big Rapids Jan. i, 1879, where he en- tered into a business connection with W. H. Swift in the sale of groceries. The relation existed about eight months, when Mr. Swift sold his interest to E. R. Keith. Two years later Mr. Verity became sole proprietor, by purchase, changed his location and operated alone until Feb. 20, 1S82, when he admitted William Fish, his present associate. The firm A (a- f^- ^e^^<|»^' JL <^ii!i:<v^ — ^^3^ ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^^J^^^ I. 497 "S 2K carries a stock valued at §2,500, and transacts an i) annual business of §30,000. ,',\"» Mr. Verity received the appointment of agent for T the U. S. Express Co., Sept. 15, 1880, and is siill $. managing in that capacity. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and belongs to the Royal Templars of Temperance. V cS ohn Lonsdale, farmer on sec. 16, Green Tp., was liorn in .Vccrington, Lancashire, England, May i, 18 ig. His parents, Ed- mund and Manila (Hindle) Lonsdale, were English by birth; fatlicr was an engraver by profession, and was employed in the manufac- ture of designs for calico printing. The family I came to America in 1842, and located in Providence, 'P R. L Some time later they went to La Salle Co., t 111., where the father died. /S Mr. Lonsdale passed Iris boyhood in the manner ° common to the youth of his class in his native land, \^ acquiring such education as he could, and at 14 ^ commenced to prepare himself to follow the business of block-printing for calico. He came to America with his parents in 1842, and in 1841 was married to Ellen Wilson, an English girl, daughter of John H. and Agnes Wilson. He became acquainted with her in Pawtucket, Mass., where he worked at his trade five years, and as an engraver two years. In 1850 lie went to Manchester, N. H., where he engaged in the technical business of roller etching and polishing for the Manchester Print Works. He passed a year in that capacity, and then went to Lawrence, Mass., where he was four years in the employ of the Bay State Manufacturing Company, and worked two years in the Pacific Mills. He came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1856, and bought a farm in Creen Tj)., which lie at once began to improve. He has added to his first land invest- ment until he now owns 320 acres, with 90 acres un- f*st der the plow. The privileges and progress possible i to all men under a republican form of government are exemplified in the career of Mr. Lonsdale. He came to this country to find a remunerative field for the practice of the craft to which he succeeded by heri- 6*' tage and training, as is customary in England. Our ^ institutions plant the germ of advancement in the 1 heart of every foreigner who sets his foot on our free borders, and foster the growth with such equality of rights and advantages as he has earned by honest industry and self-respect. In 187 1, Mr. Lonsdale took a trip to Florida for the benefit of the health of his wife, and in Septem- ber, 1875, went to California ; returning in 1876, he spent a brief time in Philadelphia at the Centennial, passed the remainder of that year at the East, return- ing in the spring of 1877 to Michigan. Mr. Lons- dale has held the position of Treasurer two years and officiated as Justice of the Peace four years. He was a Whig in early life, and joined the Republi- can ranks on the organization of that party. Robert Wilson Lonsdale is the only child of the household. He was born July 27, 1846, and married Marion Simons, of Salem, Mass. Mrs. Lonsdale died Sept. g, 1883, after a long and painful illness. ||S*ij nsel Rowley, farmer, sec. 14, Grant Tp., ^ ^f&BM ' ^^''s hoxn Dec. 28, 1836, in Winstead, Litch- I|i3? "^ field Co., Conn. His father, Elias Rowley, S']^ was born March 22, 1798, in Winsted, and ;|^ there died in 1875. His mother, Lura Row- I ley, was born in East Hartland, Litchfield County, and died in 1870, at Winsted. The ances- tral descent of Mr. Rowley on the side of the father is English, and on that of the mother, Scotch. He passed the years of his minority with his parents in the "land of wooden nutmegs," and after leaving home worked for some time as a farm assistant. In i860, he went to work in a carriage-bolt factor)', where he remained three years. Sept. I, 1863, he enlisted for one year in the United States Navy, and reported for duty aboard the "Commodore Hull," Capt Joslin, which was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and cruised chiefiy along the coasts of North and South Carolina, on special duty, to search for rebel torpedoes. That fleet will be a subject of Ameri- can history for all time, as it disjiatched the torpedo i boats thai destroyed the rebel ram " Albermarle " at ^ Plymouth, N. C. «/ In July, 1864, an order was issued from the Naval ^ Department discharging such recruits as had less *> than three months to serve on their periods of enroll* v < >: ^ ht<:I If^ f I f i ) ^ t fi' M ECO SI A COUNTY. A ment ; and, having been in the service nine months and eight days, he received his discharge papers. He went to Orwell, Vt., where he remained three years, coming to Michigan in 1868. He entered and proved a claim under the homestead law, of 80 acres of choice land, which he has placed under good cul- tivation, and has a comfortable house and farm buildings. Mr. Rowley was married Sept. 12, 1857, to Delia R. Rogers, of Henrietta, Monroe Co.,N. Y., who was born in Orwell, Vt., Aug. 12, 1841. Her father was born in i8og, and is yet living; her mother was born in Benson, Vt., in 1821, and died in Orwell in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Rowley have five children; Estella D., born Feb. 22, 1859; Carrie A., Nov. 12, 1863; Kate S., Feb. 16, 1861: Leman E., Aug. 23, 1870; Jen- nie L., Sept. 6., 1873. Mrs. Rowley is a member of the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. Rogers is a Re- publican, and belongs to Post French, No. 28, G. A. R. • — ->^-->s>c — §:— J-4- — Pi ^jf f^fji. ohn Frederikson, Jr., of the firm of Beu- S ^llSMJ,,' iliien & Frederikson, proprietors of the vi' J " Cierman House, is a son of John andChar- 'm£ lotte Frederikson, and was born in Copenha- ^t gen, Denmark, Aug. 13, 1852. His father is a I seaman and owns a trading vessel, of which he is himself Captain. The son was trained to life on the sea on board his father's ship until the age of 18, when he shipped as an able seaman on the U. S. man-of-war, " Plymouth," and belonged to her crew three years. He came to Big Rapids in 1873 and followed vari- ous vocations until July 5, 1883, when lie associated himself with Mr. Beulhien in the management of the German House, where he is engaged in a prosperous business. He is a member of the Lutheran (.'hurch. such remuneration as a boy of that tender age might receive, and managed to procure his living. At 17 he apprenticed himself to Henry Buckner, of Lancas- ter, Ont., and served four years. On the termination of his indentures he went to work for himself. In the spring of 1855 he came to Ionia, Mich., and there passed 14 years in vigorous prosecution of his trade, going thence to Stanton, where he operated one year. In 1870 he sold out and came to Mecosta County, where he has since worked at his trade. In the fall of 1875 he purchased a farm containing 160 acres. He sold 80 acres, and has improved the remainder until it is one of the best farms in that part of the county. Mr. I,ockman was married Sept. 7, 1874, in Isa- bella Co., Mich., to Mrs. Lura Brown, daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Hall) Shepard, natives ol Ontario, Can., where Mrs. Lockman was born April 13, 1843. The family includes nine children. Mr. LockiiAan has four by an earlier marriage, three girls and one boy. Of her first marriage Mrs. Lockman has one son, and four children have been born of her mar- riage with Mr. Lockman — Maud A., June 15, 1875 Edmond, April 20, 1876; Earl, Jan. 28, 1878; Edith, Aug. 31, 1882. In politics Mr. Lockman is a Republican, and be- longs to the Order of Good Templars. bram Lockman, farmer and blacksmith, li ^STtf ^ sec. 12, Wheatland Tp., was born in Ham- >Jj|(-jE' ilton, Ontario, Can. His father, Abram Lock- "•jiil man, was a native of New Jersey, and his ■r mother, Rachel (Patterson) Lockman, of , - Pennsylvania. When Abram was eight years ^ old his father died, and he went to work, obtaining I () .^f 8^.^pharles D. Crandell, Postmaster at Big ^|fc^3 Rapids (1S83), was born at Bridgeport, ^^^ Conn., Dec. 5, 1845. His father, Stephen UU W. Crandell, was born in Columbia Co., 'J^ N. Y., in 1800, of Welsh lineage. He was engaged nearly all his life in mercantile busi- ness in the city of New York, residing meanwhile at Hoboken. He began his commercial life as a com- mission mercliant in West Washington Market, in that city, and afterward established himself in the whole- sale grocery trade on Vesey street. He was a man of most positive character. He possessed abilities of much more than ordinary tyjie, and fi.xed himself firmly in all his connections, basing his views uix)n an instinctive understanding of his obligations to himself and humanity. He died at a period that roused to active life all the best impulses of a man who cherished home and country, and realized the (c^. t rf«-" -5{f%^'>« MECOSTA COUNTY. -^Ji-.. A V s "> > 4i So» ^ peril of both in view of the issues that were ap- proaching cuhnination in tlie national affairs. He understood that safety lay only in the watchfulness of the generation of that day, and in rearing his cliildren he instilled into iheni both by deed and Word that lives were worse than worthless unless guided by inflexible princijjle and moral courage. Mr. CrandcU, Sr., was an active iwliiician and a zeal- ous abolitionist. He was no demagogue, never held or sought the emoluments of office ; but, recognizing the fact that the strength of a republic lies in the people, he strove to do what he believed the incum- bent duty of every man under the protection of the national flag, — to uphold whatever was right and just in the institutions of the Government, and to throw all his influence against the evils which threatened the life and |)rosperity of the nation. He was killed by the cars Jan. 9, 1865, at Chatham Four Corners, Columbia Co., N. Y. The mother, Sarah Ann (Conklin) Crandell, was a member of an old English family, and was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1810. She died at Chatham, Sept. 29, 1861. ^ Mr. Crandell of this sketch was in earlv childhood •^ when his parents removed from Bridgeport to Ho- p= boken. In 1855 his father placed his family"^ at Chatham to secure for tlieni the salubrity of that well-known section of the Empire State, and to re- move them from the mulliiuiiinous dangers to health and morals in and near the great city where he con- tinued to push his business interests. Mr. Crandell aciinired his elementary education at the ])ublic schools of Chatham, and was placed for a few terms of study at the Seminary at Armenia, X. Y. His father designed to fit him for the profession of law, and in 1864 he was sent to Ypsilanti, Mich., to at- tend the union school preparatory to a collegiate course of study. Tliis purpose was frustrated by the accident which deprived him of his father,^and he was compelled to abandon the career which had been marked out for him. He left school and re- turned to New York, where lie passed the ensuing three years. Mr. Crandell came to Big Rapids .\pril 28,1868, and connected himself with the Tioga Manuf.n tur- Co., becoming a stockholder and interesting himself -y actively in its operations as accountant. He con- <5v tinued this relation until Jime, 1874. His public career in Big Rapids commenced two years earlier. He was elected City Treasurer in % April, 1872, and served three successive years. He ^ received his appointme. t as Postmaster, Feb. 16, £ 1875, and has continued since in the discharge of '•-• the duties of that position, aided by his half-brother, Stephen R. Crandell, and two assistants. The affairs of the office are conducted with systematic energy, and its affairs are managed to the entire sat- isfaction of the public. Mr. Crandell is conspicuous among the multitude of irerilorious citizens of Big Rapids, from his ac- knowledged inflexibility in adherence to principle. One of the best evidences of the esteem and ap- preiiation in which he is held is the outspoken esti- mate of his political opponents. No imputation of vacillation or uncertainty of purpose lies against him. No vagary of political advancement can lure him from his undeviating pursuit of duty in the light of principle. In thought, word and ac- tion he invariably "hews to the line." He is a born and bred Republican, and in every jjolitical issue follows his innate convictions unswervingly and regardless of possible advantage to be derived from the casuistry which is so marked a feature in the management of local and national campaigns. Mr. Crandell was married at Big Rapids June 26, 1.S74, to Joanna, daughter of Timothy H. and Joanna Lee, born in Dedham, Mass., Oct. 9, 1S39. •5- -#^-#- 1 ( arl E. Hobart, photographer. Big Rapids, was born at Ann Arbor, Mich , July 27, 1^/15- ^ 1845, and is a son of Horace O. and ^'Y\ Frances A. (Monroe) Hobart. In early j* youth his time was devoted to acquiring a com- mon-school education. At 2 1, he commenced the study of medicine, in the office of Dr. Breakey, after which he entered the Medical Department of tiie University of Michigan, wliere he was graduated in the spring of 187 I. Meanwhile he had acquired the photographic art, for which he had a great liking, and in the fall of 187 r came to Big Ra])ids to engage in it as a business. He bought the stock and inter- y est of W. F. Louckes, who was located neatly opposite t the Opera block, where he continued three years, re- *• moving in 1874 to where now stands the Morrissey & & Stickncy block. After a year he went to Texas ^ and established his business at San Marco, Hays Co., * / r ktrr where he operated nine months, going thence to \ MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^ f u :<$ i) 1 V Longview. His stay there was brief, and in 1876 he returned to Big Rapids and opened a gallery on Michigan avenue, in the building now occupied by J. Wiseman. Two years later he established his business on the southeast corner of Maple street and Michigan avenue, his present quarters. He is a pojjular and successful artist in his line, doing an annual business of $5,000. Mr. Hobart was married at Big Rapids, July 12, 1882, to Lucy E., daughter of General Stephen and Amelia (Barker) Bronson, born in Chicago, 111. (See sketch of Gen. Bronson.) Mr. Hobart belongs to the Odd Fellows, and to the A. O. U. W. A portrait of Mr. Hobart is inserted on another page of this Album. A. Brigham, farmer, sec. 2, Chip- pewa Tp., was born in Fayston, Washing- ^ ton Co., Vt., Dec. 21,1821. His father, 5s. Elisha Brigham, was a pioneer of that section i of the Green Mountain State. His mother, Sophronia (Ryder) Brigham, was a descendant of the Chase family, well known and widely esteem- ed in the eastern part of the State. The Brigham stock is traced back to Northumber- land Co., England, which adoiJted the family patro- nymic under one of the appointments of the Dooms- day Book. The name has been upheld in honor through descending generations, and is rejiresented at Grand Rapids by Dr. G. N. Brigham, who has been established in that city since 1879. He is a gentle- man of considerable literary standing, being a con- tributor to several medical publications and to a large number of leading newspapers in various sections of the country. Mr. Brigham was reared to the calling to which he has devoted his life's energies, and was a member of the paternal household to the age of 26 years. In 1847 he invested his time and entire capital in a saw-mill, and on the termination of the enterprise five years later, had lost both. In 1852, he went to Franklin Co., N. V., where he remained seven years, engaged in farming, removing thence to Nebraska, where he resided about iS months. He returned to Michigan, and remained near Grand Rapids until the fall of 1867, when he '"- - _>r^,,W^ -^^'» n 11 came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land in the then unorganized township of Chippewa. Here he accomplished pioneer service in a forest so dense that the work of removal seemed impossible. Mr. Brigham was married June 20, 1849, to Celia Baxter, daughter of Eber H. Baxter. She was born in Moretown, Washington Co., Vt., March 16, 1826, the third of 14 children born to her parents. Mr. Bax- ter was an esteemed citizen of Fayston while he was a resident there, and in 1851 removed to Michigan, with 10 children. One child died in infancy and two remained in Vermont. Twelve of the children born in this family survive. Ira C. Baxter, sixth son, yielded up his life for the Nation's redemption from disruption, Sept. 20, 1863, on the field of Chicka- mauga. Seven of the fraternal band have become more or less known through their literary work. Al- bert Baxter, of the Grand Rapids Eagle, has been a resident of Michigan since 1845. Mrs. Brigham has been a poetical contributor to the current press many years. Her work is imaginative and graceful, with a spiritual tendency, which adds largely to its merit and beauty. Her sisters, Mrs. Cadwell, of California, Mrs. Cooper, of Evart, Osceola Co., Mich., and Mrs. Corman, of Lowell, Kent Co., Mich., wield facile pens ; and Uri J. Baxter, a lawyer in Washington, D. C, is no less distinguished for poetical genius and literary ability than the other members of this gifted and accomplished fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Brigham have had four children : Rosa May, born April 4, 1859, died Jan. 5, 1S68. Ziba W. was born May 8, 1850; Elisha K., Dec. 23, 1851; Edwin B, Oct. i, 1857. Ml". Pirigham is a Republican and a member of the M. E. Church. On the organization of Chippewa Tp., he was the first Clerk, and has been Justice of the Peace 19 years. F. MeElroy, veterinary surgeon, Big Rap- ids, was born at TuUmore, Queens Co., 5f;!^*^ Ireland, May 28, 1848. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Smith) McElroy, came to the United States when he was six months old, settling at Syracuse, N. Y. In May, 1850, they went to Elgin, 111., where they now reside. Mr. McElroy learned his business of his father^ and practiced with him until 1876. In that year he yto: A (^ ^))«^<^ -^^^^ T<:M'^M^>r •rrr MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ ) A :m> A. -4 3, m ' 504 iT^* "T23*tt^r*!^ -T-r<-^llll>:tlD->r- MECOSTA COUNTY. "5J>\^-^ -4^^5(eVM; v» where he bought 80 acres of land, which he worked 18 months, and in the spring of 1870 came to Big Rapids, where he took charge of a lumber camp in the woods, for A. J. Bentley, and followed that oc- cupation three years. He went to Evart in 1S73 and opened a saloon; four months later he rented the Union House, which he managed six months, return- ing at the end of that time to Big Rapids and fol- lowed lumbering a year, and afterward opened a saloon. In January, 1875, he rented the National Hotel, which he conducted until May, 188 1. At that date he purchased a residence and three and one-half lots, of Charlie Lovejoy. He began the building of his hotel in September, ' 1881, and opened it to the traveling public in July, 1882. It is two stories in height, 53x96 feet, with accommodations for 70 guests. A bar with the usual accessories is attached to the estaljlishment. Mr. McCormick was married in Hartland, Livings- ton Co., Mich., Sept. 24, 1866, to Ellen, daughter of Patrick and Mary Kelley, born in Detroit, Mich., Jan 22, 1 84 1. Of this marriage there are three children, — William P., Mary and Elizabeth. • 000 " homas Ariss, retired farmer, Remus, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Can., July 3, 1S33. He is a son of James and Mary P^ (Bacheldor) Ariss, natives of England. Mr. Ariss made his first venture in life as a lumber- man, and spent some years in the woods and in "chopping fallows." He was married Aug. 14, 1854, to Myra Smith, a native of Canada, and they have had nine children, three of whom are living- James was born April 26, 1858; John, April 22, i860 • Thomas, April 23, 1862. The mother died, and Mr. Ariss came to Wheatland Tp., in the spring of 1862, and settled on sec. 23, where he bought 160 ac:res of land and pursued farming. In 1880 he came to this place and settled, being one of the founders of Remus. He was again mar- ried, March 3, 186-, in Mecosta County, to Cath- erine, daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Campbell) McLeod, who were natives of Scotland. The daughter was born in Russell, Ont., Can., June 15, 1840. Nine children have been born of this mar- riage, as follows: William F., Aug. 8, 186-; George, Oct. 19, 186-; Mary A., April 24, 1869; Alvira, July ^' c ./ /#-•' A^- ^l^tyU VJH^'hi 1 ft -J > ) MECOSTA COUNTY. ra^^^sT 17, 1871; Benjamin N., June 25, 1873; William V., May I, 1875; Emily, Aug. 19, 1877; Bruce, March 19, 1880; Viola, March 4, 1883. i j^uncan McLellan, a iiionecr resident of Big Rapids, was born in Huntington, Canada, [uly 15, 1830. He isof Scotch extraction, his father being a native of Paisley, Scotland. ^^ He is a son of Malcom and Margaret (Carrie) McLellan, and obtained his education in the common schools of his native province. At the age of 13 he began to learn the trade of shoemaker at Huntington, and four years later settled at Grand Rapids, then a small village, where he spent a year. His next remove was to Croton, Newaygo Co., where he worked at his trade four years. In the fall of 1857 he bought 120 acres of pine lands on the Big Muskegon, located about 60 rods from the present site of the village of Paris. Mr. McLellan moved into the woods to give his personal attention to cut- ting and "putting in " the timber. He lived in a log shanty with " scoops " for its roof and with a punch- eon floor. The timber was cut in the winter and sold, at Muskegon, to John Rudnian, a well-known lumberman there, still living. In the spring of 1858 he bought 120 acres of land seven miles north and east of Newaygo, on what is known as Maringo Prairie, and passed the summer in farming. In the winter of 1858-9 he purchased 140 acres of pine land two and a half miles below Big Rapids, and passed the season as he had done the winter previ- ous, in personal supervision of his lumbering inter- ests, — returning to his farm in the spring. His wife was in a decline, and he took her to Chicago for medical treatment, and there s[)ent tlie summer without any benefit to her, and she died in the fall of 1859. The summer of i860 he spent on his farm at Maringo Prairie, and in the autumn bought 160 acres of pine land at Byers' Station, built lumber camps and passed the winter of 1860-1 in active business life. His connection with the history of Big Rapids commences in 1859, when he bought 80 acres of farm land in the townshi]) of Leonard, changed by act of the Legislature in 1865 to Big Rapids. This t k W property is still in his iwssession, in addition to a considerable acreage he has since purchased, his homestead now aggregating 320 acres. Mr. McLel- lan went to Muskegon in the spring of 1861 and bought the Forest City Hotel, and continued its man- agement until 1862. The tide of war that over- whelmed the land swept away his individual plans and purposes, as of so many others who realized their ])rivileges under the institutions of the country, and he returned to Big Rapids to enlist in defense of the Union flag. He was enrolled in September, 1S62, in Co. I, Sixth Mich. Cav., with Capt. Deane, of Pentwater, going out with his regiment as a sad- dler. He was in active service three years and three months, and in the item of constant, unremitted ser- vice he has an almost unparalleled record. From the date of his enrollment and being mustered into the service of the United Slates, he personally partic- ipated in every battle in which his regiment was en- gaged. After the virtual collai)se of the Rebellion in the spring of 1865, his command was sent to Powder r River, Dakota, remaining there until the fall of the ^ same year. He received an honorable discharge at ^ Jackson, Mich., in December, 1865. *<•' In the fall of 1S61 Mr. McLellan purchased two i=l lots in tlie city of Big Rapids, at that time in a wild \^. state, which he improved and on which he erected the building he now occupies in the -year following the purchase. In 1868 he purchased a lot on Mich- igan avenue, which he at once improved, and pro- ceeded to erect a large three-story frame building. It was destroyed by fire a year later, involving a loss of $3,000. In 1868, with E. L. Gray, of Newaygo, as associate, Mr. McLellan constructed a State road y from Big Rapids, southwest nine miles, in the direc- tion of Big Prairie. As a remuneration they received 3,300 acres of swamp lands belonging to the State, a considerable portion of which was well covered with pine. Some hundreds of acres of this are still in Mr. McLellan's possession. He continued to prose- cute the business of lumberman mail 1870, when he bought the tannery property of Robert A. Moon, (*' which he still owns and operates. The annual prod- uct is shipped chiefly to Boston and amounts in the aggregate to §25,000. In the same year in which he made his first in- vestment in real estate at Big Rapids, he established a boot and shoe store, which in 1872 he converted - • 4. (*, "SrJ'^KiPl- -K-^D|]>:DDs>a^ ^^^^J^k m ^ X c 508 ^ Vi.\-^ ■^-^^^Illl^|lDf:> MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ A' V ) ^ I into a harness shop and still continues its manage- ment. The gross landed estate of Mr. McLellan in Me- costa and Osceola Counties is about 1,200 acres, besides 27 lots in the city of Big Rapids. He re- sides in the rooms above his place of business, on South Michigan avenue, opposite the Opera-House block. . He has served two years as a member of the City Council, and he belongs to the A. O. U. W., and also to the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. McLellan was married in Grand Rapids, Sept. 25, 1855, to Margaret Lee, born in Massachusetts. Their only child, Mary Ann, died when three months old, and in i860 the mother passed to the land of silent mystery. Mr. McLellan contracted a second marriage with Adaline, daughter of Abram and Eliza Carr, of Croton, Newaygo Co., in October, 1862. She was born in Vermont in 1834. The publishers take peculiar satisfaction in pre- senting on another page the portrait of Mr. McLel- lan. He has had a long and successful career in Mecosta County, and his name will ever be associ- ated with the records of the city of Big Rapids. His public and private character will long be revered by this and future generations. illiam H. Hicks, druggist at Morley, was born July 30, 1849. He is a son of John ■J^^'" and Delia A. (Myers) Hicks. His father X' was a native of England and his mother of Connecticut. At 11 years of age Mr. Hicks went to live with an uncle and accompanied him to Michigan in the fall of i860, settling in Ionia County. Aug. 4, 1864, he enlisted in the Third Mich. Vol. Inf , and was in the service two years, re- ceiving honorable discharge in Texas. He returned thence to Ionia County and went to school, and was engaged on the farm at the same time. In the fall of 1866 he was employed as clerk in a hardware store in Ionia, and there learned the tinner's trade, following it over three years. He then went to Grand Rapids and not long afterward to Morley, where, about the year 1870, he went into partnership with Nelson Pike. The connection existed about one year, and Mr. Hicks established himself in the hard- ware business at Cadillac, Mich., wliere he continued nearly eight years. He sold out and embarked in the drug business. Shortly afterward he came to Morley and commenced a substantial business, tak- ing the lead in the drug trade in that place. His business is in a flourishing state, and he is justly es- teemed an upright and honorable man in his dealings. In pol'tics he is a Republican ; he holds tlie office of Justice of the Peace, is a member of the School Board, and belongs to the G. A. R. and K. of H. Mr. Hicks was married in Morley, July 7, 1872, to Hattie M., daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Forbs) Swanger. Of this marriage three children have been born, as follows : Fred G., July 28, 1873; Percy J., Aug. 30. 1878, and Ivy M., March 12, 1881. -f«- 1 umner Barstow, farmer, real-estate broker and luml)er dealer, at Big Rapids, was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., April 24, 1833. He is a son of Charles R. and Charlotte (Coburn) Barstow. The father was appointed Post- master of Owego in 1849, and Mr. Barstow of this sketch left school and engaged in the office as clerk. This occupation terminated in 1853, when Mr. Barstow became connected with the N. Y., L. E. & W- railroad, and in a short time rose to the positon of conductor, which situation he retained on several roads successively until June, 1874. His railroad experience was continuous for 21 years, save during the period of his service in the civil war. He en- listed in Owego, N. Y., in April, 1861, as Captain of Co. C, 23d N. Y. Vol. Inf., for a term of two years, and was in action at Antietain, Fredericksburg, and numerous other engagements of greater or less im- portance. He was discharged at Elmira, N. Y., in 1863. In June, 1874, Mr. Barstow came to Big Rapids, and with his father engaged in lumbering, and the association existed until the death of the latter, Dec. 10, 1880. They purchased pine lands, and placed the lumber on the market. Mr. Barstow owns a a farm containing 365 acres in Norwich, Newaygo Co., and has transferred considerable real estate in the city of Big Rapids. There are in the Third Ward two additions known as " Barstow's, " and a third in the same ward designated "Barstow's Second e ^ (■ I ^ -^^"^y^ ■K^^[!!]>:DUr>A:^ ^'^C^^ ^ «/J(V®tf''* MECOSTA COUNTY. ->^SxSr«u< :> Addition. " He is also the proprietor of two stores, and owns six lots with houses. He was elected in •v^"* the spring of 1880 member of the Common Council I of the city and resigned after three months. Mr. Barstow was married in Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1857, to Mary F. Dubois, born May 10, 1837. Of their three children, but one, Fred. D., is now living; he is an employe in the U. S. Express office at 82 Broadway, New York, and acts in the capacity of cashier. Edmund P. and Jessie are deceased. The mother died in Ale.xan- dria, Va., March 5, 1864, and the father was again married in Omaha, Neb., Dec. 20, 1867, to Sarah E. Lewis, born at Cooperstown, N. Y. Of five children three aie yet living: Charlotte, eldest daughter, is deceased; Charles L., an infant child who died, Al- len and Thomas P. are the names of the children in the order of their birth. I) 1 I iS^WSj illiam J. Hyatt, for the last 19 years a 'I ksJM i? prominent citizen of Hinton 'I'l)., is the '^1^/^'^^'^ youngest son of Newton and Susannali ^ («^^ Cooley) Hyatt, and was born in West Virginia, April 3, 1850. His father was from German ancestry, his mother from Irish, and they had a family of tliree sons and two daugh- ters. Until nine years of age, .Mr. Hyatt, the sub- ject of this notice, was brought uj) on Little JJeaver, in Beaver Co., Pa.; then, in the fall of 1859, he went to .\ugusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, and when 14 years of age he commenced operation in a portable saw-mill; in the spring of 1865 he moved witii the mill to Me- costa Co., Micii., arriving April 26. This was the first steam mill in the eastern part of tjie county, Mr. Hyatt being among the first settlers. His prin- cipal occupation to the present time has been steam engineering and milling, and by his reliability in these specialties he has won for himself an enviable repu- tation. He is a gentleman of considerable reading, making an intelhgent use of the liest works. In 1873 he was Constable in his township. ^ A few months after he was 17 years of age he was V married to Miss Fannie, eldest daughter of Matthias 'S and Magdelana K;issner, and they now have three I* daughters, namely, Emma Viola, Mary Henrietta 4._ and Adella Magdelana. _o?50_ ' m^ >^-j — ^-^.^ •• ; -^ • J c ^ f A f" .^^ T:iin>> fiwi^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■>4^4£--C ■^'-^^m. 513 f 6 / i^j ^ T, of Warren avenue and Oak street, and two lots on State 'street. Mr. Stearns was married in F-Uisburg, N. Y., to Elizabeth Coburn ; she died at EUisburg, Ai)ril 10, 1829, leaving two sons, Chester E. and Sanuiel C. Mr. Stearns was a second time married, at EUisburg, to Elizabeth Martin. Of this marriage eight chil- dren were born : George F., Sarah E. (dec), Francis C, Martha H. (dec), Daniel E., Mary C, .\lfrcd P. and Albert S. (dec). The moihcr died in 1863, and Mr. Stearns was again married in 1871, to .Mary Gollady. libel B. Knapp. farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp., ^BJLffi was born Dec. 13, 1843, in Bronson, Huron ^l^p° Co., O., and is a son of Adolphus G. ' l.^]« and Hannah (Richardson) Knapp, botii na- > ll^ tives of New York. Tiie fatlier is a son of '^ 1 Brundage Knapp, a native of Massachusetts, ° and was born Feb. 19, 1820; in early life he went to, ^ Salem Tp., Westchester Co., O., and afterwards to ° Huron County, where he was married Nov. 12, 1842. ^ The mother was born Sept. 22, 1824, and accom- S panied her parents to Ohio when she was eight years of age. She became the mother of seven childreri, all of wliom are living in Michigan. The senior Knapp, in the course of his active life, had frequeiit occasion to change locality, and a singular fact resulting was that in passing alternate periods of his life in Michigan and Ohio, three daughters were born in Michigan and three sons in the Buckeye State, alternating in order. In January, 1859, the S family removed to \\' right Co., Mo., but the secession element governed that portion of the State and they returned to Ohio, and finally, in 1866, came to Me- costa Co., Mich., settling in Grant Tp., where the father secured 80 acres of land. One of che sons bought 60 acres in Chippewa Tp., and Mr. Knapp of this sketch entered a claim of 80 acres in Hersey iTp., Osceola Co. The mother died March 26, 1879, of pneumonia, followed by heart disease, after an ill- ness of a week. Her children hold her menH)ry -y sacied, and speak in loving remembrance of her ^ motherly devotion, her unselfish, sacrificing spirit I * and her lovely character. /:_ Mr. Knapp of this sketch remained under his parents' supervision until he was 18 years old, when he was released by his father to become a tanner and currier. He worked at his trade until Januar)-, 1864. He is now a stalwart, sinewy man, but he was in youth of light iMiild and matured slowly. Repeated efforts to enlist when the war broke out were futile; the examining surgeons were inflexible and he suc- ceeded in enrolling as a soldier for the Union only at the date named. He enlisted in 1863 in Green- ville, Huron Co., but did not weigh 100 [jounds, and was rejected. 'I'he following year he was successful, and was credited on the quota of Mansfield, Rich- land Co., as a recruit. He joined Co. L, loth Ohio Cav., at Chattanooga. The regiment was ordered to La Vergne, Tenn., and went into winter quarters. A detail was sent to Nashville for horses, and the time was spent in drill until spring. The regiment joined the command of Kilpatrick at Ringgold, Ga., and made its first ac(iuaintance with set battle at Resaca. .'Xfter the victory there the loth Ohio was ordered out light mounted and spent a day in hot action, fighting from nine a. m. to five p. m., repulsing a charge and retiring to the morning's position. The same orders were repeated the following morning, and they were on the scout five weeks without over- coats, blankets or haversacks, and some without can- teens. Regular rations were not served during the entire period. Food depended on success in forag- ing, and on one occasion Mr. Knapp was without food three days and four nights. On the morn- ing of the fourth day he secured a piece of mutton, which he devoured raw and without salt, the bloody juice streaming meanwhile from the corners of his mouth. Regular rations were first served at Adairs- ville. The next battle was at Kingston, and they afterwards went into camp at Gillam's bridge on the Etowah River, where they kept up cavalry service, foraging and scouting, until Kilpatrick set out on his remarkable raid. Mr. Knapp was ill and, instead of taking a part in the brilliant action of his command, as he anliciiiated, with all the relish of a true soldier, he was ordered off on sick leave to Chattanooga, and 48 hours later was on his way to Nashville, where he was ill two months with malarial fever and camp diarrhea. Later he went to Jefferson ville, Ind., where he was furloughed for 30 days. The rebellion came to a virtual close, and he was discharged from the service at Camp Dennison, Ohio, May 31, 1S65. He returned to I'eru, Ohio, where he worked at his 7 ■; so r i i^tt m >(-v^r-|=' •isr <^iio»:diiv> ■r- ^ -^^t^^^;*^^,^;^ 514 MECOSTA COUNTY. v) ^ trade for a time, and, determining on a permanent settlement, he journeyed through Indiana, IlHnois and Iowa, prospecting, and came at length to Me- ^ costa County, whither his father's family had come shortly before, and reached Big Rapids in September, 1866. He located land in Hersey, Osceola Co., in its orig- inal state, and there entered upon the career of a pio- neer, spending five years in the manner common to the early settlers in this portion of Michigan. In 1872 he bought the land on which his father settled in 1866, and 80 acres adjoining. His homestead in- cludes 160 acres, with 120 acres cleared. It is con- sidered a first-class place, lying in a hard-wood belt, with soil a mixed clay and sandy loafh, capable of producing the justly celebrated Michigan crops. In connection with his labors as a farmer Mr. Knapp has engaged in lumbering sii.ce his settlement in Northern Michigan, acting in behalf of other parties, scaling logs, managing corps of lumbermen, operat- ing as foreman, etc., finding ample field for his efforts at$roo per month. His farm has good buildings and a new barn, built in 1883, at a cost of $1,500. He makes a specialty of raising fine grades of draught horses, and at the fair at Evart, Osceola Co., \/ in the fall of 1883, took tliree premiums on colts and ^ single horses. He has been active in town matters ) since he located in Grant, and served the township as Supervisor in 1874 and 1882. He joined the M. E. Church in 1878, and has been one of the officials of the society since. He is one of the prominent citizens of Mecosta County, and foremost among the active workers for its progress and sub- stantial improvement. The neighborhood in which he is located is designated by his name, and he has been the responsible member of his father's family for years. He was a Republican from the beginning of his political career until the establishment of the National party, when he became its adherent, and in 1876 was the candidate for Sheriff on the Greenback ticket, in opposition to Col. N. H. Vincent, Republi- -^ can nominee. "I Mr. Knapp was married Oct. 29, 1877, to Gertrude }; E., daughter of Calvin and Mary J. Royce, of Deer- ) ■^ 12, 18! Del- 1^ field Tp. (see sketch), born Nov. ^ mar, Tioga Co., Penn. When she was 12 years old '•^ her parents came to Deerfield Tp. She devoted herself *) i parents came to Deerfield Tj vigorously to obtaining an education, and at 16 com- menced teaching at Millbrook. She taught 12 terms of school, all in Mecosta County save one, the Bar- ton school in Winfield Tp., Montcalm Co. She be- came a member of the M. E. Church in 1875, and was active in all avenues where a laborer was needed. She has served as Superintendent of Sunday-school and lent energetic and judicious aid wherever need- ed. She is a lady of fine acquisitions and generous impulses, a valuable member of her social sphere and warmly regarded by her intimate friends. The elder sister of Mr. Knapp, Mary A., wife of Nelson A. McCord, lives in St. Louis, Gratiot Co., and is the mother of three children. Franklin B. Knapi) is a minister of the United Brethren Church, located at Salt River, Isabella Co. He is married and is tiie parent of three children. Phebe A., wife of \Vm. Cook, residing in Chippewa Tp., has four children. John A. Knapp is unmarried and lives in Grant. Josephine J. (Mrs. Owen Bentley) has three children. Vernor G. Knapp resides with his brother in Grant. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp may be found in this work. n^ji i-j ilbert W. Smith, lumberman, of the firm of Foster, Blackman & Co., Big Ra|)ids, ''k&^^' was born in Vernon, Conn., May 15, 1852, jv9> •m and is the son (Keith) Smith. of Amos and Angeline His parents removed to Brighton, Livingston Co., Mich., in 1857, and soon after to Howell, where his father was engaged as a dealer in boots and shoes about 15 years. He attended the schools of Howell until he was 18 years of age, when he went to Ann Arbor and entered the Literary Department of the University, where he was graduated with the class of 1874. Immediately after that event he became a member of the lumber firm of Galloway, Blackman & Co., of Howell. In the spring of 1877 the present business house was constituted, consisting of Chapin C. Foster, of Indianapolis, Hudson B. Blackman, Elias D. Gallo- way, and \V. W. Smith, of Howell. The interests of the new association were established at Big Rapids at the same time, with Mr. Smith as resident mana- ger. They are operating extensively in Uimlier, hav- ing a steam saw and shingle mill at Edmore, Montcalm Co., where a laboring force of 100 men is I f^- «w> ->i«^^^ t .) /s :>Mh — ^:(^ f ;#^ 516 MECOSTA COUNTY. yi^f%<*)^'i:^ -^^^^ : born ui Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. 3, 1840. Ig^ '^ His father, Jacob Brown, was a native of cf^ Ohio, and his mother, Lavinia (Bombarger) Brown, was born in Pennsylvania; they now reside on the "Western Reseive," where the father is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. At the age of 18 years Dr. Brown became a student at Hiram College, under tlie management of James A. Garfield, its President, and continued his course two years; going thence to a high school located at Brim- field Center, Portage Co., Ohio, where he was in attendance three terms. In i860 he began his prepar- atory course of medical study at Mogadore, Portage Co., under the direction of Dr. J. C. Ferguson, study- ing with him at intervals for three years. Dr. Brown had a brief army experience during the civil war, enlisting Sept. 6, 1861, in Co. C, Ninth Ind. Vol. Inf , and serving as Hosiiital Steward until July, 1862, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to Ohio and resumed his studies for his profession. In the winter of 1862-3 '"^ attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College. His next removal was to Akron, Ohio, where he entered the office of Dr. S. W. Bertys, as assistant. In the fall of 1865 he came to Michigan and settled at Muir, Ionia Co., and there engaged for a brief time in lumbering. He there owned an interest in a planing-mill, which was totally destroyed by fire and entailed a loss of $10,000. This circumstance cri[)pled him so severely that he was for some time virtually out of business. He en- deavored to re-establish himself in lumber projects at Big Rapids, but his ill fate again supervened and he determined to resume his medical studies. In October, 1876, he went to the University of Michi- gan, at Ann Arbor, and entered the Department of Medicine and Surgery, there prosecuting his studies until April, 1877. He then came to Big Rapids, but only acted in auxiliary practice until February, 1878, when he began his career as a practitioner at Morley. ^#'- -an^^^si. —A <^D!]>:i]Ds>^ «v57s7pfe fl t MECOSTA COUNTY. ^"^i 5'9 1 "^^ V 5. i i Dr. Brown is well and favorably known in his husi- ncss and ranks fairly witli the profession in Mctosta County. His business is already extcndctl, and in- creasing with encouraging rapidity. He owns a lann on sec. 30, Deerficld 'i'p., of 120 acres, with 55 acres under tillage, which he bought in March, 1881. Dr. Brown was married Jan. 3, 1866, in Lyons, Ionia Co., Mich., to Amelia Ross, who was born in the State of New York, Dec. 29, 1842. The Doctor is a member of the Order of Masonry. oseph T. Escott, capitalist, farmer, and rep- '^ resentative pioneer citizen of Big Rapids, 'A¥?, ^ ^'^^ ^*"^" J^"' "5' '^3^' ^^ ^^'^ Rochelle, Westchester C"o., N. Y. He is of a clear line of English descent, both parents being born in England of ancestors native in that country. His father, Joseph Escott, was born in Bristol, Glou- cestershire, Feb. 23, 1806, and is a son of Thomas Escott. The latter was born at Hampton, Devon- shire. He was left an orphan at four years of age, and was bound to a farmer. When he reached the age of 21 he went to Bristol, and lived there con- tinuously until his death at 84 years of age. Up- wards of 30 years of his life was passed as a foreman in a brush and bellows factory. Joseph Escott be- came a shoemaker, and varied that trade witii the labors of a market gardener. In 1827 he married Betsey Tyler, born I'eb. 9, 1 80S, at Tvower Easton, one and a half miles from Bristol, where her parents were engaged in market gardening. Joseph E^scott came to the New World with his family, making the passage in a sailing ves- sel, consuming 37 days in the trip. They landed July 30, 1830, at New York, and the husband worked there about nine months at his trade of shoemaking, removing thence to Westchester County, residing successively at Port Chester and New Rochelle, occu- pied with his trade and keeping a turnpike toll-gate. In June, 1839, he came to Michigan, and moved from Detroit to Crand Rapids in a wagon, over the old Territorial road. At Fentonville, the eldest boy fell from the wagon and broke his leg, necessitating a delay of five weeks, (jrand Rajjitls was a sniall village, provisions of all kinds sold at high rates, and, to ad4 to the discomforts of jxiverty in a strange •v > '^^ r>r';.T«^- f these terms made an aggregate of r i years in which he discharged the duties of that office. He has served as a member of the Board of Education and offici- ated as Deputy U. S. Marshal under James Henry and John Parker, acting about eight years. In 1878 he was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward and and held the jilace four years. In 18S1 he was ap- pointed by Gov. Jerome one of the managers of the Ionia State House of Correction and Reformatory, which post he held until Jan. i, 1883. In the spring of 1883 (current year) he was again elected Super- visor of his ward. In 1865 Mr. Escott bought 80 acres of land now situated within the limits of the city, being the west half of the. ri,oi;thwest quarter of sqc.. 15, to which he ^ A c< r I -3S€^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. •^■^■■^ 'i'^'iijJK''' 4> ^ has gradually added by purchase uiilil lie has a farm ^ of 280 acres of land, lying in one hody and all im- .^ proved, of which 210 acres are within the city liniiis. \ Fifteen acres, known as "Escott's Addition, " arc- platted in city lots, which he is selling and supplying with buildings. In 1S67 he erected his residence on the corner of State street and Sanborn avenue, on land then covered with indigenous forest trees. About 1X75 he purchased an interest in the Big Rap- ids Furniture Stock Company, and was elected its President, operating one year as a manager of the re- tail department. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the Lodge, Chapter, Council and Cominandery. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Escott, two daughters and a son. The latter, George B., born May 6, 187 i, is the sole survivor; Susan E., born July 8, 1861, in Tallmadge, died of membran- ous croup, Nov. 26, 1864, 'at the home of her grand- father Louckes, in Walker, where her mother had taken heron a visit. Nellie M., born Sept. 3, 1866, at Big Rapids, died of hemorrhage of the bowels, Aug. 21, 1868, in Tallmadge, where her mother was visit- ing a sister. Mr. Escott's portrait on another page presents the likeness of a man whose entire record gives a con- tinuous exhibit of what may be accomplished by steady adherence to a worthy purpose. He has only taken opi>ortunity at its best, the secret of every man's success in a new country. He is still in the supremacy of a perfect manhood, llis tem|ieiate habits and active life have preserved liis health antl strength, his eye has all its pristine keenness and brilliancy, and he walks with the erectness of a vig- orous vitality. He never had a lawsuit, never was sued, never owned a gun or a dog, and never drank a glass of liquor at the bar in his life. In the pub!i<: and private career of Mr. Escott are the salient points which render him a representative of the manner of men who have placeil tiie county of Mecosta and the city of Big Rapids, in a marvel- ously brief period, in their present stale of [jrosperily, with a future of splendid promise. The class of f' "* which he is an acknowledged type deserve a volume for the adei|uate record of the worth of their ex- ample and achievements. The results anil develop- * ments of the coming years will round and complete ^ the annals of this ix)rtion of the Peninsular .Stale. A >: V ) A ' oii* • ucas I. Witbeck, Morley, was born in the State of New York, Sept. 4, 1845. His ^ ^ , parents, Abraham and Maria (Van Vranken) ujO'" Witbeck, were natives of the Empire State and are still residents there. His ancestors settled in the same State about the year 1636, among the eailiest of the colonists, and were participants in the Revolution. Mr. Witbeck was under the care of his father until the age of 16, alternately attending school and working on the farm. He then went to learn the trade of cari)enter and joiner, and served three years. He followed that vocation until 1871. In the fall of that year, interested himself in the bus- iness of butchering, which he continued nearly five years, opeating as a wliolesale dealer. He came to Michigan in the summer of 1875 and settled at Sturgis, following his trade as a builder for a short time, then removed to Lima, Ind., where he kept a meat market two years. He tlien returned to Sturgis, where he bought a market, and remained there until December, i8Si,at which time he sold out and came to Morley, where he became proprietor, by purchase, of the meat market owned by .\ugust Rowland. This is his present establishment. He was married in Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Har- riet, daughter of Ciles and Rebecca (Swort) Gates, natives of the State of New York, where Mrs. Wit- beck was born. Children : Abraham L., Annie, Clarence, Gertrude I., Lucas I. and Maud. Clara died in infancy. Mr. Witbeck is independent in pol- itics and belongs to tlie Order of Odd Fellows. '•lir'aiF:* i--1^K-'f-~ oren T. Loveless, projirietor of the Na- \ tional barber sho}) and bath-rooms, under .•'Jt^^^^ the Northern National Bank, was born in 'liiT Newark, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1842, and is a son of 'K Henry and Marinda (Thompson) Loveless. I They went in 1846 to Pontiac, III, where the father died in 1852, and the motlier in 1853, of cholera. On the breaking out of llie war Mr. Loveless went to Cairo, III., and shipped on the U. S. gunboat " Louisville " as an able seaman, and took part in seven engagements: Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, A r m^ 522 ^^^ <^nn>:(ii]^^v T MECOSTA COUNTY. 'J ) A >; V s ) ^ ■^ Memphis, Haines' Bluff, Vicksburg and Arkansas Pest. At the end of 13 months he received honor- able discharge, and returned to Fairbury, 111., where he re-enlisted in the Third 111. Cav., Capt. Carnahan, and served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Springfield, 111. He was in action at Red River, Franklin, Nashville, Memphis and dur- ing Forrest's raid. After the war he went to Dewitt, Iowa, and opened a store for the sale of masons' supplies — lime, hair, cement, etc., — which he sold out in February, 1866, coming thence to Newaygo, Mich., where he obtained employment as clerk in a store. A year later he be- gan to drive stage and carry mail between Grand Rapids and Traverse ("ity, and acted in that capacity one year. His next business venture was in Neway- go, where he opened a barber shop, which he con- tinue/! to manage until 1870. In July of that year he came to Big Rapids, and in 1871 opened a shop for the prosecution of his business, in the old Shafer block. Six months afterward he made another change, succeeded by several others, and in January, 1882, settled in his present quarters, which are finely fitted with all modern conveniences, having first- class bath-rooms attached. He now employs two assistants. Mr. Loveless was a member of the State militia nearly nine years, belonging to Co. E, Second Regt. Mich. State Troops, Capt. Brazee ; is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, in which he holds the position of Noble Grand. He was also a member of the Fire Department about nine years, and is Assistant Inspector-General in the G. A. R. He owns his resi- dence on South Warren avenue, a dwelling near it which he rents, and a vacant city lot. Mr. Loveless was married March 22, 1869, to Carrie E. Thomas, a native of Michigan. Two children have been born of this marriage, Arthur L. and George M. homas G. Horton, farmer, sees. 30 and 32, Sheridan Tp., was born in Vinton, Athens * Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1829. Daniel M. Horton, his father, was born in Connecticut in 1791, of English parentage. His mother, Anna (Kim- ball) Horton, was born in Hector, Tompkins N. Y., in 1S06, of German extraction. Mr. Horton was married Sept. 24, 1858, to Lucy Pren- tiss, of Cameron, Steuben Co., N. Y. She was born in Sycamore, De Kalb Co., 111., and has been the mother of 1 1 children : Hector A., Victor E., Frederick C, Jessie F., John C, Eva T., William K., Melvin E., Thomas G., Isabella L. and Maud M. The three elder children are deceased. On his mariiage Mr. Horton located in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and removed to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., Mich., where he settled June 7, 1866. He removed to Sheridan in November, 1S69, and has since been a citizen of that township. He is a Repubhcan in politics, and has been Township Treasurer two terms (1881-2); was Supervisor in 1876, and has served two terms as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Horton served as a soldier in the late war. He enlisted in the 76th N. V. Vol. Inf , in Steuben County, and on account of decimation of the regi- ment at the battle of Mine Run, he was transferred to Co. K, 147th N. Y. Inf He was wounded June 16, 1864, at the battle in front of Petersburg, while in the act of storming, and was in the hospital one year, receiving his discharge June 14, 1865, at the close of the war. pen. Edgar Peirce, Representative from Me- Bj^^^ cosla County, resident at Big Rapids, was >§^ born in Elk Tp., Erie Co., Pa., May 6, 1841. He is of English lineage, being descended from I John Pers, a native of Norfolkshire, Eng., who I settled in New England in 1637. His father, Francis Peirce, was born in Waltham, Mass., and eventually removed to Pennsylvania, where he mar- ried Betsey Boomer, a native of Rhode Island. Mr. Peirce was the eighth of nine children born of this marriage. He received a good education in the common schools and academy of his county, and was bred to the business of milling. He was on the eve of his majority when the assault on Fort Sumter sent an electric thrill round the world, and a few months after reaching the period of his legal freedom he en- rolled in defense of the Union flag. He enlisted Sept. 13, 1862, under t'apt. W. W. Miles, whose company was assigned to the 14th Pa. Cav., in ren- dezvous at Pittsburg, with Col. J. M. Schoonmaker as its superior officer. Tiie regiment was attached to I G ^' A •'■■■» • \ JS» .^^.^^ <^D!l:^IIIlr>^r^ ^^^ ^tt iiiJ*' TffJ^T \ I I \ -34.^^ :Da>:>^ MECOSTA y*>Ti«irv*^ COUNTY. ■f 5; 1 i ' ) A ■ ^. V V s 525 H ^ s the command of Gen. Averill, of raiding notoriety. In an engagement at Rocky Gap, Va., Mr. Peircc was severely wounded through the left leg, and rode on his horse to Beverly, West Va., 150 miles distant, rather than be left on the field to fall into the hands of the rebels. He was in the Valley of the Shenan- doah under Sigel, and was with Hunter on his dis- astrous expedition to Lynchburg. When Gen. Early caused the destruction of Chambersburg, Mr. Peirce rode with his command through the burning city, in pursuit of McCausland, and was in the advance bat- talion in the charge at Moorefield, Va., when the command of the rebel incendiary was nearly annihi- lated, and Chambersburg avenged. Mr. I'eirce was placed in command of his company (I) by election, and led his men at Winchester and Fisher's Hill, and at Cedar Creek, where Sheridan snatched vic- tory from defeat. He participated in the work of destruction in the valley, of which the record says: ''There was nothing between the Jilue Kidge and the AUeghanies worth fighting for." Mr. Peircc passed through the non-commissioned grades of promotion from private to Orderly Sergeant, and in March, 1865, was commissioned Second Lieu- tenant. After the Grand Review at Washington,"" he was sent West on detached duty to the Indian Ter- ritory, and was mustered out in November, 1865. He returned to Pennsylvania. In 187 I Mr. Peirce removed to Michigan, and en- gaged in manufacturing shingles, in Colfax Tp., Mecosta Co., and continued to prosecute that busi- ness eight years. In 1878 he was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected to the same ]X)sition in 1880. On the expiration of his last term he was elected Representative, and served in the Thirty- second Session of the Legislature of Michigan. In his record as a member of that body, Mr. Peirce clearly demonstrated his fitness for any post to which an appreciative and judicious constituency might raise him. He is eminently ipialified in every sense; he ix)ssesses a fine mental organism, coolness and courage in moral issues, correct judgment and wise discrimination in popular measures, and brings the test of a disciplined intelligence to bear u|)on all ([uestions of the day. His leading traits of character designate him as essentially a man of the pcoi)le, e(iuipped for quiet, persistent, infiexiijle conflict in the avenues in which circumstances may lead iiini. Mr. Peirce was married Uec. 27, 1869, to Mary M. Wells. Three children have been born to them : Harriet I,., June 21, 187 i ; Mary E., Aug. 25, 1875, Grosvernor, Aug. i6, 1881. In October, 1SS3, Mr. Peirce formed a partnership with (i. ("lough, in the hardware business, firm style being Clough & Co. They carry a full line of mer- chandise common to such establishments, and have every prospect of entering at or.ce uijon a safe and successful business. "W. Reed, merchant, Stanwood, Mecosta Tp., was born in Livingston Co., Mich., ^ July 8, 1844. He is a son of Oliver and f ^f^ — ^-^^>D!l>:Dllvy- ..^-^ r m •■)(^t#^ <^(ia>:iiii^>T- f-^^f^^il' MECOSTA COUNTY. J riage has resulted in four children : Georgia W., born July i, 1876; Jessie M., born May 31, 1878; Guy K., born July 21, 1S79, and Charles W., born Feb. 26, 1882. By energy, industry and economy, he has acquired a nice properly, and his mental and social qualities have made him one of the representative citizens of the county. He has held the office of Supervisor two terms, Justice of the Peace seven or eight years, and Highway Commissioner one year. He w.ts one of the Board that divided Austin and Mecosta Townships. He was ap[X)inted Postmaster for Stan- wood in 1876, and held the position for five years. Mr. Reed is politically a Republican. He is liberal in religious views, and is a member of tfte 1. O. O. F. His portrait appears on page 524. -I-^-^'^^^^^-^^^'*^^'^-^- '^i idney H. Koosevelt, proprietor of the )iiSSi;\ Northern Hotel at Big Rapids, was l.iorn in ijlp '''• Flint, Mich , April 18, 1848. He is a son Cornelius and Elvia (Hamilton) Roosevelt. The father was a hotel-keeper and was propri- etor of the Carrolton House at Flint a number of years, and Mr. Roosevelt was trained to his calling under the care of his father and within the influ- ences of his business. At the age of 16 years he learned telegraphy and was engaged in the pursuit of that vocation about five years. In 1870 he went to East Saginaw, where he engaged in the Everett House four or five years i as clerk, and went thence to Bay City, wheie he was employed in the same capacity three years. His next engagement was at " Sweet's " at Grand Rapids, where he remained five years. In 1881 he came to Big Rapids and opened the Northern Hotel. It is the leading hotel in the city and receives the best class of patronage. The building is one of the most prominent in P.ig Rapids, and is described in detail -k elsewhere. (See sketch of Hood & Gale.) Its pat- ions include a large number of day boarders, and its % repute under the management of its experienced -k and obliging manager secures a large proixjrtion of > the traveling pul)lic as guests. The i)resent clerk is ^ Charles Miller. \^ Mr. Roosevelt was married in Saginaw, Mich., to J^ Mary, daughter of Christopher Morass, born in Windsor, Can., Aug. 4, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Roose- velt have one child — Ral|)h — born at Grand Rapids, Feb. 22, 18S1. gl^^genson E. Brown, farmer, sec. i, Hinton S'^ES^F '^V-1 ^^'is born in Warren Co., Penn., Aug. 'W^^ 20, 1844. His father, Peter Brown, was \^ born in Connecticut, and his mother, Mary (Libby) Brown, was a native of New York. The fonner died in the Keystone State in 1855 ; the latter resides with a son at Altona. Mr. Brown was 1 1 years old when his father died. He attended the common schools and worked on the fami and in the lumber woods. In the spring of 1867 he came to Michigan, and after a brief stay in Lapeer County he came to this county, and was in the employ of his brother, H. J. Brown, three years He purchased So acres of unimproved land in 1S70, built a frame house and barn, and has placed 40 acres of his land under advanced irai)rovenients. He is a Republican in politics, and has held the post of School Assessor four years, and is the present incum- bent of that office. In April, 1S83, he was elected Township Treasurer. Mr. Brown was married in Montcalm Co., Mich., Oct. 8, 1870, to Lydia C, daughter of William J. and Emmeline (Webster) Allen. Her parents were natives of New York, and removed to Canada, where Mrs. Brown was born May 5, 1842. The family cir- cle includes three children: Delia B., born Jan. 5, 187 1 ; Ernest A., Oct. 5, 1874, and Charlie, born May 12, 1879. sl^^Sillen E. Williams, lumberman, Upper Big ^g^3i Rapids, was born in Pembroke, Genesee |f^^Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1 848. His parents, ,P>ja John L. and Emeline (Allen) Williams, were farmers and removed to Sycamore, De Kalb ! Co., III., where the father bought a farm. Mr. Williams, of this sketch, was at that time ten years old, and two years later his father removed with his family to Iroijuois Co., 111., and there pursued the same vocation. Mr. Williams came to Muskegon, Mich., at the age v^ I A .B^/v5<^<^ IS^^ ^ ■>-€^^ v<^DIi:^.UU>:>r -cr MECOSTA COUNTY. >S5\Q'T "^^li^-. ^^^(^^M^) 528 ^ .. . >& and District Assessor nine years. He is a Repub- ^A\ lican in political sentiment. He and his wife are -^^ members of the denomination known as the "Church f ofOod." MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ '% -<^.^>^>.- / aria E. Brown, Big Rapids, daughter of ^^._ luhan and Nancy (Wilmer) Brown, was ^^ '' born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, ^^^\ 1825. Her father was born March 1 1, 1 7 91, in Stockbridge, Mass., and was of English de- scent. Her mother was of Irish extraction, and a native of Stockbridge, where she became the wife of Ethan Brown. Of eight children born to them three yet survive, viz : William, resident at Saginaw ; George, in business in Washington Territory, and Miss Maria, of this sketch. Tliose deceased were John F., Caroline, Marcus, and Susan C, widow of Mason Herrick. Miss Brown is rearing three of the children made orphans by the demise of Mrs. Her- /s ri'^k. They are Addie L., John F. and Marcus E. =i Miss Brown resided in Tioga Co., N. Y., until ■^ 1874, when she came to Big Rapids, to live with her 3 brother, John F. Brown. She owns his residence f on Osceola avenue, eight lots, and 60 acres of land within the city limits. The main portion of the home was once one of the finest structures in upper Big Rapids. ilEiEI«»»llEiS!II i ev. William H. Manning, farmer, sec. 34, Chippewa Tp,, was born in Odelltown, •^'" Can., Aug. 15, 1824, and is a son of Ga- tlyv; '""iel and Polly (Green) Manning, the former a Y native of New York and the latter of Ver- mont. His father was a farmer, and after his marriage went to Canada, and there died in 1866 ; his mother died in 1869. Mr. Manning was reared on his father's farm, which was situated in a rural district, and he obtained little education in early life. This defect he remedied after he had grown to manhood. He remained with his parents until he was 22 years of age. Mr. Manning was marrietl May 14, 1850, to Per- ,, , melia, daughter of Preston and Lydia (Marsh) Groot, ^ who was born in \Vhitby, Can., Nov. 23, 1830. Her .K' parents were natives c.f Lower Canada, and her ^ grandfiither was a soldier in the British army in 181 2, and a Baptist minister. Her great-grandsire was a British officer in the war of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Manning have eight children : Addison A., Celia, Lydia A., Bertha M., Ellen M., William G.. Wallace P. and Lewis H. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Manning resided in Canada until 1862, when they came to Michigan and located in St. Clair County, near Memphis, Macomb County. In 1S65 Mr. Manning connected himself with the Dryden (Lapeer Co.) Conference, and entered upon his labors as a Christian minister. He was licensed to preach in 1S50, while he liveii in Canaila. He was a licensed exhorter of tlie Oryden Circuit one year and then went to Dansville, Ingham Co., and was connected with that circuit for a year, and afterward supplied the Wheatfield mission one year. In November, 1869, Mr. Manning came with his family to Mecosta County and located in C'hippewa Tp.. where he entered and proved a claim of 80 a( res of land under the homestead law. He has been dil- igently engaged in farming, and has continued to preach at intervals as opjiortunity has served or oc- casion demanded. He is a Republican in politics. I—* 1 ohn F. Mann, farmer and lumberman, re- ^ It siding at Evart, Osceola Co., was born ^■" Oct. 22, 1832, m Penobscot Co., Me. His parents, John and Sarah (Sammons) Mann, are both living. The former was born in Maine, the latter in Ireland. Mr. Mann was reared to the business of lumber- man, in his native State, entering the woods when a boy, as a teamster in the winters and passing the summers in log-driving on the rivers. He came to Saginaw, Mich., Aug. 12, 1866, and after spending some time in the mills there again engaged as a lum- berman, and pursued the business nine years at tluit place. In 1871 he came to Fork Tp., Mecosta Co., anil engaged in lumbering and logging for Palmer & Bro., operating as foreman in their em]iloy three years. In 1875 '^^^ '00k possession of a farm in Fork Tp., and now, in connection with his son, owns 280 acres of land, which is under the management of the •f • t 'M\[y>^ .c^y.i' ■-«#^R^5f® \ -5#^^- -r<^DD>:iiIlr:>r ■>«^^«sr ""w^^W-^' V^'-fS' MECOSTA COUNTY. 53' 'S) 'S V k latter. Mr. Mann has recently transferred his resi- dence to Evan. He was married July 2, 1855, to Susan A., daughter of James C. and Susan (Roe) Cliurchill. Her parents were natives respectively of New Brunswick and Maine. Mrs. Mann is a native of the Pine-Tree State, and has had seven children, four of whom are living: James W., Maud M., Nettie M. and Jay F. Those deceased were Charles F., Bessie and Genevra. ^ ^%^ ^ r\ > h illiam Van IjOO, Secretary and Manager of ■^j^^-K ''''^ ^'o '■^''P''^!^ Furniture Co., was horn in J fe'j^ " the Netherlands, Dec. 3, 1836. In 1849 *- '^^ his parents, William and Mary Van Loo, iilT'' came to the United States, and after a year's _, stay in C)ttawa County moved to Greenville, Montcalm Co., and engaged in agriculture. They returned to Ottawa County in i>i5,S. where the father died, in 187 1, and the mother in 1879. .\t the age of 14 Mr. Van Loo entered a mercantile house as a clerk, and in 1861 formed a partiiersln]) with his employer, Manning Rutan, in the sale of general merchandise. Li 1S66 the relation was ter- minated by Mr. Van Loo's selling his interest. He came to Big Rapids and built the grist-mill on Ryan Creek, known as the " Mecosta," the first mill for the exclusive purpose of grinding grain in the lounty. In this enterprise he was associated with John Bigelovv. At the same time Mr. Van Ta)o opened a store, which he sold in 1S70, and in 1872 disposed of his interest in the mill. In July of that year the Big Rapids Furniture Co. was organized. Mr. Van Loo be- came one of the leading stockholders, and was per- sonally active as a salesman in the retail department. In July, 1874, he was elected Secretary and Treas- urer, departments of which he was the virtual head several months previous. He is now the active manager of the business of the corporation. The works of the company are located at the west end of the upper bridge, and comprise a frame building, 40 X 60 feet in dimensions, with water [jower. The ac- tive capital is $21,600. In 1870, Mr. Van Ixx) erected the first brick block in the county, and from the time of his fixing his residence at Big Rajiids has been among the foremost in promoting the substantial in- terests of the place. Mr. Van Loo was married in to Marie L. Church, born Sept. 21, 1865, is Greenville, Aug. 24, 1863, Their elder son, William C. [jursuing a scientific course of study at Albion Col- lege, Calhoun Co., Mii h. Kingsley was born June 22, 1869, being the first boy born in the city. In 1S69, Mr. Vanlxjo was elected first Supervisor of the City of Big Rapids, and Chairman of the Hoard of Supervisors ; served several years as Coun- < ilman, and in 1879 was elected a member of the Board of Education, and has been its President since 1S80. He is a zealous and acrive member of the M. E. Church, for whose interests his solicitude has been unflagging. He has been Class-Leader, Trustee, S. S. Superintendent and Steward, and was largely in- strumental in building and establishing the Church and society. He owns his residence and three build- ings utilized as stores on Michigan avenue. Mr. Van Loo is a zealous Republican and has been identified with the party and its issues since its organization in the State of Michigan. In all- his views he exhibits the traits of the race from which he is descended. His love for civil and religious liberty is his heritage from his ancestors, some of whom were engaged in the memorable struggle be- tween Philip II of Spain and the Low Countries, when that unscrupulous monarch, after his marriage with Isabella of France, had no better field for the development of his kingly genius and prerogatives than an attempted subjugation of the people of the countries then under the control of the government whose supremacy he so miserably travestied. His failure in his matrimonial schemes with Elizabeth in a sense relegated him to his appropriate si)here, and his mistaken essay to establish the inquisition where the pa))al power was at best but nominal, has sent his name to prosterity with that of Bloody Mary, Catherine de Medicis and Coligny. Let it be once more recorded in the immortal interests of the Chris- tian religion that Protestants and Catholics made common cause against the monstrous innovation, and, instead of fastening the darkest device of the Rom- ish Church upon a [leople whose national simplicity and purity was, at that period, unique, the perma- nent independen( e of the Provinces was secured and the Protestant religion established in that (lortion of Europe. The representatives of the race who could in an emergency centralize their strength upon an issue so momentous in its bearing upon the fate of future generations, are among the best and most val- <- A V r 4 "^ >^_^?*- u^ -^m-m^^fy^ -31!qg^^ 5^ •>:^ M^ ■i^^ ^r^m^M^> T V ?■ -^ >5 V ) ^ 532 AIECOSTA COUNTY. liable of the elements of our composite nationality. Mr. Van Loos [wrtrait is an appropriate accom- ])ainment to this sketcli, and may be found on page 530. R^oseph Wendling, Mecosta, Morton Tp., was born in Canada, .■\])ril 15, 1859. He is a son of Jacol) and Mary (Schnoob) Wendling, both natives of Canada. They left the Dominion in the winter of 1873, coming to Mecosta County, where they now reside. Mr. Wendling made the change of residence with his parents, with whom he remained until 23 years of age. At 15 he began acting as accountant for a lum- bering firm, and remained with them three years. He was then employed in the store of C. H. Clement at Millbrook, one year, and then taught school one term ; he subsequently engaged with M. Carman, a merchant, as head clerk, where he still remains. Mr. Wendling was married in Wheatland Tp.,Feb. 8, 1 88 1, to Angeline, second daughter of George and Nancy (Smith) Willett. The father of Mrs. Wend- ling is a native of England, and the mother of Can- ada. They came to Mecosta County in the spring of 1863, and are still resident in the township of Hinton. Mr. and Mrs. Wendling have had one child — Charles — born in April, 1882, and surviving but a, few days. The family attend the Roman Catholic Church, of which Mr. W. is. a member. He is iilentilied with tiie Democratic party. harles W. Sebastian, farmer and lumber- man, sec. 4, Green 'l'|)., was born m LO- BS'' gan Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1855. His parents, ^^ Nicholas and Magdalena (Cooley) Sebastian, ^\ were born in France, of German parentage. They came to the United States, and located in Mecosta Co., Mich., in the spring of 1867, where the father bought a farm on sec. 4, and proceeded with the work of clearing up the land and putting it in a tillable condition; he died Dec. 24, 1875. The mother resides at Hig Rapids. Mr. Sebastian was educated in the common schools of Lngan Co., N. Y., and Mecosta Co., Mich., and — -^<'tia was his father's assistant in the homestead until the latter's death, and after that event continued its management. Feb. 20, 1883, he started a saw-mill on sec. 8, where he saws about 15,000 feet of lumber daily. Mr. Sebastian owns 360 acres of land in Mecosta County, and is largely engaged in cutting and shij)- ping telegraph poles to the markets of St. Louis, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Some of the linest specimens of that peculiar variety of merchandise have been out on his land, being superior in (piality and size, and measuring from 40 to 60 feet in length. He has often obtained two 60-foot poles of the finest quality of cedar from one stump, with bases iS inches to two feet in diameter, and one foot at the top. Mr. Sebastian was married to Ida W., daughter of Moses C. and Caroline (Whipple) Besemer. Of this marriage one child, Lena, was born, Jan. 13, 1878. -xaaec/®^^— ►/ s.ti^^^-h -m~>.^myiri^ fii^> °. ®^^^ Kelley, farmer and saloon-keeper. Big ^lliS'; Rapids, was born in Somerville, Ala., Feb. I •^/-'■■^•^ 18, 1842, and is a son of Patrick Kelley, ^iifj born in Ireland, Feb. 2, 1814, and Mary (Egan) ■'/u^ Kelley, born in Ireland in 18(8, and died at ^ Big Rapids, Nov. 13, 1880. The parents came to the North and settled in Livingston Co., Mich., in 1847. They bought 120 acres of land in Hartland Tp., and there reside• ^ A >0' ( r 4 m -r<:I]D:-^llD>>v XA MECOSTA COUNTY. 533 >^ i .; 1 t '1^ business on North State street. In 1879 he went to Evart, Osceola Co., and managwl the Irvin House about 18 months, wlien he came back to Hig Rapids. In February, 1882, he opened his present business, and is carrying it on with marked success. In August, 1880, lie bought 80 acres of land on sec. 9, Big Rapids Tp-, under good improvements, where he is engaged as a farmer. He also owns a residence and four city lots, besides a business i)uilding and lot 40 X 150 feet, on the corner of Hemlock street and Michigan avenue. Mr. Kelley was married at Grand Rapids, Oct. 17, 1872,10 Mary, daughter of William and Mary Raf- ferty, born in Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1847. They have six children : William, Charles, Frank, Nellie, George and Kittie. The family belong to the Roman Catholi<: Church. ^§^J>braham Van Alstine, farmer, sec. ro, Grant Tp., was born March 26, 1842, in W'olcott, \Vayne Co., N. Y. His father, Jacob Van Als- tine, was lx)rn Nov. 1, 1S12, in New York, and died Dec. 28, i86o, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. His mother, Eleanor Van .Mstine, was born in the Empire State, Dec. 26, 1820, and is yet living, in Michigan. His ancestors were natives of New York and one grandfather was a soldier of the war of 181 2. In 1857 Mr. Van Alstine came to Michigan and settled in Sciota, Shiawassee Co. Nine years later he homesteaded a claim of 80 acres of land, now in- cluded in his landed estate, which aggregates 320 acres, of excellent cpiality. His farm is in first-class condition, with large, fine barn and other convenient buildings necessary to successful farming. He is making i)reparations to construct a dwelling-house in keeping with the farm and its other improvemenis. He was married June 18, 1867, to l^leanor, daugh- ter of Horace and Maria Burr. Her father was iiorn in Vermont in 1818, and died in May, 1859. Her mother was born in the Province of Ontario in 1829, and is still living. Mr. Van Alstine was born Dec. 20, 1849. Following are the dales of births of their six children : Franklin, Aug. 28, 1868; Wade, June 21, 1871; Etta A., Aug. i, 1873; .\dele. July 3, 1876; Jay, Dec. 20, 1879; Ralph, April 20, 1882. Early in life Mr. Van Alstine determined to exert r all reasonable effort to obtain an education, and by Strenuous exertion succeeded in fitting for college. He entered the University of Michigan in 1S59, and studied one year. His three years preparatory to a collegiate course had given him a good fundamental education, and at the end of his first year at Ann Arbor lie judged it wisest to discontinue his studies. He is a Republican in principle and has been Super- visor of Grant Tp. a year. Clerk the same i)eriod. Road Commissioner three years, Justice of the Peace four years, and Township School Superintendent five years. ; homas K. Hurley, farmer and blacksmith, sec. 8, Green Tp., was born July 10, 1828, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of William and Mary (Mapes) Hurley. His f.ither was a descendant of the Welsh, and was by occupation a mason. Among other important works on which he was engaged was the construction of the Neversink bridge in Sullivan Co., N. Y. ; he died in 1S50. The mother was a native of Connecticut, and died in 1872. Mr. Hurley remained with his parents until the death of his father. His marriage to Minerva Cole occurred in Schuyler Co., N. Y., in 1850. She was a native of the Empire State and was a daughter of Ira and Nancy (Bailey) Cole. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley had three children. Only one — .Vda (Mrs. Dwight I.yilell) — is living. Two died in infancy. The mother dicil May 6, 1847, and Mr. Hurley contracted mar- riage a second time Jan. 9, iSjSjwith Emma, daugh- ter of John R. and Elizabeth (Cod)ett) Allen. She was born in .Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1836. Her parents were natives of the State of New Jersey and /" ilicd in Steuben County, when she was very young. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley have three children, namely: I'^ttie (Mrs. Jason Lydell), Mary A. and Cora B. At the age of 18 Mr. Hurley commenced learning the trade of blacksmith with Isaac P. Goodsell, re- maining with him two years and afterwartl operated k on his own account 15 years, in his native State. He \ enlisted Jan. i, 1864, in the loth N. Y. Cav., and «-' ■ served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge ( at Harwood Hospital, Washington, D.C., June 6, 1865. ^^ During his (leriod of enlistment he worked at black- ,, smithing, and in the winter of 1864 was in active ^ A ^ ^^y^ ^:;firiv.-n(i;,V- ">^ • J-'Hi MECOSTA COUNTY. **|^^5f -A >: ^ > ^s I service, being under fire at Hatcher's Run and the battle of Winchester, after which he was ill and was in various hospitals three months. His last fight was at Petersburg, and after his discharge he re- turned to Schuyler County, where he was sick a year with disease contracted in the army. In 1867 he came to Mecosta County, and on the 26th day of June located on sec. 8, Green Tp., where he has since been busily occupied with farming and his trade. He owns 46 acres of land, all in good condition. With reference to National issues he is a Democrat. S *'il^^' ^^^^ Snider, farmer, sec. 21, Austin Tp., ^^~' was born in Toronto, Can., Oct. 9, 1827 jj,®!^ His parents, Jacob and Rachel Snider, were natives of New Brunswick, and early in life came to Canada. The father died at 85, the mother at 81 years of age. When 24 years old Mr. Snider went to Kentucky, where he was employed as a carpenter on a tobacco planta- tion. His stay Was brief and he went back to the parental roof and began to work for his fiither. He was married Nov. 25, 1852, near Toronto, Can., to Mary, daughter of William and Jane (Mitchell) McMann, a family of Irish descent. She was born Feb. 17, 1830. A year after his marriage Mr. Snider embarked in mercantile business and continued op- erating in trade eight years. In 1861 the family came to Michigan and settled in Newaygo County, where Mr. Snider controlled a grist-mill one year. He then came to .\ustin Tp. and settled on a 40-acre farm which he had previously purchased, and .to which he has since added by purchase 120 acres. He has 60 acres under cultivation. Five living chil- dren are members of this household and two have passed to the other world and are held in sacred remembrance. Following is the record of their births and deaths: Oliver C. was born May 14, 1858; Mary A., Jan. 9, 1861; Albert H., April 13, 1863; Hiram G., July 29, 1866; Emma M., Sept. 13, 1868; Robert W., Nov. 8, 1853, died Dec. 15, 1856; Sarah J., born .^pril, 1855, died Dec. 3, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Snider have been members of the M. E. Church since 1857, and have both been ar- dent laborers in the cause of religion. Mr. Snider ": 1 fj/ has been Steward many years and is now Class- leader. He has always been active in the cause ot education and in tlie interests of tlie Republican party. I ohn B. Fribley, harness-maker. Big Rapids, was born in Lycoming County, near Wil- i ;, '" liamsport, Pa., Dec. 21, 1837. He is a son |i*y' of John and Sarah (Sutton) Frii)ley. At the ^F age of 17 he went to Muncy in the same 1" county, where Re learned his trade. In 1856 he went to Ottawa, 111. He left the latter place Aug. 17, of the same year, with a party designing to settle in Kansas. At Iowa City they " fitted out " with 26 wagons laden with clothing and provisions. They met another party with similar intentions and joined in company with them. They crossed the Missouri River at Nebraska City in small flat-boats, and traveled six weeks before reaching the Kansas and Nebraska line. There they were met by " Jim " Lane and John Brown (Ossawatomie). Tlie former made a political speech, and Sunday morning Brown preached a characteristic sermon, incorporating his views on the negro (juestion. On attempting to cross into Kansas the entire number were taken prisoners, their arms and stores were confiscated, and the party taken to Topeka, where they were liberated by Gov. Geary. Mr. Fribley settled at F.aston, Leavenworth Co., Kansas, where he established a business and also followed farming, near Toi)eka; he also owned a ferry, plying across the Kansas River at Leconipton. He went to Colorado and was interested one summer in mining for gold. At Denver, Colorado, Mr. Fribley enlisted in August, 1861, in Co. A, First Colorado Vol. Inf., under Capt. Wynkoop, and was in the United States service three years and eleven months. His first detail was to Apache Canyon and I'aralto, New Mex- ico, with the Te.xan troops, and after the campaign there was terminated, the regiment returned to Col- orado atid was there mounted and ordered to the frontiers for duty in tlie Indian disturbances. Mr. Fribley was regimental saddler, but was in several Indian engagements. He participated in the Shi- vington massacre on Sand C'reek, 40 miles north of Fort Lyon, on the Arkansas River. The affair took I A I ■A<^IlP3^^Dni1>^V^ ^^x^f^ \^ ^'r^ ^^ii0 I f 0/ f-n^^^^- MECOSTA COUNTY. f^.i:'^ ■^Niwi-v A >^v V i place Feb. 17, 1863, and the whites sustained a loss of 16 killed and 5,5 woundetl. The slaughter of In- dians was complete, and included nearly 400 niL-n, women and children. The record says: "There weie none left that were big enough to die." The interpreter, John Smith, saved a little boy. In June, 1864, he went with a tletail of 100 soldiers and teamsters in inirsuit of a band of ma- rauding Indians, whom they found encamped at the head-waters of Smoky River, — about 700 in force, — and had with them the closest kind of a hand-to- hand encounter. One of Mr. Fribley's reminiscences of his campaign gives strong ])roof that the peculiar cunning and sagacity that makes the Indian so dreadful a foe and so powerful an ally, is only due to the circumstances of his training and education, in- stead of being the traits of his nature. While out with two comrades on a hunting and scouting expe- dition, they were suddenly surrounded by upwards of 200 Cheyennes. Hy an assumption of friendli- ness and interest the red-skins were led to believe that Mr. Fril)ley and his companions were not con- nected with tlie U. S. troo[is, and were decoyed within the lines of the command. Catting loose from the mass of the band, the chief rode with the white men within range of the arms of the rear guard, who fired upon the advancing party. Six bullets were found in the body of the chief, but the scouts were un- harmed. Mr. Fribley was discharged at Fort Riley, Kansas, July 15, 1S65, made a brief visit to Penn- sylvania and returned to Kansas. In 1867 he opened a shop at Medina, Jefferson Co., Kansas, worked a year at his trade and engaged in fanning several years, after which he again re- turned to the Keystone State. Two yei^rs later he opened a shop in Topeka, operating there some months, and then again spending three years in Pennsylvania, going thence to Colorado, and a few months later coming to Big Rapids, where he located in August, 1S80. He was in the employ of Ihnican McLellan about 16 months, when he fnunded his present business, and is now in a [irospeious and in- creasing trade. Mr. Fribley was married in Lycoming Co., I'.i., May 14, 1876, to Kate Tomlinson, a native of Penn- sylvania. Four children have been born of the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. l-'ribley: Sarah, Mary, I,aura and FMizabeth. Ch-jS" 537 "> v^ }fi '^^^^■t,dison S. Hooker, dealer in lumber, lath ^sMM ^ and shingles, at Pig Rapids, was l)orn in \}V!,^ Mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 15, y.)t^ I S46. He is a son of Royal D. and Courtney ; Hooker, and was brought up on his father's ; farm. When he was 17 years of age he enlisted in Lima, Ohio, enrolling Jan. 14, 1863, as a private in Co. H, 32d Ohio Vol. Inf, Capt. Barrett. He was in the engagements at Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta and at Savannah, where the rebels sur- rounded them on an island, cutting off supplies, a process which compelled the entire division to sub- sist ten days on rice in the sheaf, gathered in the low lands. He was, besides, in a number of skirmishes, and veteranized Jan. 4, 1864, serving until July 20, 1865. On his discharge he returned to Allen Co., Ohio, having saved with his bounty $2,500. He remained a year on his father's farm, when he engaged in lumbering and purchased considerable land, heavily timbered. He built a saw-mill in Spen- ( erville, and in 1S79 he bought a grist-mill, and plan- = ing mill, which he sold in August, 1883. He sold '*. his saw-mill in the fall of 18S2. He built a fine ^ residence in Spencerville in the summer of 1S81, at an expenditure of $7,000. This lie still owns, with the lot whereon it stands, 99 x 132 feet in dimen- sions, besides two acres in the town. Mr'. Hooker met with success in his lumber operations, and also in a large provision and grocery business, which he managed two years. R. H. Hooker, father of Mr. Hooker of this sketch, came to Mecosta County and settled in Creen Tp., where he bought 160 acres of farming laiui, and pur- sued agricidture until his death, which look place July 27, 1882 ; he was aged 69 years ; the mother died .\ug. 9, 1866. In 1879 Mr. Hooker bought 120 acres of pine land in Mewaygo County, and in January, 18S2, he came to Mecosta County, and in the same year he built a saw and lath mill in (ireen Tp., which he is still operating, and employs 50 men in the mill and wooils,some as teamsters. In .Seiitember, 1882, he pur- chased a fine residence at Pig Rapids, and in July, 18S3, he purchased of 1). F. Comstock five acres on the river, where he purjKjses to build a saw, shingle and lath mill, having all the latest improvements. r ->:Dii^>-:— — »<»<=- X- m m j^^ 538 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^^^ -ajC^s^ ^^^f?^^^: a ■ ) « ') 1 I He was married in Allen Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, 1866, to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Henrietta Fisle, a native of Germany. Of this marriage nine chil- dren have been born, in the following order, seven of whom are living: Charles A., John R.. Henrietta, Anna L., Laura (deceased), Katie (deceased), George, Adison S. and Lavinia. Tlie ijortrait of Mr. Hooker may be found in this volume. -» . ;^=:j )<3$ ^:=:; ■ »- illiam F. Denney, furniture dealer, Mill- brook village, is a son of James M. and Lois E. (Scranton) Denney, and was born March 7, 1846, in Indiana. 'Che father was in moderate circumstances, with a large family, and the elder children, as they grew in years, aided in sustaining the burden of the family supiiort. In the fall of 1865 he came to Mecosta County and located in Wheatland Tp., and after- ward moved to Sheridan Tp. About the year 1874, the subject of this sketch purchased a building lot in Millbrook, on which lie has since built a good frame structure, where lie is doing a thriving business, carrying a stock valued at $2,000. He commenced life empty-handed, and learned the cabinet-making trade, also that of carpen- ter and builder. By frugality and good management he has established himself in business on a perma- nent basis, and owes to no one save himself the ad- vance he has made toward a fortune sufficient for the needs of tlie years and chances held in the future. He was married at Big Rapids, Dec. 23, 1880, to K;ila E., daughter of Newman G. and Jane Capen, a native of Wisconsin. They liave one child, New- man G. Mr. Denney is independent in political seiiliinenl and action, and is a member of the Odd Kellows fraternity. ikhauneey Warren, farmer, sec. 32, Austin if. Tp., was born in l'>ie Co., N. Y., July 21, 1823, and is a son of Joseph and Fanny (Watson) Warren, natives of Vermont. He )\ was occupied on his father's farm until the age of 23, when he went to Ontario, Can., in the fall of 1846, and there engaged in a saw-mill. He fr was a resident of Canada 18 years, and was married there Aug. 13, 1849, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Winegarden) Roberts, natives of Pennsylvania, respectively of Welsh and Dutch e.\- traction. Mrs. Warren was born Sept. t, 1827. During his stay in the Dominion, Mr. Warren was chiefly engaged in lumbering. He came to Newaygo County in 1S64, and thence to Austin Tp., where he entered a claim of 80 acres of land, 60 of which are well cultivated, with valuable buildings. Here has been the homestead for 2 1 years, and here the heads of the household expect to pass their sunset days. The family includes two children : Adelbert D., born Feb. 1 1, 1859, and Rosetta E., March 1 1, 1868. Three children are deceased: William H., born Oct. 7, 1850, died April 29, 185 1 ; Charles, born July 30, 1852, died Feb. 28, 1853; Alvaretta, born Nov. i, 1854, died June 14, 1882. I'r J avidM. Benjamin, lumberman, resident at j-iiiiy^ ! Grand Raj)ids, was born at East Livermore, 5f(|e''^^ Me., July 28, 1834. He is a son of David "wii, and Catharine C. (Stanwood) Benjamin, and ^ was, until the age of 16, brought up on a farm \ and attended the common school. He then entered the academy at Farmington, where he studied two terms, going successively to Litchfield and Westbrook, attending the acadeiuv in those l>laces the same length of lime. His first business venture was at East Livermore, where he was station agent on the Androscoggin River. After a year there he engaged as a lumber- man on the Penobscot River, and acted in that capacity until he was 28 years old. He came to Muskegon, Mich., in October, 1862, where he had a year before invested in pine lands, and operated in lumber. In the summer of 1864 he erected a large steam saw-mill, fitted with gang-saws and all the most approved appurtenances pertaining to similar establishments. The works were among the most extensive in that city, having a cutting capacity of 240,000 feet daily. I le conducted his business alone until 1873, when he entered into partnership with O. P. Pillsbury and Daniel W. Bradley. 'I'he firm style at present is O. P. I'illsbury & Co., and in eludes the senior member named, Mr. Benjamin, I <^ i "^ (> ^^'^f^ -^ V <>[]!1>:[ID^>^ 4^^5f® (5 < ^ ■^i^^te: crT<:DD:o:UD>>v ->*€i^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ) :<$ V > ^ 539 Win. H., Edward and James W., sons of D. W. Bradley. The house is operatins;; extensively in lumber traffic, and have offices at Muskegon and Milwaukee. Their timber tracts include 15,000 acres of pine lands in Michigan, 60,000 in \Vis(onsin and a considerable acreage in Minnesota. Tlieir house and jobbing forces combined number alioul 200 men. The firm have a large planiiig-mill at Mil- waukee, with a working capacity of 25,000,000 feet annually. They own about 9,000 acres of pine lands in Mecosta County. Mr, Benjamin was married in Portsmouth, N. H., Tune 16, 1869, to Annie Louise, daughter of Andrew J. and Annie Fitts, born in Southampton, N. H., April 16, 184S. They have one son, Fred W., born at Grand Rapids, Jan. 23, 1S78. Mr. Benjamin is a Democrat in his political views. asper E. Bisbee, grocer and druggist, was )r born in Allegany Co., N. Y., July 29, 1845, '" a son of Alanson and Mary C. (Bagley) Bisbee, both of whom were natives of Albany Co., N. Y. The father was a farmer and in 1858 located in the town of Campbell, Ionia Co., Mich., residing there until his death in 1863. The mother died in i860. Mr. Bisbee was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools; he obtained a situation in a store at Saranac, Ionia Co., Mich., and acted as clerk there one year, after which he learned the art of boot and shoe making, which he followed as a vocation some years. He went next to Newaygo County, where he worked during one summer, engaging in the fall with another party, and spent the next three years in travel and in giving public entertainments with the troop. On the termination of this business he resumed work at his trade in Newaygo, which he pursued some time. He next operated some months as a <:lerk in a hotel. Mr. Bisbee was married in 1869, to Sarah E., daughter of Elias and Fuphemia (Thompson) Scran- ton. Her parents were natives of Ohio and she was born in that State. In the family are three children : Ead E., Glen W. and Frank L. Mr. Bisbee located in Paris in 1870, where he pur- sued his trade some years and established a heavy :|iKV^>5«ii€^ business for the locality, which he sold out and then devoted his attention one year tofarming, after which he reluniecl to I'aris and embarked in the enterprise he is now pursuing. In |)olitical faith he is a Dem- ocrat, and has held the office of Dei)uty Sheriff. J i • '^S££S!J^^S^ ^-SW>OT»»~ ^^■•■-^'>\: A ay D. Robinson, wholesale and retail dealer ;,„,, in meals of all varieties at Big Ra|)ids, was ||li-) '" ^ born at Romeo, .Macomb Co., Mich., July d,5^ II, 1850. His father, H. Robinson, was born jt in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and located in 1833, in \ Romeo, being the third settler in Macomb County, whither he and his father, Henry Robinson, made their way through the woods with an ox team, cutting the road as they iiroceeded. Mr. Robinson's father was a giant in statue and strength, standing six feet and three inches in stockings, and the object ( ] of great interest because of his power to lift immense weights. Tlie mother, Nancy Robinson, was born in Penn- sylvania, 12 miles northwest of Pittsburg, and is now living with her son at Big Rapids, aged 59 years. Mr. Robinson received a common-school educa- tion, and when 14 years okl went to Cincinnati and entered the river servi<:e. His fust employ was as a cabin boy on the " Roljerl Burns," a jjassenger steamer. He attained to the post of second clerk, and was absent frop.". his home four years. On re- turning he established himself in mercantile business at Holly, in com|)auy with \\'. A. Taylor. 'I'heir op- erations were successful, and they were soon en- abled to add a wholesale department and estal>lished warehouses at Saginaw City. They continued to londuct iheir business with satisfactory results until the geueial de|)ression of 1876, when the shrinkage of values in all avenues of trade involved them in heavy loss, when they brought their affairs lo a ter- mination. He went afterward to Deadwood, Dak., in company with Kli Hammond, and they trafficked in miners' su|)plies, horses and merchandise of varied ^ character, operating profitably for two years. Mr. I Robinson became connected with the notion house of ^^ Jacob Brown at Detroit, where he remained two ra years, going thence to ^Chicago, where he was en- ^ gaged with Keith Bros., who kept a gentlemen's fur- (^. nishing goods establishment. After two years, in ^ ^m:^- — ^'^^^^ j-W <^a) ys„ A ■^ 4 540 "T <:IID>:11D>.>T- tS^J$$: MF.COSTA COUNTY. f 1 88 1, he came to Big Rapids, where his family re- sided for a year previous. He opened his present business Nov. 3, 18S1, and carries a well assorted stock of $5,000 to $6,000 ; the annual business trans- actions amount to about $jo,ooo. Four assistants are emiiloyed. He owns eight acres of land on the border of Big Rapids, where he has a stock yard^ pasturage, etc. Mr. Robinson was married Jan. 8, 1874, in Holly, to Klla C, daughter of Solon and Vanda (Bunker) Cooley, born in Pontiac, Mich., July 22, 1855. Fred- die J., only child, was born in Holly, Sept. 25, 1S74. The motlier died at Big Rapids March 16, 1883. ' rank S. Maxon, farmer, sec. 32, Deerfield I'p., was born Nov. 28, 1850, in Jackson Co., Mich., and is a son of F. D. and tMeriba (Dunham) Maxon, both of whom are natives of New York. ( Mr. Maxon received a fair education at the common schools of his native county, and a thorough training for his vocation of agriculturist. In 1S75 he i)urchased 40 acres of land in the townsliii) of Deerfield and setUed thereon, engaging since in farm- ing and putting his place in the best possible con- dition. Mr. Maxon was united in marriage in the State of Missouri, Feb 18, 1872, with Lorania, daughter of F/li and Mary (Wray) Maxon, both of whom were natives of Virginia. Mrs. Maxon was born Feb. 12, 1S56, in Nodaway Co., Mo., and has become the mother of five children : Charles A., born Dec. 20, 1872; \Villiam L. and Wilson R., twins, born June 25, 1876; Lewis E, March 18, 1878; Edgar H., Nov. I, I 88 1. In political jiriniiple Mr. Maxon is a Republican. -^-•<-^'4#=^>" tjhester W. Comstock, Cashier of the Big ^Z Rapids National Bank, was born at Alex- >'^'*' andria, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 30, 1856. He is a son of Daniel F. and Dollie E. Com- stock. In A|)ril, 1871, his father removed his family to Big Rapids, remaining until when another removal was mode to Cadillac, , where the senior Comstock established a banking house, Chester W. officiating as cashier five years. On the return of the family to Big Rapids in 1879, both father and sou engaged in the lumber business. The National Bank of Big Rapids was founded in 1883, and opened June 4 of that year, Mr. Comstock being elected its Cashier. It is a home institution, the stock being cliiefly owned in Mecosta County. homas B. Pitman, farmer, sec. 1 1, Deerfield Tp., was born m Canada, Se.\iX. 25, 1852. His parents, John and Mary A. (Hewett) Pitman, were natives of Canada, and came to %Y Michigan in 1868, residing at Saginaw two years, and, coming thence to Mecosta County settled in Deerfield Tp., where they are now living on sec. II. Mr. Pitman accompanied his parents in their migrations and bought 40 acres of unimproved land adjoining tlie tract owned and occupied by his father. He built thereon a board house and now has 23 acres of land under cultivation. He was married in the township of Deerfield, Oct. 29, 1874, to (jeorgiana Van Cordon, a native of the Slate of New York, where her parents are now living. Mrs. Pitman died July 2, 1879, leaving one child — Harry \V. — born Dec. 5, 1875. Mr. Pitman attends the M. E. Church, and is independent in politics. ■^p§«. Ifred S. Mason, postal clerk on the Chicago ■ ^J( iv: West Michigan railroad, resident at Big W " Rapids (route from Big Rapids and Hol- land), was born in Ellicott Tp., Chautauqua 1^ Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, i,S28, and is a son of 1 Martin and Polly (C.riswold) Mason. The father of Mr. Mason was a farmer, and he was reared to the age of t6, in the habits and pur- suits common to farmers' sons. The family had re- moved to Jamestown, two miles distant, and at the age named he went to learn the trade of harness- maker, serving an apprenticeship of three years, after which he establislied liimself at Jamestown and continued in business until tlie outbreak oi the Southern Rebellion. He responded to the first call for troops and en- if) t ^ ^ ^))f^^ >2lD,)i^^^ -K'^H 11 :^: B^>^-^ — ^^*^ — 4>^^jfli ■:3^*sr i ] ^ •N :« ^ AfECOSTA COUNTY. ■>*^^^ X^^>|| 543 > listed at Jamestown in Co. B, 7 2d N. Y. Vol. Inf., in the Sickles Brigade. On the organization of the company in April. 1861, Mr. Mason was elected Second Lieutenant, and while on the Potomac, Nov. 5, 1861, was promoted to the rank of First Lieuten- ant. He was discharged at Yorktown. ALiy 20, 1862, for disability. He returned to Jamestown and assisted in raising the 112th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf. He came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1862, mainly to recruit his impaired health. He interested him- self in the lumber trade, and was for some years as- sociated with the Cireen Brothers in buying pine lands and " putting in " logs, transacting a heavy business. In 18 — they purchased the properly which is now tlie site of the Fainnan and Newton block, on which a hotel was in process of erection. They completed the building and it was named the Mason House. It was one of the first hotels in the county and became prominent from its connection with the history of the progress of Big Rapids. In the fall of 1874 the same association took a contract to grade 14 miles of the G. R. & I. R. R., four miles south of (."adillac, six miles north from the Manistee River, and four miles from the north branch of the Boardman River in Kalkaska County. This was accomplished in the autumn of 1874 and the following spring. They then contracted to grade and bridge seven miles west of Reed City on the F. & 1'. .M. R. R., which undertaking was finished in the fall of 1876. The force usually employed num- bered about 250 men and the required teams. Tiie Messrs. Green & Mason carried on lumbering winters and building State roads summers, thus operating two years on what is known as the East Tawas & Houghton Lake State road, of which they i>uiU t2 miles. This was the last business venture of tiie company, the partnership relations being brought to a close at the same time with the com|)letion of tlic job. In January, 1S80, through liie influence of Jay Hubbell, Mr. Mason was appointed to his present [Kisition of Mail Agent. He has been a Republican ever since the organi- zation of the party, and has been quite prominent in the field of politics. He was elected Sheriff of Me- costa County and served two years. He lielongs to the Order of Masonry, is Master of Big Rapids Blue Lodge and I'ast* High Priest of the Royal .\rch Chapter of that city. He owns a fine residenc e and )ot on Ives avenue. X -si^'y^ Mr. Mason was married in Jamestown, N. Y., Feb. ^ 27, 1854, to -Amanda A., daughter of \V. D. and '' Hannah (Belden) Green. (See sketch of \V. I). Green.) Mrs. Mason was born in Rensselaer Co.. .\. v., May 13, 1831. Jennie, only daughter of Mr. i and Mrs Mason, is the wife of C. \\ . Cunningham, book-keeper in the Big Rapids National Bank. She was born in Jamestown, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1859. (See sketch of C. W. Cunningham.) Joseph West, farmer, on sec. 27, Green T|i., f was born in Wiltshire, Eng., Nov. 7, 1829. I (§''"'' '^ His parents, William and Sarah (Bimester) T^ \N'esl, were I'jiglish by birth and belonged to the agricultural class in their native country. He was the only son, and when two years old iiis father died. The education of .Mr. West is such ^ as is acquired by tiie majority of men similarly situ- *> ated in youth. His father and stepfather were men \y', of the class who bear the brunt of the world in their ^ native land, — those on whose efforts and needs the ;C'! so-called upper classes thrive ; and liis labors were ^ necessary for the family supi)ort. Thomas Beasent y^/ was a widower with children when he became the •' husband of Mrs. West. In 1853 Mr. Beasent came ( to the United States and settled in Mecosta County, ' tiie children on both sides accompanying him. Mr. West married Mary .\nn Beasent, Oct. 23, 1851; she was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gay) Beasent, antl born Oct. 27, 1836. Mr. Beasent died in Mecosta County. V Mr. West obtained employment as a lumberman a « ^ few months after coming to America, and in the ^' spring of 1854 came to Big Rapids and soon after located on sec. t,},, in Green Tp., where he bought 80 acres of land inder the Gradation Act, paying 75 cents per .icre. There he labored and resided until 1S67, when he purchased the farm where he now re- sides, Kuitaining 1 60 aires of land. Mr. West is a ^ Republican and an honored citi/en of Green Tp. His thrift and persevering industry have met with the reward of well directed eflorl, and he is in liic p/issession of substantial evidence of the wisdom of his pur|)oses in life. The land-holder is a sovereign by primal kinship to the first man, endowed divinely j with all the lands of tiie earth. \ HD^^'-- — -^y^ "^-^'J^M f '.1 -^^^^ erV<>ll(l>:lIli^>r^-r -^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. '■) t f ) A >J V ) d ^ 1 .< William L., eldest son of Mr. West, was born in 1852, in England; married Clara Hovey, of Green Tp., and lives in Dakota. The remainder of Mr. West's children were born in Michigan. Eliza M. married William Dalziel. The others are: Charles E., Anna J., George W. and Eddie. Chester E. and Louisa are deceased. We give a portrait of Mr. West in this voiiune as one of the pioneers of Mecosta County. r-^i^-mM^^ ■^Ipa-^jyrus r. Richardson, farmer, sec. 8, Big Jl^^i Rapids, was l)orn in Ohio, April 11, 1838. ^Ip" His father, Luther Richardson, was born in fjjtj^ Maine ; his mother, Rachel Richardson, was m a native of Ohio. His parents came to the ' State of Michigan in 1843, and he was reared to manhood at Grand Rapids. At the age of 22 years Mr. Richardson came to Mecosta County and worked at lumbering one sea- son. In the spring of 1861 he bought 80 acres of land, where he established his home and has since pursued his calling of agriculturist. He has placed 60 acres of his farm under good cultivation, has a handsome residence and good farm buildings. He enlisted in the Union service Aug. 15, 1864, in Co. L, First Mich. Reg. Engineers and_ Mechanics, and was discharged June 6, 1865. He is a member of the M. E. Church, has held the office of Township Treasurer four successive years, and is at present Justice of the Peace. He was married Nov. 9, i860, to Maria Youard,of Grand Rapids. She was born in Ontario, Can., July 21, 1840. Her father was drowned when slie was four years old ; her mother is still living. Children : Mary J., born Nov. 17, 1861; died Nov. 30, 1882; Luther J. C, Oct. 2, 1863; William T. S., May 17, 1866; Minnie L., Oct. 27, 1868; Rachel M., Jan. 3, 1873; Kittie, Sept. 16, 1876, died May 31, 1879. -ei- HJt— e— , enj. J. Shourds, farmer, sec. i.Wlieatland M3|g Tp., is a son of Jonathan and Sophronia (Jones) Shourds, who were natives of New "^ York, and descended from French and English ancestors. Mr. Shourds was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., March 6, 183S, and was reared at home to the age of 21 years. He obtained ^(^*|^ :^^fL -^^ 4^^Jfl r-'Si' ;,V^' )^^ ** A y^. ^ •) t ^-r<:llIl:<(lDv>^: — MECOSTA COUNTY J^^i/S- ^ * B, April 8, 1879; Geo. A, Sept. 16, 1880, and llolilie, May 5, 1873. Mr. Reynolds is a Republi- can. J;iL^fla oseph Gaunt, farmer, sec. 26, Deerlield ^'l^^L' "^1'' *''^ '^'*^'^" "^ Monroe Co., Mii b., Sept. ;V',"^ 3, 1834, and is the son of Harrison and \<£ Mary A. (Rushwortliy) Gaunt, who were na- ^r lives of England. , Mr. Gaunt has been a farmer all his life, ex- cept four years, when he was employed as a black- smith. He was married in St. Joseph Co., Mich., Feb. 20, 1862, to Mary E., daughter of Nelson and Jane (Austin) Wells, natives of New York Mrs. Gaunt was born in Michigan, Sept. 1 1, 1839. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt: Minnie J., Dec. 13, 1862; Ida M., Jan. 16, 1S66; Jolm \\'., July 23, 1869. Mrs. Gaunt had one child by a former marriage, Edward, born Aug. 3, 1859. = ^^^^^^^^ — H |j assel Bowen Hughes, resident at Big R.ipid^, was l)orn at Camilhis, Onondaga Co., N. V , Oct. 4, 1828. When lie was 12 years of age his father moved to Bellevue, Mich. He married Addale D. ?iolden, of lliat place, Feb. i 3, 1848. 1850,111 company with James Holden, David Thomas and J. J. Cook, he started for California, influenced by the gold-mining excitement which was then at its height. Tliey drove tlieir teams to La Salle, 111., and then took a steamer to St. Louis, Mo., and from tiiere to Si. Jose|)li, wiiere they arrived al)Out the ist of May, and made arrangements with other parlies to travel together for pioleclion .ind assistance. May 10 they started with a train of 10 or 12 wagons, 40 men and about 50 horses. 'I'hey real lied Salt Lake City about the 251)1 of June, hav- ing made 1,200 miles in about 45 days. July 6, they left their camp at Salt Lake and continued their march, reaching the Sacramento River on the i04tii day from the Missouri Kiver. They put their spare horses on a ranch, and started for tlie mines. They made their first camp at " Rough and Ready," a min- ing town in Nevada County, where liiey worked in 545 -S the mines until the rainy season, when they sold iheir iiorses and joined a company lliat had disiover- ed a quartz vein at Brown's Valley, on the Lower, Yuba River. They expended considerable money, dug a large amount of rock that turned out well, and built a mill whic h, when nearly completed was car- ried away by a flood. They aijandoned the claim. Mr. Hughes tlien engaged in operating some mines and a mining store, which was quite successful for a few months, until the mines failed. In the spring of 1852 he went to work by the day for a mining con.pany at Park's Bar, Yuba River. He received $5 a day, and worked about three months. About Sept. I, he took the steamer "General Scott " at San Francisco for Panama ; arriving, he crossed the isth- mus to Asjiinwall and took the steamer " Ohio " for New York. When off Cape Hatteras a gale drove the steamer into Charleston, S. C. Many passengers left, but he remained. He arrived home about Oct. Here he engaged in mercantile business until the breaking out of the rebellion in i86i,\vhen he, on the first day of November of that year, entered the service as Second Lieutenant of Merrill's Horse, and passed the following winter in tents, in Northwestern Missouri, where the regiment was engaged in keeping down the rebels. In the summer of 1862 he was promoted First Lieutenant, but still remained on the regimental stafT, where he had been assigned to duty in the beginning. He was regimental Treasurer and Ordnance oflici-r during his entire term of service. During the summer of 1862 the regiment was actively engaged against the guerrillas. The winter of 1862-3 was passed at Warrenton, about 160 miles from St. Louis, and the next summer in fighting the guerrillas, with an occasional battle with more regular forces. June 1, 1863, he was promoted Captain, and the same month marched to Iron Mountain, under com- mand of (ien. Steele; they marched against and cap- tured Little Rock, Ark., and engaged in several severe battles and skirmishes. Passed the winter in camp at Brownsville. In the spring of 1864 he marched with liis division from Little Rock, for the pur|>ose of forming a junc- tion with Gen. Banks near Shreveport, La., which was not accomplished, on account of the inability of the latter to rea< h that jKjint. The expeililion returned to Little Rock after an absence of 40 days, which had been almost a continuous battle. IK I w r^. A (T ^^^^^]— i,if?' A <>Ofl>:nnvV- -^^^^fT' x-y MECOSTA COUNTY. — 17^^(<®\4' ) 4 ^> then with his- regiment joined the division of f%^ den. Thomas at Chattanooga, where he served until -I- the end of the war. It is a notable fact that during i all his service he rode the same while horse, and i although engaged in many conflicts neither himself ^ nor horse, which he still owns, received any serious injur}'. Col. Merrill, the commander of the regiment, also used the same horse from the beginning to the end of the war. (.)n returning home al tlie close of the contest he again engaged in mercantile business at Bellevue, Mich., until 1S76, when he went into the employ of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, at I'.ig Rapids, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have no children. He rep- resented Eaton County in the Legislature of Michigan in 187 I. -^5 ^^^ >^ 19, Grant /'if? alter McFarlan, farmer, sec. ' ^^'i> 'l'p'> ^vas born March 14, iSi4,in Arcadia, Co., N. Y. His father, Walter McFarlan, was born in (ilasgow, Scotland, May I, 1774, and remained in his native country until he was 19 years old, coming to the United Slates in 1793. He followed the profession of a calico printer in Scotland, and when he settled in New N'nrk he became a farmer. He adoi)ted the new country with all his might, became a "minuie man "of 1S12, was keenly alive to the issues that arose day by day brought forward for popular consid- eration, and exerted all his energies to aid the op- pressed and relieve suffering of whatever type. When the Ihitish invaded llie county of which he ■^ was a citi/en, he held himself in readiness to answer her cry of distress, and was on duty when the in- vaders burned the village of .Sodus, in \\'a\ne County. He was an early adherent to the anti- slavery cause in New York, and on coming to Wayne County, Mich., became an essential factor in the operations of the Underground Railroad, of which '^h ^Vayne n, 4^ he was known to be a "conductor," and wiihout ipiestion aided as much as any other one man in securing safety and ultimate freedom for the slaves of the South who sought escape from bondage, and placed themselves under his guidance and protection. He was a zealous worker for temperance, and was a member of the M. E. Church for more than 70 years. He was in its ministry 40 years before his death. He came to Detroit in 1S25. His wife, Margaret McF'ar- lan, was born at Fort Bruland, N. J., in 1778, during the war of the Revolution, and her father was killed by the Indians near the fort. She was married in 1800 and died Oct. 12, 1S62. Mr. McFarlan of this sketch came to Michigan with his parents and remained with them during liis minority, engaged in farm duties. He has been a farmer all his life, commeiicing that business on his own account by the purchase of a farm in Huron, Wayne Co., Mich., on which lie lived 16 years. He next purchased a farm in St. Johns, Clinton Co., Mich., and, eight years later, came to Grant Tp., where he bought 85 acres of valuable land. Politic- ally, Mr. McFarlan is a Republican ; has been a member of the Free Methodist Church iS years; was Justice of the Peace 12 years. He was married Jan. 4, 1843, to Caroline Garret- son, of Wayne Co., Mich. She was born April 5, 1S26, and is of English extraction. Of this marriage 12 <:hildren were born, but four of whom survive: Helen P. was born March 20, 1844, and died May 19, 1S75 ; Franklin, born Jan. 3, 1846, was a soldier of the civil war where he served two years, and died at Fort Hallock, Neb., Oct. 30, 1865; John Q. A., born Jan. 3, 1S48, was also a soldier in the Union service and died June 9, 1867, of chronic diarrhcta contracted in the army; h'illniore W., liorn May 7, 1850, died Sept. 12, 1872; Norman J., born March 29, 1S53, died lS.\m\ 11, 1877; Elva 'P., born June 15, 1855, is now Mrs. J. A. Harvey, of Newaygo Co. (married Aug. 6, 1876); Florence R., born Nov. 24, 1857, was married July 12, 1880, to John Moore, ol Grant 'I'l).; Caroline E., born .\ug. 10, i860, died Jan. 26, 1882; David H., born Oct. 14, 1S62; P.en- jamin R., born July 9, [866, died July 23, 1867; Clarissa A., born Jan. i, 1869; Sarah Jane, born Dec. 12, 1872, died March 27, 1876. -i^X 8|d.3!^;harles H. Henry, harness-marker, at Riu born at Marshall, Callioun ^^ Rapids, was Co., Mich., March 3, iS;2. He is a son of si!? l.ysaniler antl Sabriua (Demming) Henry. His father was a stone-mason, and after he ob- tained a fair education, at the age of 17, he began to r^ ^^^ mm^ f-?! ^ (^ : ^ =^ vU learn his trade, serviiiijalioiit two years iii llic aciiiiiic- fn ment of its details. ;'-, He enlisted in the regular United States military 4 service at Detroit, Dec. 21, 1S70, enrolling in Co. K, ' 19th U. S. Inf., Capt. Chas. W. Hotscnpiller. The command was sent to New Orleans, Holly Springs, St. Martinsville, La., Camp Supply, Indian Territory, and to Fort Elliot, Te.xas, where Mr. Henry received his discharge, Dec. 21,1875. Returning to Michi- gan, he went into a harness shop at Hastings, Barry Co., remaining about 18 months. He re-enlisted in the service of the United States as saddler, and ac- companied the regular army to Fort Hayes, Kansas, Fort Leavenworth and Fort Garland, Col., and went with McKenzie's command on the Uncompahgrc Ex- pedition when that tribe of Indians was removed to Utah. He went next to Arizona, and thence to New Mexico, where he was stationed at Fori Craig. He returned to Michigan in the spring of 1882, and on the 7 th of August following he came to Big Rapids and for a time was in the harness shop of D. McLel- lan. Six months later he opened his present busi- =1 ness, where he is operating successfully and steadily, «> building up a substantial trade. £^ Mr. Henry was married June 15, 1882, at Lowell, Kent Co., Mich , to Lois S., daughter of (leorge and (Kinnie) Elms. Mrs. Henry was born at Fayettville, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1852. ■r<-^|]D:v MECOSTA COUNTY. ■>6>% came to Livingston Co., Mich., and worked on a farm 'y from r843 to rS5o, operating winter seasons in the s/ lumber woods of Mecosta County. He came here in (\4) '850, to fix his final residence, and has been actively \^ engaged in lunibering and in buying and selling lands, — a period of over 30 years. He owns a tract of 400 acres and a home farm of 80 acres in a finely inijiroveil condition and valuable for location and fer- tility. Mr. .Mitciiell's name is inseparably associated with the history of Mecosta County and /Etna Tp. Ira P. Mitchell, his third ciiild and eldest son, was the first white child l)orn in this township and county. The family retain the sense of their pioneership to an extraordinary degree. The farm is su|iplied with modern buildings for all necessary pur|)oses, but only recently did the primitive log house give place to the substantial, comely frame house now occupied bv the family. The old door and its latch are preserved in memory of the "first" days of the county and there are in their possession several relics, valuable for their age and associations. Among them is a ixjcket- book, 1 10 years old ; a pair of eye-glasses, more than 150 years old, with lenses of the commonest material, and several times larger than those in modern use, round as the jfull moon, with iron braces, heavy and cumbersome; a .razor more than 300 years old is l)reserved and has all the veritable claims of its spe- cies for sharpness. .\ fact specially to be noted is that Mr. Mitchell was the first to effect a permanent settlement in the Townshij); there were other earlier comers, but they [iroved to be goers also. It was be- lived at that date that this section was useless for agricultural purposes, but an experiment the first year proved the fallacy of the supi)Osiiion. Tiie small garden of Mr. Mitchell, planted witii a variety of veg- etables, was the fust effort at agriculture in Mecosta County. Mr. Mitchell was married in Livingston Co., Put- man T])., to Mary .\., daughter of Simon and .Mary (Jenkins) Plyton, natives of .Mew \'ork, where Mrs. Mitchell was born, in VVeedspoit, May 7, 1832. They have had 13 children, eight of whom are yet living: Sarah E., born July 26, rSsi, now wife of Peter Cahill; iMiima M., born May r9, 1853, wife of Joseph Cahill; Ira P., born June 4, 1855; Margaret, wife of John Weid.nan, boin Nov. 4, t858; William C, born Oct. 4, r863; Oliver, born July 31, r865 ; Nora, wife of Jefferson Miller, of Monticello, born May 4, t868, and Floyd, born .\ugust 24, t874. The ile- ceased were Martha, born Oct. 22, 1849, died Sept. 6, 1851 ; Edwin, born Sept. 2r, 1867, died May r, 1868; Alona R., born .May 22, r873, died Oct. rs, 4V .* V, ( A. Si, ■ x^ ^* ^if:^ •^-K-^ii!]>:iias> ■^"^^^^ r I k; . ■ . ■ -J :^€^t|^» MECOSTA COUNTY. •r^s- 1873; Hattie M., born Oct. 29, 1870, died Feb. 13, 881 ; Jennie, born Aug. 22, 1878. died Feb. 16, i88r. Mr. Mitchell is independent in politics, and is an adherent of the M. E. Church; has been Township Treasurer three years, and Justice of the Peace four years. His ])ortrait is given in this book. ) ■>v eorge W. Cornell, farmer on sec. 35, A'Ana Tp., was born Oct. 31, 1833, in Westches- j^^^K ,er Co., N. Y. His parents, Thomas and ^'W^ Anna (Merritt) (.:ornell, were natives of the t same State. ^ On the death of his mother, in 1850, he left home and went to Steuben County, where he was oc- cupied with agricultural pursuits until 1864, when he returned to Westchester County and there was simi- larly engaged until the autumn of 1872. He came in that year to Mecosta County and settled in A-'An^ Tp., where he bought 80 acres of land in a wild state and has now 30 acres in a cultivated condition. Mr. Cornell was married in Tioga Co., Penn., March 9, 1858, to Lydia M., daughter of John W. and Polly (Wheeler) Richardson, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cornell was born June 19, 1839, at Ridgeberry, Bradford Co., Penn. She is a member of the M. E. Church, and actively interested in all questions of general advantage to the community to which she belongs. Her mother resides with her. 1 ^ ' 'fy^\j|.^aniel r. Woolley, M. D., the pioneer phy- j-i^^Jr sician of Big Rapids, was born Aug. 16, T^ 1829, at Fremont, Ohio. His father died r*tiC when lie was 18 months old. He was brought up on a farm until the age of 12, when he went to learn the trade of harness-maker and worked three years. He then entered the employ of L. V. V). Cook as clerk in a dry-goods store, where he re- i mained until 1849. In that year he came to Grand V^ Rapids and attended the school of Prof. Franklin .^ Everett several terms. He next found a position with ^ J. Morrison, general merchant, where he was occu- , i) pied until 1853, in which year Mr. Morrison estal)- ^ lished a branch of his i>usiness at Croton, Newaygo Co., and placed Dr. Woolley in charge. In the fall of 1854 the latter went to Newaygo and, associated with A. B. Furman, commenced the sale of groceries and provisions. He sold out in the spring of 1855 and bought a half interest in the drug store of Dr. Charles H. Leonard, where he transacted business until the fall of 1S57, when he went to Ann Arbor and entered the Medical Department of tlie Univer- sity of Michigan. He went to Lawton in the spring of 1859, where he remained but a few months. While in business at Newaygo, he became satisfied of the practicability of Big Rapids as a point to es- tablish himself as a medical practitioner. It was the nucleus of a large lumber district, and the place it- self as well as the section contiguous, had no phy- sician, and experience and observation both proved conclusively the feasibility of the outlook ; moreover> his ac([uaintance with the few permanent settlers in the county was propitious. He was well known among them, and had acquired a fair degree of popu- larity, which was eminently favorable to the project ; and in 1859 he transferred his interests, business and family to Big Rapids. His first patient to whom he was called, within an hour after his arrival, was the daughter of Judge Barker, now Mrs. V. \V. Bruce, of the Big Rapids Current. The city was in its incijjiency. The households were less than ten in niuiiber, and the entire white resident population included about 60 persons. The comparative sanitary condition of Big Rapids and adjacent districts was much more favorable than afterwards. The inhabitants were all in moderate circumstances, lived simply and regularly, and were in no sense invalids. As a rule, pioneers are a hardy, robust class, people who exiiect to encounter hard- ship and ])ossess the requisite physical qualification. Hence the local practice at Big Rapids and that of its immediate vicinity was restricted. The trappers and Indians were literally free from disease; but with civih'zation came sickness. The removal of the forests admitted sun and liglit, and the consequent decay and transformation of vegetable accumulations set free deleterious matter and malarial disease fol- lowed. The consequent increase of medical business can be estimated from the grade of increase in tiie ])opulation, coupled with the resultant conditions named. Dr. Woolley is regarded as one of the most reliable members of the medical fraternity of Northern Mich- :«:dii->'-*— A n r :i' «4^^^5f|) ffiv *^i^<^- ~25v...:^-'^3ir -7<:DD:^:UD?>r MECOSTA COUNTY. 55' ^ ^ igan. His name is a houseliold word at Big Rapids, so intimately is he connected with the majority of the leading families there. His traits as a man in- spire the confidence necessary to a successful prose- cution of his business, which is sustained by a large and constant patronage. He has been identified with all public movemenis for the progress of the city, and his efforts in all directions where his influence was needed have been unremitting. He belongs to the Order of Masons, and has served his county two terms as Sheriff. He owns his residence and two lots on Locust street, between Michigan avenue and State street. He was mariied in Xewaygo, Oct. 25, 1858, to Fran- ces C. Stearns, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Stearns. She was born in Jefferson Co., N. ^'., March 17, 183S. To Dr. and Mrs. Woollcy, four children have been born: Veruor S., Kate M., Jesse and Edith E. Kate M. \\oolley died .Aug. 30, 1883, aged 17 years. ^^4— ».@§>SWW2rav ■ H|5 illiam F. Slawson, city editor of the Big aaL Rapids Daily Pioitcc>\\\n'i born at Green- y^ ' ville, -Mich., May 30, 1849, being the son !' of Hiram H. and Eusebia (P'leming) Slawson, and until the age of 18 i)ursued his studies at the high school of his native [ilace, with the cxcep.ion of about a year and a half, which time was si)enl in attending school at Rockford, 111. At theage of 18 he entered the office of the Greenville ///r/c/fV///- e/it as an apprentice, and served three years, at the ex|)iration of which time he went to Syracuse, N. Y., and entered the extensive job printing establishment of Hitchcock & Smith, where he remained a few weeks, and then engaged with the Seneca Falls RevcilU\ in which office he remained a short time, and then returned to Syracuse and entered the office of Rose & Miller, job and book i)rinters. Here he s|)ent several weeks, and then returned to the office of Hitchcock & Smith, where he was located when, in 1871, he received an urgent invitation from his old employer in Greenville to again enter his employ as foreman of the office, which invitation he concluded to accept, and in this cai;acity remained in the /ni/epeiiiifii/ office six years. .\l the conclusion of the six years Mr. Slawson leased the job department of the Ini{fpeii<{(-nl office, conducting the same one year, and then removed to Ionia County, where he re- mained neatly a year, and then returned to (Jreen- ville and established the Moiildilm Telegram, an independent local paper, and continued its publica- tion until January, 1879, when he removed the office to Big Rapids, and in partnership with Mr. V. \V. Bruce commenced the publication of the Big Rapids Ciir- renl. In the following November Mr. Slawson dis- posed of his interest in the Current, Mr. Bruce purchasing the same, and entered the employ of the Detroit Paper Company as traveling salesman. After a few months, however, he quit the road, and opened a grocery store at Sebewa, Ionia Co., in which business he was engaged, when Mr. Bruce, his former partner, in the publication of the Big Rapids Current, made him a proiiosition for the pur|X)se of receiving his services on the Current, which pio|)osi- tion he accepted upon (losing out his grocery busi- ness, and remained with the CVz/vr/// until the spring of 1882, when he became connected with the Pioneer in the above mentioned capacity. Mr. Slawson was married in Greenville, on the 8th day of March, 1877, to Miss Lizzie Justice, who was born in Chicago, Feb. 25, 1857. Mr. Slawson and vtrife are members of the Congregational Church, of which he is Treasurer, and is also Superintendent of the Sunday-school. ? ^I^Jjii ohn W. Sparks, farmer, sec. 14, Chippewa >|1^JL" ' P-. ^^as born Feb. i t, 1830, in Crawford II v A V M'"'"^ Co., Pa. He is the fifth child of Henry fb and Rebecca (Davis) Sparks. His father was jt born in Trenton, N. ]., and was a son of Leon- i ard and Lydia Sparks. The family are of mixed Welsh and German origin on the [>aternal side, the great-grandparents of Mr. Sparks having been natives of those countries respectively. His father was a teacher of prominence in Pittsburg, Pa., and after marriage went to Crawford County, and es- tablished himself as a farmer when that iwrtion of ' the Keystone State was i)rimeval wilderness. He passed 40 years on his homestead and then died, July 23, 1883. The mother was born in West Vir- ginia, Aug. 4, 1804, and died in March, 1875. Mr. Sparks was reared to the age of 18 years under the personal care of his father. He then ^ IX ^ "^^f^ <^on:^ 'r^^ ^ 552 ->^^ ■ST <-Dii>:ilD^i>- V ^ O A ■»: ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 4^^^((^Vf^ ^ ^ fe went to work for Uriah Foust, blacksmith, with whom he remained two years, going thence to Hartstown, wliere he remained three years. While there he was married — July 3, i8j2, to Marry Harris, a native of Crawford County, born Sept. 12, 1835. She was a daughter of John and Annie (Boyer) Harris, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. Mr. Sparks went to Williamsfield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and worked at his trade until 1863, when he went to the oil regions of Venango Co., Pa. ; thence he came four years' later to Michigan and located where he now lives, in September, 1867. That part of Me- costa County was almost wholly a wilderness, there being but one settler within the limits of Chippewa Tp. He built a log house, the second structure for several miles, and when the township was organized he was elected its first Supervisor, and served two terms. The first township meeting was hel(.l in his house, as was the first religious meeting ; and the first Sunday-school was organized there. This is the historic house of the township of Chippewa, and is still occupied by the original proprietor and his family. The first wife of Mr. Sparks died in Williamsfield, in 1859. Two of her five children yet survive: George E. and Emma A. (Mrs. Edgar Morford). Mr. Sparks was married a second time to Celia, daughter of William H. and Permelia (Grout) Man- ning. She was born June 17, 1835. Of this mar- riage five children were born, two of whom are yet living, Celia Bell and Ceylon Manning. ames Burrison farmer on sec. 15, Hinton |- Tp., was born in Canada, Sei)t. 7, 1819. He is a son of Jolin and Mary (Johnson) Burrison, the former a native of Vermont, the ^F latter of Canada, wliere both died. Mr. Burri- '^ son lived in Canada until 1870, engaged in fanning and lumbering. He came to Grand Rapids in the fall of that year and. was occupied three years in teaming, and in 1873 bought 80 acres of wild land in I linton Tp., which he has since improved and where he now resides. He purchased an addi- tional 80 acres, and now has 90 acres under an ad- vanced state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. P.. is a Democrat. He was married Aug. 19, 1855, in Can- ada, to Ann, daughter of James and Ann Bennie. the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada, where Mrs. Burrison was born Jan. 19, 1840. They have had eleven children, as follows : James W., born July 16, 1859; John, April 28,1861; Sarah E., June 27, 1863; Joshua, June 6, 1865; Sybil, Oct. 6, 1868; Charley E., April 17, 187 1 ; Mary E., July 27, 1874; George, born Aug. 12, 1877, died July 27, 1878. J ^p London, Eng., May 9, 1S47, and is a son y of Thomas P. and Eliza Nisbett. In 1 861 he i:ame to the United States in _, company with his parents, who settled in New York, and two years later removed to Pontiac, Oak- land Co., Mich. The last call for troops to aid in quelling the Southern Rebellion was made just pre- vious to the eighteenth birthday of Mr. Nisbett, and he enlisted as a recruit for the i6th Midi. Inf. then actively engaged at the front. He was in the United States service but a short time, being mustered out in June, 1865, at Jackson, Mich. In January, 1869, Mr. Nisbett founded and com- menced publishing the Pontiac Bill Post cr,\i\\\<:.\\ he continued until 1S76, when ill-liealth necessitated a change, and he sold out his interest as publisher, but remained its political editor until the close of the Presidential campaign of 1880. Under his manage- ment the paper became a widely circulated and influential Democratic organ. He became well known in the politics of the State of Michigan, and was twice chosen Secretary of the State Democratic Convention. In his own section he was a leader in politics, and was during six years Chairuian of the Oakland County Democratic Committee. He has always been a declared Democrat, and was one of the first to ojipose and actively combat the Green- back movement in Michigan. He was elected .Mderman of iiis ward when 21 years old, and served two terms subsequently as Supervisor. He was Chief Engineer of the Pontiac f'ire Department, with wiiich he was connected a number of years, and filled acceptably other positions of trust while a resident of Pontiac, which covered a period of 17 years. On leaving there he spent a short time in C^olorado. I [ffifcilliam P. Nisbett, editor and proprietor ^Sg uf the Big Rapids Herahi, was born in < O m \i, ■s¥r- MECOSTA COUNTY. ">^^- 553 Vf After visiting other parts of the West, he came to %^ Big Rai)ids, and in the spring of 1882 purchased the ,-3;i Big Rapids Heralii, and again settled himself in the j' publishing business. The Hini/: nii^ .V ^''^^- ' ■ ' '• "■^- •> V (~ <^. k r "/ I ^7<>llll^IlD^>rr- MECOST^ COUNTY. -^^\ J ) A :^ V was engaged there three years in farming. Returning to Norwalk, Ohio, he obtained employment in the machine shops and remained there four years, going thence to Rockford, 111., where he was employed four months in the car shops. His ne.\t transfer was to Adrian Mich., to the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co., and three months later went to work on the Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad. In the spring of 1866 he came to Mecosta County, and located 80 acres of land under the homestead act, in the township of Fork. The place was no ex- ception to the general state of the land in the town- ship, and was In heavy timber. Of the original pur- chase, he has 20 acres under the best improvements. Mr. Brown was married July 15, 1856, to Cynthia L., daughter of Nathaniel R. and Hannah (Simonds) Bourne. Her father was born in Summers, Tolland Co., Conn., and her mother in Enfield, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children : William E. was born June 30, 1858, and married July 12, 1883, to Ida Ingraham; Oliver P. was born July 30, 1863. Mr. Brown is a Republican, and among the most prominent citizens of the township; has been Treasurer two years, and Clerk ten years. ^ 1 '^ illiam H. Webster, of the firm of G. W. Webster & Son, architects and builders. Big Rapids, was born in Montoursville, Lycoming Co., Pa., Dec. 13, 1857. G. W. Webster operated many years as Master Mechanic on various railroads in the East, and came to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1867. A year later he came to Big Rapids and engaged as contrac- tor in building bridges, depots, round-houses, etc., on the (i. R. & I. railroad, afterward enteringthc service of the C. & W. M. railroad in the same capacity. William H. Webster attended school in his native town until he was 17 years old, when he came to Big Rapids, and was some time under the instructions of his father in learning the business of architect and builder. Meanwhile he went back to Pennsylvania, where he spent two winters at Williamsiiort College, and afterward went to Hillsdale College one winter. He studied architecture in the winter of 1882-3, in the office of Hewitt liros., of Piiiladel|)hia. His partnersliip with iiis father was formed in 1880, since which they have operated together as builders, etc., furnishing also plans, specifications and esti- mates of cost of buildings. They have erected a number of buildings at Big Rapids. lathan M. Coates, farmer, sec. 4, Big Rap- \l_ ids Tp., was born June 2, 1829, in Norlh- "^ amiitonshire, Eng., and when a year old was brought to this country by his parents. Mr. Coates came to Michigan in June, 1852, and settled in Muskegon County, and purchased a farm of 120 acres, where he resided until 1857. In that year he sold his place and came to Big Rapids, where he bought 80 acres of land, then in its primal condition of dense wilderness, lying one mile north- west of the city limits, and the homestead where he has since resided. He has cleared and iniiMoved 60 acres, which is now in a fine state of cultivation, and has a good frame house and other creditable farm appurtenances. Mr. Coates was married April 15, 1S60, to Emily Jane Preston, of Big Rapids, born in Owego, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1841. She died Nov. 30, 1877, leaving seven children : William H., George D., Lucy A., Harriet L., Charles (died June 14, 1883), Anna and Nathan. Mr. Coates was a second time married Oct. 12, 1880, to Delinda Mawhorter, born in Ohio, Jan. 28, 1837. She was a widow with one son, Willaid A. Mr. Coates has been Justice of the Peace si.\ years and Road Commissioner the same length of time. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. |?|Slohn Hinton, first settler in the township of l^^l- Hinton, IP''^ ried Pht was a native of Wales. He mar- ^hebe Kibble, a native of New Jersey, m IS 1 2. They came to Mecosta County in October, 1855, and settled on sec. 15. Mrs. Hinton's death occurred Feb. 18, i860, and was the first event of the kind in the township. It is held that the second marriage of Mr. Hinton to Mariette Rockwood, celebrated May 26, i860, was the first marriage in liie township. The first frame % 0) I ^^€^'^ — ^^^ -^^jf si'y^i'^.^"' ^ /7S :<§' V ) MECOSTA COUNTY. -:a*^^^ barn was erected by Mr. llinton in 1856. He died Jan. 4, 1874. The township was named in his honor. .tephen Hoynes, resident at l!ig Rapids was born in Ohiistead, now West View, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Dec. 26, 1858, and is a son of Daniel and Catherine Hoynes. His father was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., in 1829, pursued agriculture all his life and died at West View, May 2, 1878. His mother was born in New York in 1826, and is resident on the homestead at West View. Mr. Hoynes was engaged in acquiring his educa- tion until the age of 16, when he was apprenticed to a tailor at Olmstead Falls, and served four years, fit- ting himself in all details for a practical tailor. He then went to Cleveland and entered the employ of Jacob Wageman as cutter. He worked successively for Henry Cobel, and Petzkie & Stern, remaining with the latter house four years, meanwhile obtaining a commercial education in the Spencerian Business College. He came to Big Rapids Feb. 15, 1882, to enter the employ of F. W. Joslin r- -^li^^ _«Ji^ ^ t 5S6 MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ ) ^ ^ A :<$ V bought two city lots of C. C. Fuller, and built his dwelling-house. In 1868 he bought 120 acres of land in the Fourth Ward, all of which is in a state of progressive cultivation. He is also the proprietor of 1 20 acres of hard-wood land in the southeast y^ of sec. 34, and of 40 acres in the northwest y^ of sec. 13, township of Big Rapids, besides several tracts of stump land, aggregating between 1,500 and 1,600 acres. He was elected member of the City Council in the spring of 1883. Mr. Aitken was married in Ancaster, Can. W., Dec. 15, 1856, to Jennelt, daughter of Alexander and Dorothy (Wright) Patterson, born at Dundas, Can., June 10, 1838. Robert, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Aitken, was born Dec. 15, 1857, at Ancaster, and died at Big Rapids, Dec. 5, 1869; Jennie was born at Ancaster, Oct. 18, 1859; David A., was born Nov. 17, i86i,in Morris, Can., and John, born in the same place, Aug. 12, 1863. They are all at home. ^ jTohn Franklin Brown (deceased), was born in Newark Tp., Tioga Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood under the supervision and instruction of his parents, and received a busi- ness training" whose character and value were amply elaborated by the splendor of his career until it was closed by his death. His business life began in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., where he was employed as a lumberman by a gentleman named George Hollenbeck, after which he engaged in the lumber and stock trade in his native State, having his head(iuarters at Owego, N. Y., until he located at Big Rapids. In 1864 he came West and Ijegan lumber operations, where is now the beautiful and thriving Forest City, then a village comparatively, and in 1S68 he transferred his entire interests to this (loint, where he was actively engaged until his death, which occurred March 30, 1881. His business connections at Big Rapids were ex- tensive and varied, and in their management he dis- played a shrewdness and judgment second to that of no man who was ever associated with the public aff.urs or commercial interests of Mecosta County. His influence will be felt until the i)resent generation have joined him in the world beyond, and the enter- prises which he initiated and assisted in establishing are among the most prominent, permanent and reli- able of this city and county. In 1871 he organized the Tioga Manufacturing Company, and was its Managing Director as long as he lived. He was as- sociated in the organization of the Northern National Bank at Big Rapids in 1871, and his connection therewith as its second official Vice-President termi- nated only with his life. Mr. Brown was never married. In his private life his record is stainless ; he won and held the confidence of his friends, and those whom he assisted in seasons of perplexity preserve for him deep and lasting grati- tude. The business and social world of Big Rapids will long cherish the memory of his unselfishness and solicitude for the best interests of the community and mourn his irreparable loss. (See sketch of Mp,ria Brown.) •neaa^M^f^—m ,^%0sriiv ohn Hickey, Big Rapids, was born July 23, 1S45, at Montreal, Can., and is a son of John and Angelique Hickey. He was brought up on a farm imtil the age of 17, at- tending school most of the time. In i860 he went to the State of New York andwastliere variously occujiied one year, wjicn he came to Muskegon, Mich., engaging in the lumber woods and driving logs in the river. In the fall of 1874 lie came to Big Rapids and engaged in the Montreal House as a clerk. The following spring he engaged as clerk in the clothing store of F. W. Jos- lin, where he remained two years. He then entered the employ of A. Sa< hen, clothing merchant, and clerked there two years. In 1879 he opened business at his present stand, where he keeps a good stock of foreign and domestic li(]uors, cigars, etc., and is doing a thriving business. He was married at Big Rapids, Sept. 12, 1876, to Fanny Smith, born in Pembroke, Can. Mr. and Mrs. Hickey are the parents of two children, — Angelique and John. Ki. A V m*-^ < ( f I t -^"^^ — -^<-^i]!]>:Dirv>^ -«^^ -^^^^ — erv<>nil>:uO>>T^c^ — >^^- -i^^^^^rv^: ) 2 > ) A ( ^ TO /T fc (V^, ■^^^ ^^r _,^:;nn<^^|H|.>Z..H. -4^ ,,•). i 'i^Kri:)€$^t#*- ^ f A '« :) Tzst^'^s: er^vjD D ^: D lly>r ^'i'^iSr'iiv '^•iirV^ I '^^ I (>' ,^ ^ -5^^V^ "^^n fl r^ iiD^>v^^ — ^^>^^ -^4^^^ W a f A V -s MECOSTA COUNTY. yar-^xS: . 559 < •T;:;5*T;::f*f;::5'*^;;;?*?:::^'*^i^*s':if*^;:;!H('S:s*?;Kij*s:.5-*-;:"r*S!S'^^^ I'lfTM@DlT€T®MT', ^~ ♦^i&« 1 W A ITHIN one brief generation, •fijja dense and unbroken wilder- ness has been transformed into a cultivated repon of thrift Awd. 'jxa prosperity, by the untiring zeal :o and energy of an enterprising people. The trails of hunters and trappers have given i)lace to railroads and thoroughfares for vehicles of every description ; tlie cabins and garden patches of the pioneers have been succeeded by comfortable houses and broad fields of waving grain, with school- houses, churches, mills, postoflfices and other institutions of conven- ience for each community. Add to these a city of five thousand in- habitants, and numerous thriving villages, with extensive manufactur- ing interests, and the result is a work of which all concerned may well be proud. The record of this marvelous change is history, and the most important that can be written. For thirty years the people of Mecosta County have been making a history that for thrilling interest, grand practical results, and lessons that may be perused with profit by citizens of other regions, will compare favorably with the narrative of tlie his- tory of any county in the great Northwest; and con- sidering the extent of territory involved, it is as worthy of tlie pen of a Bancroft as even the story of our glorious Rei>ublic. While our venerable ancestors may have said and believed, "Xii pcMl-n]) l"lii';i I'oiitrai'ts our pnwoi-;, I'm- llic v\liiili> ImmmkUcss eiiiitiiK'nl is nurs," tliey were nevertheless for a long lime content to oc- cupy and possess a very small corner of it; and the great West was not opened to industry and civiliza- tion until a variety of causes had combined to form as it were a great heart, whose animating principle was improvement, whose impulses annually sent west- ward armies of noble men and women and whose pulse is now felt throughout the length and breadth of the liest country the sun ever shone upon, — from the rocky coasts of Maine to the vineyards of California, and from the sugar-canes of Ix)uisiana to the wheat- fields of Minnesota. I^ng may this heart beat and push forward its arteries and veins of commerce! Not more from choice than from enforced neces- sity, did the old pioneers bid farewell to the play- grounds of their childhood and the graves of their ( >• Si r f I r^f-^ ::> ^ .^^pTi. <^D D >: D D^ >v-^ 7^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 4^^C ^/)«^^»- -^^^f^ ^-K4I1 n 5^ DDr> / -■ ■^^€§^ «|j^f r-ijiSs V -On MECOSTA COUNTY. <& Let lis turn our eyes and lliDUghts l>ack to thelo';- 'R cabin days of a ([uartcr of a century aj;o, and cun- ^ trast those homes with the comfortable dwellings of ' to-day. Uefore us stands the old log cabin. Let us enter. Instinctively the head is uncovered in token of reverence to this relic of ancestral beginnings, early struggles and final triumphs. To llie left is the deep, wide fire-place, in whose commodious space a group of children ma) sit by the fire and up through the chimney may count the stars, while ghostly sto- ries of witches and giants, and still more thrilling stories of Indians and wiUl beasts, are whisperingly told and shudderingly heard. On the great crane hang the old lea-kettle and the great iron jxat. The huge shovel and tongs stand sentinel in either corner, while the great andirons patiently wait for the huge back log. Over the fire-i)lace hangs the trusty ride. To the right of the fire-|)lace stands the spinning- wheel, while in the further end of the room is seen the old fashioned loom. Strings of drying apples and poles of drying pumpkins are overhead. Opi)o- site the door in which you enter stands a huge deal S table, by its side the dresser whose " pewter plates " ^ and " shining delf" catch and reflect the fire-place S flames as shields of armies do the sunshine. From •^ the corner of its shelves coyly peep out the relics of S former china. In a curtained corner and hid from ~) casual sight we find the mother's bed, ami under it the trundle-bed, while near them a ladder indicates the loft where the older children sleep. To the left of the fire-place and in the corner ojiixisite the s[iin- ning-wheel is the mother's work-stand. LTi)on it lies the Bible, evidently mucli used, its family record tell- ing of parents and friends a long way off, and telling, too, of children ■3<^ter ^-# 561 '■ Seattcrcil liki' losivs in li|( Sonic at tlii^ liriclal, and soiii at till' liiiiili." Her spectacles, as if but just used, are inserted be- tween the leaves of her Bible, and tell of her purjKjse to return to its comforts when cares |>ermit and duly is done. A stool, a bench, well notched and whit- 's^ tied and carved, and a few chairs comi>lete the fur- niture of the room, and all stand on a coarse but well-scoured flour. Let us for a moment watch the city visitors to this humble cabin. The city bride, innocent but thoughtless, and ignorant of labor and _, care, asks her city-bred husband, "Pray, what sav- ^ ages set this up.'" Honestly confessing his ignorance, he replies, "I do not know." But see the jiair on whom age sits "frosty but kimlly." I'irst, as they enter, they give a rapid glance about the cabin home, and then a mutual glance of eye to eye. Why do tears start and fill their eyes? Why do lips ipiiver.' There are many who know why ; but wlio that has not learned in the school of experience the full meaning of all these symbols of trials ami privations, of loneliness and ilanger, can comprehend the story 'that they tell to the jiioneer? Within this chinked and mud-daubed cabin, we read the first pages of our history ; and as we retire through its low door-way, and note the heavy battened door, its wooden hinges and its welcoming latch-string, is it strange that the scenes without should seem to be but a dream.' Bi(t the cabin and the palace, standing side by side in vivid contrast, tell their own story of this people's progress. They are a history and a prophecy in one. -* — :=^ »iJHS! K=: " »- VALUE OF LOCAL HISTORY. l<=EFORR proceeding with the narrative of £ the develoi)ment of Mecosta County, it may not be inappropriate to refer to the value of local history. It is the duty of the present to commemorate the past, to per[)etu- ate the names of the pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and to rel.Ue the story of their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their jiosterity, ileniand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a |)ower to instruct man by prec- edent, to enliven the mental (acuities, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its primitive state may be pre- served. Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their prime entered the wild forests of .\merica and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for s % < r ■v^pn- U^im ^W^M<>^^ ^^^^ ^^•>i^ »L'.r.j 1 V<-^ll(l^lltlf>r ■•^"■^■■Tf^ MECOSTA COUNTY. % ^ the collection and preservation of historical matter without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only is it of the greatest imixDrtance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essential that the history of the county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. If this information is not now collected and comjiiled in historii'al form, the genera- tions of the future will be called upon to expend large sums of money in research and exploration' The present, the age of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the cpiiet, unostentatious olden' times; it is a brilliant record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their mag- nificent enterprises, their lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion; but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age, and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and ])rinciples that will be advanced and observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and their vefy names hidden in the grave. ) , HE county of Mecosta is a model county in point of size, shape and divisions. It is an exact stpiare, composed of 16 Congressional townships, four on each side. These coincide with the 16 civil townshiiis which have been organized within the county, with two excc])- lions. In the case of Grant and (Ireen Townships, owing to the interference of the Muskegon River, about two sections naturally belonging to Grant are attached to Green. Each Congressional township contains 23,040 acres, and the county accordingly contains 368,640 acres " more or less." Of this area there are but 30,000 acres under cultivation, com- prised in 1,200 farms. From this significant fact one may form some idea of the future possibilities of Me- costa as an agricultural count). The 16 Congressional townships are designated in the Government survey as townships 13, 14, 15 and 16 north, ranges 7, 8, 9 and 10 west. The county lies a little west of the center of the Lower Peninsula of Micliigan, and is bounded on the north by Osceola County, on the east by Isabella, on the south by Montcalm, and on the west by Newaygo County, The Muskegon River flows through the western tier of townships, and the Little Muskegon River, rising in the eastern part of the county, flows in a south- westeriy direction, emptying into the Muskegon just outside of Mecosta county, thence into Lake Michi- gan. The Chippewa River rises in the northeast part of the county, and, flowing southeast and then east, empties into the Tittabawassee River, thence into the Saginaw River and Saginaw liav. Numerous little streams throughout the county afford ample drainage and plenty of living water. A number of lakes, from one acre to 800 acres in extent, are situ- ated in the east and north [lart of tiie county. These lakes, and smaller water-courses are described more fully in connection with the respective townshi[)s. The surface of the county is slightly rolling, and the soil rich and [iroductive for all kinds of crops. Portions of the county are sandy, especially among the ])ine woods, but not so much so as to make the soil unproductive. Tlie timber is largely beech and majde, mixed with valuable pine. Mecosta is already well supplied with railroads, and others now proposed will doubtless be' built in the course of a few years. The Grand Rapids iV' Indiana railroad runs north and south through the V K^^ sy ^ r 'K3^^^'-' '^m:^ — ^"^^ ^>rr>^^ j& 7<^llti:v zsHsk^r ^^^9f .V/^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 5<^i western part of the county, |)assini; thrmigh Paris, Bii; Rapids, liyers, Kiislforil, Stanwooil, Hells Cross- ing and Morley. The Chicago & West Michi- 1 gan railroad has about four miles and a half of track J east and west in liig Rapids Township, with its - ■^ terminus at Big Rapids. The present terminus of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad is also at Big Rapids, the road having been but recently built into the county. It runs from Big Rapids east and south- east through Colfax, Martiny, Morton, Wheatland and Millbrook Townshi[>s, leaving the county at a lX)int south of the village of ^[illl)rook. A branch of this road runs to Chip[)ewa Lake, in C'iiip|)ewa Townshij). The county contains one city and two incorporated villages, besides a number of other platted villages, which, with the three railroads already in operation, afford good markets for all produce raisetl. ) -s A GEOLOGY EOLOGY teaches that the continents of tiiis world were once beneath the ocean. It is natural, therefore, to su|>i)o,se that ?» there are inecpialities in the bottom of the ■ ■* ocean like those on the land. The recent i ' . ... deep-sea soundings confirm this o])inion, and reveal mountains and hills, valleys and table-lands. The greatest depth reached in sounding is 29,000 feet, which exceeds the height of the loftiest moun- tain of the Himalayas. Some of the mountains of the sea are steeper and more abru|)t than r.ny on the land. In the British channel the depth changes within ten miles from 600 to 12,000 feet; and it is very common, within a few miles of the coast of continents and islands, for the depth to change sud- denly from a few hundred feet to many thousand. In other cases, as in a large part of the bed of the Atlantic, between Euro|)e and the United Slates, there are plateaus extending hundreds of miles with very slight undulations. The mysterious race that once occupied this continent may have sailed in their galleons over the Peninsula, and soundecj the depth of the waters which rose aljove it in precisely the same manner .is the mariner of lo-dav ( asts out the sounding line. At the close of the Corniferous epoch a great upheaval of sea botton) formeil a line of land across the southern counties of Michigan, which e.vtended to an older and wider formation in the southern part of Ohio. The lantl now within the boundaries of Mecosta was still submerged, but by degrees the southern belt rose higher, spread out towards the northern continent, and was actuall) approa"hing the state of dryland at the beginning of the coal-deiX)sit era. At its close Mecosta and the counties bordering formed the high lands of the Lower Peninsula. It is stated that Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and On- tario were not in existence then, their places being represented by a swift running river, with expansions. The great geological age, the Mesozoic, dates from this time. It was marked by activity in the animal and vegetable kingdom, mild climates and the myri- ads of reptiles which swarmed in rivers and over land. Save in the fossils there is no record of the progress of this age to be found within the bounda- ries of Mecosta. The Tertiary period succeeded the Mesozoic. It was an age of beautiful climates and high development of mammals. Animals greater than the mastodon roamed over the land through verdant forests, meeting their enemy, man, and ulti- mately disappearing inider his continued attacks. The scene was changed; the snow and ice came on, burying all nature in its whitenesF, and robbing the land of life. It was the beginning of the Olacial l)eriod. The duration of this age is lost in mjstery. Were it possible to ignore the work of a Cod in the formation of the world, the continuance of the ice age might be set down at two thousand years ; ac- knowledging a divine economy in the handiwork of the world, the period of its duration might have been an incretlibly short lime. Spring time came, and with it the sea of ice, which covered the land and water to a depth of over i;.ooo feet, began to break up and dissolve, and the solids hekl within its grasp fell down and formed a bed of rocky fragments or boul- der drift. The countless currents which sprang into existence and formed for themselves ten thousand channels, were the princijial agents in the conforma- tion of that pel uliar stratum known as the '" Modified Drift." I'Vom Saginaw Bay to Lake Michigan, via the v.dlcNsof the Shiawassee and Muskegon Rivers, a V^ ^ A r / Vj^^r^- :?V^ <-l V- -;^^4^- r?JI^ 'Ji^ 1^*^ 'h/^i)^^^ -^m^ — T^v<^ti o >: nv> s'"o > ^^^ ^^^« .64 MECOSTA COUNTY. t -^ U % ^ /N :< great channel, deep and wide, extended. South of this line barriers existed that checked the flow of the waters south and from hundreds of reservoirs. This accumulation of ice-water and the second season of ice resulted in the formation of another glacial field, differing from the great glacier in its dei)th and dur- ation, being not over four feet in thickness. Along the borders of those reservoirs the ice became an in- tegral part of the shore soil, of course including the limestone; and when the second geological spring time arrived, millions of cubic feet of water were added to these lakes, resulting in bursting asunder their green covering of ice, which, in ascending, carried with it the limestone tables, and as the waters fell, deposited them in the positions which they hold to-day. As the Niagara rock was worn down, the rushing waters made for themselves deeper channels, and the inland lakes lowered just in proportion as the great lakes. The present river system was laid out by nature. There are few special features in the geological character of Mecosta County. There have been valuable deposits of gypsum discovered, and both coal and petroleum are supposed to abound beneath the surface. The future geologist will doul)tless find much of value and interest not at present known in regard to this region. BOTANICAL [t T is unnecessary to name the flora of Me- costa County since the species are so nu- merous and well-known. Dr. Gray, in his treatise on the Botany of the Northern States East of the Mississippi, gives 130 orders of flowering plants. In i860 a botanical survey of the State was made, under N.' H. Winchell. His report regarded every flower, plant, shrub, tree and grass to be found in Michigan, then numbering 1,205 species, as all native with 85 exceptions. In 1880 Messrs. Wheeler and Smith, of Hubbardston, Mich., comiiited and published a coniiilcte flora of this State, with corrections to date. Of this great num- ber there are at present found within the confines of Mecosta County nearly 400 genera, emoracing pos- sibly 1,000 species. A large number of species con- sidered in the rei)ort of 1S60 have disappeared, while perhaps 25 species have been introduced within the last 20 years. The flowers, etc., arc as rich generally as may l)e found in any of the North- ern States; in a few instances the l)rilliancy of hue is unequaled by any. All appear to reach perfection in tliis iiortion of the Peninsular State. (> A 1 [II ^)^V^^€^(f«^ ^^>^^ ^-K^^Il!15^DD^>*^^^ ^'•^^^ 4^^f<®>'w m '53Jl^ )-r^ T ■>■^i^c-^ ^ A V ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. %miw>><- HE Indians visited by tin.- AScarliest wiiite explorers of this continent were without culti- vation, refinement or litera- ture, and far behind the Mound-Iiuilders in the knowl- edge of the arts. The question of their origin has long interested • archx'ologists, and is the niofl difficult one they have been call- ed upon to answer. Of their [iredecessors the Indian M. tribes knew nothing; they even had ^, no traditions respecting them. It is fi ([uite certain that they were the siic- \h cessors of a race which had entirely passed away ages before the dis- covery of the New World. One J1] hypothesis is that the American In- - dians are an original race indigen- ous to the Western Hemisphere. Those who entertain this view think their peculiarities of physical ' structure preclude the jwssibility of a common parentage with the rest of mankind. Prominent among those distinctive traits is the hair, V which in the red man is round, in the white man i oval, and in the black man flat. *jP Among common supiwsitions, however, is that fthey are a derivative race, and sprang from one or more of the ancient peoples of Asia. In the absence of all authentic history, and when even tratlition is ^ wanting, any attempt to point out the particular loca- tion of their origin must prove unsatisfactory Though the exact place of origin may never be known, yet the striking coincidence of physical or- ganization between the oriental type of mankind and the Indians jwints unmistakably to some parts of Asia as the i)lace whence they emigrated, which was originally peopled to a great extent by the children of Shem. In this connection it has been claimed that the meeting of the Europeans, Indians and Africans on the continent of America, is the fulfill- ment of a prophecy as recorded in Genesis ix, 27 ; " God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall tlwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant." Assuming the theory to be true that the Indian tribes are of Shemitic origin, they were met on this conti- nent in tiie fifteenth century by the Japhetic race after the two stocks had passed around the globe by directly opposite routes. A few years after this the Ilamitic branch of the human family was brought from the coast of Africa. During the occupancy of the continent by the tliree distinct races, the children of Japhetli have grown and prospered, while the called and not voluntary sons of Ham have endured a servitude in the wider stretching valleys of the tcjits of Shem. Wlien Ciiristoi)her Columbus had finally suc- ceeded in demonstrating tlie trutli of his theory that by sailing westward from Europe land would be discovered, disembarking on the island of San Salva- dor he supposed he had reached the East Indies. This was an error, but it led to the adoption of the name " Indians " for the inhai)itants of the isknul and the main land of America, by which name ihe red men :^: r M ^€^fl* T <^w^\m> "\^-- ^^ -*^ 1f^ MECOSTA COUNTY. t J :3 A :« ^ ;^ of America have ever since been known. Of the several great branches of North American Indians the only ones entitled to consideration in Michigan history are the Algoni|uins and Iroquois. At the time of the discovery of America the former occupied the Atlantic seal)oard, while the home of the Iroquois was an island in this vast Algon(iuin population. An almost continuous warfare was carried on be- tween tribes; but later, on the entrance of the white man into their beloved homes, every foot of territory was fiercely disputed by the confederacy of many neighboring tribes. The Algonquins formed the most e.\tensive alliances to resist the enroachment of the whites, especially the English. Such was the nature of King Phillip's war. This king, with his Algonquin braves, spread terror and desolation throughout New England. With the Algonquins as the controlling spirits, a confederacy of continental proportions was the result, embracing in its alliance the tribes of every name and lineage from the North- ern lakes to the gulf. Pontiac, having breathed into tlieni liis ini[)la(able hate of the English intruders, ordered the conflict to commence. The Indians had not only their " /iuiiii/(>iis,' but also their evil spirits ; and the wild features of the lake scenery appears to have impressed their savage minds with sujjerstition. Tliey believed that all the prominent points of this wide region were created and guarded by monsters ; and the images of these they sculptured on stone, painted ujxm the rocks, or carved upon the trees. Those who " obeyed " these supernatural beings they thought would after death range among flowery fields filled with the choicest game, while those who neglected their counsels would wander amid dreary solitudes, stung by gnats as large as pigeons. INDIAN LIFE. HE art of hunting not only supplied tlie Indian with food, but, like that of war, was ^ a means of gratifying his love of deslinc- tion. The male children, as soon as they nccjuired sufficient age and strength, were fur- nished with a bow and arrow, and taught to shoot birds and other small game. Success in killing large animals required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as sedulously inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are the ele- ments of reading, writing and aritlimetic in the com- mon schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the dense tall grass of the prairies were the objects of the most searching scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made any visi- ble traces, the direction it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it had passed. In a for- est country he selected the valleys, because they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is endowed with a curiosity which l>rompts it to stop in its flight and look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of tiiis op|X)rtunity to let fly the fatal arrow. Their general councils were comjiosed of the chiefs and old men. \\'lien in council they usually sat in concentric circles around the speaker, and each indi- vidual, notwithstanding the fiery passions that burned within, preserved an exterior as immovable as though cast in bronze. Before commencing business a per- son appeared with the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being lighted it was first presented to heaven, then to the earth, then to the presiding spirit, and lastly to the several councilors, each of whom took a whiff. These formalities were observed with as close exactness as state eticpietle in civilized courts. The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest character. On some (ileasant sjiot by the i)ank of a river, or near an ever running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, < onstructed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down and removed to another sjwt. The dwelling-places of tlie chiefs were sometimes more spacious, antl constructed wiih greater care, but of the same materials. .Skins taken in the chase served them for repose. Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the uncertain supply from these sources led them to cultivate small patches oi corn. Every family did everything necessary within itself, commerce, or an exchange of articles, being almost unknown to them. In case of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied upon himself for retali- ation ; blood for blood was the rule, and the relatives of the slain man were Ijound to obtain bloody revenge for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter V^ I A ^ ^ ( V ! 1 ^•'S^■^' T <}^#(t* A ^ t MECOSTA COUNTY. ->«^Vi^. of course, to innumerable and hitter feuds, and wars of extermination, when such were ixassible. \\"ar, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's glory and dcHght — war, not conducted as in civilization, hut wliere individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelty were prime reijuisites. For such a i>urpose as revenge the Indian would make great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic ; hut wiien the excitement was over he sank hack into a listless, unoccupied, well-nigh useless savage. Dur- ing the intervals of his more exciting pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating his jierson with all tiie refinement of paint and feathers, and in the manufacture of his arms and canoes. These were constructed of hark, and so light that they could easily he carried on the shoulder from stream to stream. His amusements were the war dance, athletic games, the narration of his exploits and lis- tening to the oratory of the chiefs ; hut during long periods of such existence he remained in a stale of toriwr, gazing listlessly ujion the trees of the forest and the clouds that sailed .ahove them; and this vacancy imprinted haiiitual gravity, and even mehiu- choly, upon his general deportment. The main lahor and drudgery of Indian communi- ties fell ujjon the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the crops, making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all things of the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition hut little better than slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of bargain and sale, the husimnd giving ])res- ents to the father of the bride. In general they had hut few children. They were subjected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at limes famine and pestilence swept away whole tribes. #«^ -S— THE INDIAN DEAD. HE nature of their funeral rites is thus de- scribed : .\ few days after the burial the child, the father or mother or near relative of the deceased gave a feast. The food was prepared and carried to the grave, to which all sympathizing friends repaired. If the feast was prepared by a man, none hut men attended ; and V A )ii^.y'A ^X ^^ JL the same rule applied to women, as in the case under notice. When assembled, the ruler of the feast dis- tributed to each one present a jjortion of the food prepared ; and each one, before i)artaking, put a small ciuantily on the head of the grave, so that it might fall through an aperture and reach the l)ody of the dead. In such a female gathering, if one of the company were deemed profligate, she was not per- mitted to make this offering to the dead through her own hands; but another received it from her, and of- fered it on her behalf. After the offerings were made to the deceased, the remainder of the food was eaten by the company. Similar feasts were held in honor of deceased men and women. When the party consisted of warriors, addresses were made, and the virtues of the dead chanted. The festivals are repeated every year, and when returning from their wintering grounds to their villages in the spring they were accustomed to clear away the grass and weeds from each grave, and keep them cleared dur- ing the summer. Ainonji the Ottawas it was custom- ^ ary to i)lace a post, proi>ortioned in height to the . >. age and size of the deceased, at the head of the = grave. On one side of this post a])peared the pic- ^. ture of an animal, the name of wliicli was the pre- ^ vailing name in the family. On the other side was 'C/ a clumsy drawing, slightly resembling a man minus *' a head, representing a i)erson whom the deceased had slain in war; or, if it were a child, the victim of one of its relatives was painted, k man with a head signified a person wounded. Such hieroglyph- ics were multiplied in just such measure as circum- stances pointed out. Near the grave jwst was [daced a cane, about two feet in length, so that when the D.issing Indian or visitor arrived at the grave he strikes the post two or three times to announce his arrival. Posts eight or ten feet high were frequently placed by the side of a hut, and always near the wig- wam or hut wherein the conjurers met to consult on the cause of severe illness. On the upper end of this post was cut the figure of tlie human face. Mr. I,> kins, afterwards associated with McCoy, discovered ^ one on Grand River, on wliii h was carved with sav- ' age ex(|uisiteness a bust of some Indian chief. In ^,V. the village was seen a tall jxjle, neatly pealed, r* streaked in vermilion and surmounted with a hunch : ^ rz^- MECOSTA county'. THE INDIANS' FUTURE. lTORM and flood and disease have created ^^k sad havoc in the ranks of tlie ahoriiiines snice the occui)ation of the country by the white man. Inlierent causes have led to the decimation of the race even more than the ad- vance of civihzation, which seems not to affect it materially. In tiie maintenarjce of the same num- ber of representatives durins; tliree centuries, and its existence in the very face of a most unceremonious, and, whenever necessary, cruel, comiuest, the grand dispensations of the Unseen Ruler are demonstrated; for, without the aborigines, savage and treacherous as they were, it is possiljle that the explorers of for- mer times would have so many natural difficulties to contend with that their work would be surrendered in despair, and the most fertile regions of the continent reserved for the plowshares of the coming generations. It is very ([uestionable whether the ultimate resolve of Columbus was not strengthened by the appear- ance of the bodies of Indians on the coast of Europe, even as the fact of the existence of a people in the interior led the French explorers in the very heart of the continent in later days. From this standpoint their services can not be over-estimated. Their e.\- istence is embraced in the plan of the Divinity for his government of the world ; and it will not be a matter of surprise to learn that the same intelligence which sent a thrill of liberty tlirough every nerve of the Republic will, in the near future, devise sotne method under which the remnant of a great and ancient race may taste the sweets of public symi>athy, and feel that, after a long season of suffering, they have at last found a shelter amid a sympathizing people. p: a r l y SETTLEMENT. %3al3 5EJgy>-V\V'VyV-\'gVtffcrA-W- Vv\-\\- \A A^EE£}rs S 3A^A^ lOl'CH less than a third of •J^ a century has passed since ft lie first pioneers began im- [irovements in this region, tiiey have converted the dense wilderness into a culti- vated, productive country, fit for the home of an intelligent peo- ple, and affording all the con- veniencies and comforts of an advanced civilization. The first white settlers within the limits of what is now Mecosta County were John Davis and family and John Parish, the former of whom are still living, and residents of this county. Mr. Davis located on what is now section 27, in the township of Mecosta, in 1 85 i, where he and his family still reside. Mr. Parish, who was a bachelor, located al)0ut tiie same time on a point of land in a bend of Muskegon River, about a mile below where the lower iiridge in the city of Big Rapids now spans tiie stream. He built a log cabin and cleared three or four acres, which was afterwards known to all tlie early settlers as the " Parish lot." A short distance up stream from tliat [joint tlie current of the water is very swift, and the place was known among lumbermen as the " Big Rapids." When the village was founded, which has since grown to be one of the promising cities of Michigan, the lumbermen's name was re- tained. Mr. Parish continued to reside on his first claim (which was within the [iresent limits of the First Ward of Big Rapids) for three or four years, and then removed to the township of Green, locating I i O i V) (g) S)^^ u:::^ ^-^D!i^ntiv>-^-^ ■—4^^^ m v* MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^^^ ^•^-i^ 5^") m 0» V > n\ where the village of Paris now stands. He laid out tiiat village some years before his death in 1869. A year after these first settlers, came William Brockway, who, July 20, 1852, moved his family into a ''logging shanty," which stood on tiie south hank of Mitchell Creek, near where the dwelling of Jesse Varney, in the Fourth Ward, was afterwards built. Mr. Brock- way was engaged in lumbering, residing in the shanty mentioned till the spring or summer of 1853. Feb. 12, 1853, his wife, Margaret Brockway, gave birth to a daughter, who was named Alice, and who was the first white child born in the county. Mr. Brockway is still living, being a resident of Hinton Township, in this county. Early in March, 1854, Zerah French and family, and George French, with his mother and sisters, removed to Big Rapids, and were the first white families permanently located in the vicinity of this flourishing place. Their nearest neighbors were the finiily of John Davis, about ten miles distant, and the nearest settlement was at Big Rapids, up- wards of twenty miles away. The first settlers of the various t()wnshi|is are mentioned in the township sketches, and in the his- tory of Big Rajiids is given a full account of the settlement of that place. HOW OUR FATHERS LIVED. ago. HE young men and women of to-day have little conception of the mode of life among the early settlers of Mecosta County. In but few respects are the manners of the present time similar to those of a quarter of a century The clothing, the dwellings, the diet, the social customs, etc., have undergone a total revolution, as though a new race had taken jjossession of the land. Pioneer life in Mecosta County finds its jjarallel in almost every county in the State, and throughout the Slate, and throughout the entire Northwest. The land was to be cleared of forests, and the skill of human art used to transjdant to this fertile region the civilization of the East. Cabins were to be erected, wells dug, and the rivers and creeks made to labor for the benefit tof mankind. A As many living citizens can well remember, the Vj |)ioneers had many difticuliies to contend with, not ■■' the least of which was the journey from civilization •'.'. to their forest iiomes. The route lay through a wild and rough country; swamps and marshes were .' crossed with great exertion and fatigue; rivers were forded with difficulty and danger; nights were passed in the dense forests, with mother earth for a couch and the trees and foliage for a shelter; long, weary days and weeks of travel were endured, but finally their eyes were gladdened, and their hearts beat faster, when a vision of their future home burst ujkju them. The first thing upon arrival was to set about build- ing a cabin. While this was being done, the family slept in their wagons or upon the grass, while the horses or mules, hobbled to prevent escape, grazed the country near them, 'i'rees of a suitable and uniform size were selected, felled and prepared for their places. The day for the raising was announced, and from far and near came other ])ioneers to assist in the labor. The structure went up, a log at a time, those engaged stopping now and then to " wet their whistles," and soon it was ready for the clapboard roof, which was held on by huge weight poles. A doorantl a window were cut where the good wife directed, a \^ chimney built, and the building was ready for its occu- "^ pants. The space between the logs was filled in with split sticks of wood, called "chinks," and then daubed over, both inside and out, with mortar made of clay. The floor was sometimes nothing more than earth tramped hard and smooth, but was com- monly made of " puncheons," or split logs, with the split side turned upwards. The roof was made by V gradually drawing in the top to the ridge-pole, and ; on cross-pieces laying the "clapboards," which, be- . ing several feet in length, instead of being nailed were held in place by " weight-poles," reaching the entire length of the cabin. For a fire-place, a space was cut out of the logs on one side of the room, usually about six feet in length, and three sides were built up of logs, making an ofi"-set in thewall. This (^ was lined with stone, if convenient; if not, then, | earth. The flue, or upi)er part of the chimney, was built of small split sticks, two and a half or three feet in length, carried a little space above the roof, 'j( and i)lastered over with clay, and when finished was '^ called a '' cat and-( lay " chimney. The door space */ was also made by cutting an aperture in one side of \ ^kV*'*^«^^-- ^^yf^ V <^illi:<':nils>^ -:^i:^%r- •^•^^ vyvi^i 57° Z^^ viK ^^r^v<^^ 3*€^e^ ^ A >v V ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. the room of the required size, the door itself being made of clapboards secured by wooden pins to two cross-pieces. The hinges were also of wood, while the fastening consisted of a wooden latch catching on a hook of the same material. To open the door from the outside, a strip of buckskin was tied to the latch and drawn through a hole a few inches above the latch-bar, so that on pulling the string the latch was lifted from the catch or hook, and the door was opened without further trouble. To lock the door it was only necessary to pull the string through the hole to the inside. Here the family lived, and here the guest and wayfarer were made welcome. The living-room was of good size, but to a large extent it was also kitclien, bed-room, parlor and arsenal, with flitches of bacon and rings of dried pumpkins suspended from the rafters. Tliese simple cabins were inliabited by a kind and true-liearted people, and in them were domestic in- dustry, happiiiess and hospitality rarely elsewhere to be found. It is well for " Young America " to look back on those early days. They involved a life of toil and hardship, and the lack of many comforts; but it was the life that made men of character. Me- costa County to-day has no better men than the sons of those who built their cabins in the forest, and by patient endurance wrought out of the wilderness the landmarks for a prosperous commonwealth. ^,->s:-^ WEDDINGS. I'LddiR J'^l'f'INGS constituted an attractive feature of pioneer life. There was no distinction "W^O ^'^ rank, and very little of fortune On these '''W%\ accounts the first impressions of love uen- |Y orally resulted in marriage. Tlie family L est:'.blishment cost but little labor, and nothing more than labor. The marriage was always ce!e- l)rated at the house of the i>ridc, and she was gen- erally left to choose the ofticiating clergyman. A wedding, however, engaged the'altention of the whole neighborhood. It was anticipated by both old and young with eager expectation. On the morning of the wedding day, the groom and his intimate friends assembled at the house of his father, and after due ^^Vl>«^f|- "^^^ ^<•^Da^^|]D^•>^ preparation departed en masse for the " mansion " of the bride. The journey was sometimes made on horseback, sometimes on foot, and sometimes in farm wagons and carts. It was always a merry journey, and to insure merriment the bottle was always taken along. On reaching the house of the bride the marriage ceremony took place, and then dinner or supper was served. After the meal the dancing commenced, and generally lasted until the following morning. The figures of the dances were three and four hand- ed reels, or square sets and jigs. The commence- ment was always a square four, which was followed by what pioneers called ''jigging," that is, two of the four would single out for a jig, and were followed by the remaining couple. The jigs were often accom- panied by what was called "cutting out;" that is, when either of the parties became tired of the dance, on intimation, the place was supplied by some one of the company without interruption of the dance. In this way the reel was continued until the musi- cian was exhausted. About nine or ten o'clock in the evening, a deputa- tion of young ladies stole off the bride and put her to bed. In doing this they would have to ascend a ladder from the kitchen, composed of loose boards. Here in the bridal chamber, the young, simple-hearted girl was put to bed by her enthusiastic friends. This done, a deputation of young men escorted the groom to the same apartment. The dance still continued until all were weary. On the next evening the " infare " was held, nowadays called " reccjjtion." A ( " SHAKES." J MOTHER feature of pioneer life, which IjWKa every old settler will vividly recall, was the 'ili-QT "chills and fever," "fever and ague," or j|a,r " shakes," as it was variously called. It was a y terror to new comers, for in the fall of the year almost everybody was afflicted with it. It was no respecter of persons ; everybody looked pale and sallow as tliough frost-bitten. It was not contagious, but derived from iiupure air and water, which is al- ways developed in the ojiening up of a new country. t i •»#S-36^ m, r-Sg^ |/>/^':^=s^i^-*^ I T — 7-s — MECOSTA COUNTY. >^^ia/ ^ V )k'.--'j 57' ^^ A V > ■) The iinpurities continued to bo absorbed from day to day, and from week to week, until the wliole body coriKjrate became saturated with it as with electricity ; and then tlie shock came; and llie shock was a regular shake, with a fixed beginning and ending, coming on in some cases each day, but generally on alternate days, witli a regularity that was surprising. After the shakes came the fever, and this " last estate was worse than the first;" it was a burning hot fever, and lasted for hours. When you had a chill you couldn't get warm, and when you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It was exceedingly awkward in this respect, — indeed it was; nor would it stop for any contingency; not even a wedding in the family would stop it. It was imperative and tyrannical. When the apiwinled time came around everything else had to l)e stojjped to attend to its demands. It didn't even have any Sundays or holidays. After the fever went down you still didn't feel much better; you felt as though you had gone through some sort of collision, thresh- ing macliine, or jarring machine, and came out, not killed, but next thing to it. You felt weak, as though you had run too far after something, and then didn't catch it. You felt languid, stupid and sore, and was down in the mouth and heel, and jjartially raveled out ; your back was out of fix, your head aclied, and your appetite was crazy ; your eyes had too much white in them; your ears, especially after taking ([ui- nine, had too much roar in them, and your whole body and soul were entirely woe-begone, disconso- late, sad, poor, and good-for-nothing; you didn't think much of yourself, and you didn't believe that Other people did either, and you didn't care. You didn't (juite make up your mind to commit suicide, but sometimes wished some accident would happen to knock either the malady or yourself out of existence. You imagined that even the dogs look- ed at you with a sort of commiseration; you thought the sun had a sort of sickly shine about it. Al.'out this time you came to the conclusion that you would not take the whole State as a gift ; and if you had the strength and means you would |>ick up Hannah and the baby, and your traps, and go back " yander " to " Ole V'irginny," the " Jarseys," Maryland, or " I'ennsylvany." This bilious condition was as bad as the consuni])- tion for promising to leave you alone, and failing to keep its engagements; as bad as a weak-minded old debtor in promising to pay and e\er delaying the fulfillment of his promise. .\iiil lo-ilay till' swalldw-i lUtling ){i(Uiiil niv ral)lii sec nic silting ^loiiilily witliin tlic sun-iliiiic, .liHl inside my sileiil iloor, \\ :iil inn' t'nr tlip ■* agcr," .-ippniiiig Like .1 man foioviT (h'cainiii^: .\li(l till- suiilijllit, iMi uir .strraiiiiii;;. Thiows nil sli.iijiiws on tlii' llimr: I'lir Tni lull llilii anil salliiw To nial -^^^^ ^51^ : • X v'^ (g>)«^:nDn>T J J ^ county. The lumber for it was cut with a whip-saw, fU involving a task that would discourage most men. ^ John Davis erected a large frame l)arn in the town- i ship of Mecosta the same year. ^ In the fall of 1856, Warren & Ives erected a part of the frame for a water-jxjwer saw-mill on Mitchell Creek, near where Michigan avenue, in Big Rapids, crosses that stream. The mill was com- pleted during the next spring and summer, and start- ed for the first time, and a few boards sawed, on the Fourth of July, 1857, twenty-six years ago. This was the first mill, and the first lumber manufactured, in Mecosta County. This mill was the first manu- factory of any kind ever erected in the county, and in those days was regarded as an institution of no little magnitude. It was well known to all the ear- lier inhabitants as the " Old Red Mill," and was in operation for many years, furnishing the lumber and limber for all the oldest wooden buildings in this city and vicinity. It was torn down a number of years ago, and little trace of the once busy mill now re- minds the resident of earlier days. Immediately after the mill was put in operation, the same firm, Messrs. M'arren & Ives, erected a small frame building for an office, a few rods south of the mill. Dining the same summer, they erected a two-story frame boarding house, which was the first "j frame dwelling in Big Rapids, and also a large frame barn. In November, 1857, a weekly mail was established between Big Rapids and Greenville. Jesse L. Shaw was appointed postmaster at Big Rapids, the name of the office when first established being Leonard. It was kept at the office of Warren & Ives, near the mill, and was the first post-office in the county. Prior to that time, the nearest post-office was at Cro- ton, in Newaygo County, twenty-eight miles distant, from which point mail for this region was usually brought in a hand-satchel, the settlers taking turns in going after it. In December, 1863, a tri-weekly mail route was established between Big Rapids and Newaygo; and alwut the same time, a Mr. Van- sickle, of Big Prairie, who was the mail carrier, com- menced carrying passengers in a rickety old two- seated wagon, which he called a tri-weekly stage. It was the first thing of the kind in this part of the country, and its establishment was hailed as a luxury. In May, 1858, a log school-house was built on ^ section twenty-eight, in the township of Creen; and A ^ ■ V Snyder, in i860, in the township of Green. Judge C. C. Fuller bought the first load of it and used it in the construction of a dwellint; on'the southeast cor- ner of Michigan avenue and Linden street, in Big Rapids. The first genera! celebration in this county of the national anniversary was held at Big Rapids, July 4, 1862. The officers of the day were Charles Shafer, President: C. C Fuller, Reader; E. L. (>ray. Ora- tor; J. O. Coburn, Marshal; and Rev. Mr. .Mills, Chaplain. The first photograph gallery in the county was es- tablished at Big Rapids, by Zerah French, in 1862. The first election of county officers was held on the first Monday in April, 1859, at which time the fol- lowing officers were chosen : Alfred L. Clark, Sherifl'; Orrin Stevens, Clerk and Register; Charles Shafer, Treasurer; Jesse A. Barker, Judge of Probate; Aug- ustine N. Williams, County Surveyor. William T. Howell, of Newaygo, was apix)inted the first Pros- ecuting Attorney. The first meeting of the Board of Sui)ervisors was held on the first Monday in May, 1859. Present Jesse A. Barker, Supervisorof Green, and Luther Cobb, Suijervisor of Leonard — there being at that time (jut two organized townships in the comity. The first kiln of brick burned in the county was put up by James Gillespie, in the summer of 1862, alx)ut a mile and a half southwest of the original plat of the village of Big Rai)ids. .A Mr. Fitzgerald put up a small kiln in i860, in the hollow on State street, a short distance south of C. C. Fuller's resi- dence, but abandoned it before burning. Prior to the burning of Gillespie's kiln, all brick used in Uiis region were hauled from Grand Rapids, at an ex- pense of from $50 to $80 per thousand. The first fire in the county occurred Jan. 29, 1863, when French's hotel, a large frame structure, was burned. It had been built the summer i)revious. The first secret order established in the county was Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, Free and Accei)ted Masons, which was instituted in 1865. In the spring of 1865, Thomas Lazell put up and commenced operating a steam saw-mill and planing machine in Big Rai)ids, — the first steam power in the county. The first harness-shop in the county ivas started in Big Rapids, by A. S. Mason, in October, 1864. The first millinery establishment in Mecosta County was opened in the spring of 1865 in Big Rapids, by Mrs. J. W. Tenny. The first religious society in the county was the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Big Rapids, which was organized Oct. 23, 1865, with William |. Aldricli as pastor. During the following summer the society built a church edifice, — the first in Mecosta County, — and dedicated it Nov. 16, 1867. The first daily stage route was established between Big Rapids and Newaygo, in November, 1S65, by Hiram Misner, and with it came a daily mail. The following December a weekly mail route was estab- lislied between Big Rapids and llersey. The first drug store in the county was opened in February, 1866, in Big Rapids, by J. W. Perry. In the spring of 1866, John Bigelow and William Van Loo built a large flouring mill on Ryan Creek, about two miles southeast of Big Rapids. This was the first mill devoted exclusively to the grinding of grain in the county. In July, 1866, at a s[)ecial meeting of the Board of Supervisors, permission was granted F. II. Todil & Co., to build a dam across the Muskegon River in the u[)i)er i)art of Big Rapids. This was the first dam across the Muskegon River in Mecosta County, and it afterwards became known as the 'I'ioga Com- pany's dam. During the summer of 1866, James Sutherland erected a brick dwelling on the southeast corner of State and Maple streets in Big Rapids, which was the first brick structure in the county. In the spring of 1867, Gen. Stephen Bronson and his son Charles D. opened a banking house in Big Rapids, — the first in Mecosta County. In 1867, Duncan McLellan and Robert A. Moon built and opened a tannery on the Tioga race in Big Rapids, — the first institution of its kind in the comity. Sejjt. 17, 1867, a school-teachers' convention was held in Big Rapids, — the first gathering of the kind in the county. In the spring of 1868, ("hades H. McConnell opened a book store and news depot in Big Rapids, — the first in the county. In 1868, the First Presbyterian Church was organ- ized, with E. B. Miner as pastor. In 1872, the so- ciety erected a commodious brick edifice in Big Rap- ids, — the first brick church in the county. m / i'i. >v ^ ■^^€^ r / -^^^i^.:J^m i.^^^r^ -7^^ T<^ m J A >: :) ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ■^^^ '-ST -«^^K<^^M; f 2j The first foundry in the county was built on the Tioga race, in Big Rapids, by Price and Osborn, — who were succeeded by E. G. Haney, — during the summer of 1869. The first railroad in the county of Mecosta was the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad; June 20, 1870, the iron w s laid on that road into the corpor- ate limits of Big Rapids, and a locomotive entered the city for the first time on that day. The road was soon completed to Paris, and the first passenger coach passed over it on the 2 2d of July. Regular trains commenced running August 8th, following. In 1870, ^Villiam Van Loo built the first brick block in Big Rapids, and the first in Mecosta County. It was completed in December, and occupied by D. E. Stearns, with a stock of dry goods, Jan. i, 1S7,. The Northern National Bank was opened JiUne 12, 1 87 I, — the first national bank in the county of Me- costa. George F. Stearns was elected President and Charles P. Gififord, Cashier. The first county fair was held in 1874, commenc- ing Sept. 29, and continuing three days. The first lawyer in Mecosta County was J. H. Mulford, who came to Big Rapids in 1859. The first physician in the county was Dr. D. F. Woolley, who located in Big Rapids in 1859. The first resident clergyman was Elder William Kelley, who came to Big Rapids to live about 1861. The first resident dentist was Dr. A. ^V. Eldridge, wlio came to Big Rapids in 1867. The first mason was Thos. Lazell, who located at Big Rapids in 1S60. The first stone wall laid in lime mortar, iiowcver, was built by C. C. Fuller, in the summer of i860. The first wagon and carriage-maker was James Jones, who located in Big Rapids early in the sum- mer of 1857. There being no demand for his work, however, he did not open a shop till several years later. Tlie first resident blacksmith was Edward L. Wil- liams, who left his farm in the township of Green a d opened a shop in Big Rapids about i860. Robert Palmer was the first resident boot and shoe maker. John Shaw was the first painter in the county. The first village in Mecosta County was Big Rap- ids, recorded Nov. 3, 1859. ^ 9 1 ^''^^ — '^'^mm\iy>^^ ■^^^^ *4^^^ -a<€ ^ (J ^ T -a^!^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -:^(<®v|^ S75 JliiL^fXyr^j V^ e^«&S,d^<£ 5^^'W*'*'^' -^5=5 "'SP^J ocy> . ) >N :-<^ V :) UST previous to tlie organiza- ,"a tion of tlie county of Mecosta, tlie territory now included within its limits was attached X^ to Newaygo County for judicial .\;*C^' 7 '^'id niuniciijal purposes, the com- bined territory being then a por- tion of the Ninth Judicial Circuit '■^\ of Michigan. The Legislative act \ establishing the new county of Mecosta was passed Fob. ii, 1859. The county seat was by the same authority fixed at the village of fijj Leonard, whose name was changed in November following to Big Rapids. On the first Monday in .Vpril, 1859, the first election was held for county officials, at which time the following ii? [| were elected : Sheriff, Alfred S. Clark; Clerk and Register, Orrin Stevens; Treasurer, Charles Shafer; Judge of Probate, Jesse A. Barker; County Surveyor, Augustine N. Wil- liams. William T. Howell, of Ne- j waygo, was appointed the first Prose- cuting Attorney for the county of Mecosta. ( c; One month later, on the first Monday in May, 1859, ^ the first meeting was held of the County Hoard of ;^. Su[>ervisors. There were at that time but two organ- ^ ized townships in the county, — Green and Leonard, and there were present, of course, but two Supervi- sors, — Jesse A. JJarker, of Green, and Luther Cobb, of Leonard. Jesse A. Barker was elected Chairman of the Board. June first of the same year, a joint meeting of the Boards of Supervisors of Mecosta and Newaygo Counties was held at Newaygo, to effect a settlement between the two counties. Me- costa was found to be indebted to Newaygo County to the amount of i§r,ooo. Osceola and Lake Counties were attached to Mecosta for municipal and judicial purposes for a number of years, until sufficiently populated to "stand alone." Osceola at first formed but one township, but when separated from Mecosta comprised five civil townships. The counties of Osceola and I>ake remained at- tached to Mecosta until the spring of 1869. ^L^rch 4, of that year, a bill for the organization of t)sceola County passed the House of Representatives without a dissenting voice. It had already passed the Senate, and accordingly, when signed by the Governor a few days after, became a law and took immediate effect. It located the county seat at the village of Hersey, and provided for the election of county officers on I I A4^ ■r* ^ '•J^ ^r^'^- -:.m^ r-^<"^Ilil>:DD^•>r ">^j» f J A '^ MECOSTA COUNTY. the fifth of April. This election resulted as follows: Sheriff — Isaiah Manes; no oppposition. Clerk — J. A. Gamage, 9 maj. Treasure! — R. F. Morris, 35 maj. Pros. Att'y — S. F. Dwight, no opposition. Cir. C. Com. — S. F. Dwight, no opposition. Recorder of Deeds — J. A. Gamage, 9 maj. Surveyor — E. F. French, 1 19 maj. Coroners — J. W. Ash, 28 maj.; E. H. Wood, no opposition. The same Legislature passed bills incorix)rating the city of Big Rapids, and attaching the west half of the unorganized county of Clare to Mecosta County, for judicial and municipal purposes. The Boards of Supervisors of Mecosta and Osce- ola Counties, being unable to agree upon a settlement between the two counties, five commissioners were appointed by the Circuit Court of Mason County, on the application of Osceola, to adjust all unsettled claims and matters of difference. Three of the com- missioners, William Freeman, E. N. Fitch and S. F. White, met in Big Rapids, Aug. i, 1871, and after a session of two days awarded Osceola County the sum of $676.59, also the field notes and plats of the towns in that county. The costs of the hearing amounted to $154.80, which were also paid by Me- costa, making a total of $831.39. This amount was about $16 less than that offered by the Mecosta County Board. Leonard (now Big Rapids) and Green Townships were organized in 1858; Hinton in i860; Deerfield and Mecosta in 1861 ; Wheatland in 1862; Grant, .Etna and Millbrook in 1S65 ; Fork and Sheridan in 1867; Chippewa in 1868; Austin and Colfax in 1869; Martiny in 1875, and Morton in 1877. When Big Rapids was incorporated, it was entitled to three representatives on the Board of Supervisors. Since then, by provision of the Legislature, it has been allowed one for each of the five wards. The Board of Supervisors, at first consisting of two, now comprises twenty-one members, as follows : ^^^tna — John Pierdon. Austin — John Potter. Big Rapids — E. C. Moore. First Ward— O. D. Glidden. Second Ward — Thus. Skelton. Third Ward — Thos. J- Shari)e. Fourth Ward— J. T. Escott. Fifth Ward — C. F. Mynning. Chippewa — Henry Hammond. Colfax — E. A. Straub. Deerfield — M. T. Nethaway. Fork — Wm. Creevey. Grant — L. F. Corey. Green — W. D. Hopkinson. Hinton — Andrew Breakey. Martiny — John Porden. Mecosta- — W. S. Tucker. Morton — L W. Ferris. Millbrook— D. C. Fuller. Sheridan — John A. Markle. Wheatland — Isaac Wambold. Mecosta County has been a separate judicial dis- trict since 1873; and in 1881 it and Newaygo County were organized into the 27 th Judicial Circuit. At the same session of the Legislature it was made a part of the 27th Senatorial District, with Manistee, Osceola and \Vexford Counties, and a part of the 9th Congressional District with twelve other counties. ^ i <^il!i:^:ilils>^ 1^: £^ ■^^^€^^ "^ i ^K ' A I -^^^^^^ ■cr-T<:D(l>:iiDv>r-r MECOSTA COUNTY. -^Q^^ 7 577 > f ^ I ^^ ail 1^ OR historical purix)ses, no for- mal organization of the old settlers of Mecosta County has yet been undertaken, though such an association will doubtless be formed in due time. On several occasions many of the pioneers have been brought informally together, but the largest gathering of the kind occurred at the OiJera House in Big Rapids, in the evening of Thursday, Jan 23, 1879. Nearly all the early set- tlers of Big Rapids were in at- tendance, and the surrounding townships were well represented, with a few from Newaygo, Osceola and Montcalm Counties. They all "set out " to have a good, old-fashioned jolly time, and they had it. Everybody seemed young again, and Opera Hall never contained a happier crowd. Those who de- sired to indulge in the " poetry of motion " — and there were few who did not, in Money Musk, Opera Reel, Virginia Reel, McDonald's Reel, and other old-fash- ioned contra dances — had the floor, while others oc- cupied seats about the room, and engaged in social chat upon the scenes and incidents of days long gone by. The supper at the Mason House was not one of the modern "high-toned" affairs, with more •' style than victuals, but a real, genuine, old-fashioned. The bill of fare embraced oysters ^^'-r- K^HD ^ substantial meal. in every style, baked pork and beans, meats of every description, mince, pumpkin and apple pie, with an abundance oi ct-cctfras. The committee of arrange- ments had bargained for a genuine old-fashioned supper, and right faithfully did Mr. White, the hotel pro[)rietor, carry out his part of the agreement. Many pronounced it the best meal they ever ate at a hotel. Only one thing occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion, and that was a failure of the lights before tne assemblage was ready to disperse. OLD SETTLERS OF THE MUSKEGON VALLEY. \ A 'JiM N association has been formed called the "Old Settlers of the Muskegon Valley," which has held several annual re-unions. June '^^ 18, 1879, it held a meeting at Rig Rapids, lt|; about two hundred people attending. The as- I sociation was called to order at noon by the President, Mr. T. D. Stimson, and Judge Brown de- livered a welcoming address. About 60 new names were added to the register. At two o'clock an old- style dinner was served at the Mason House, to which all did ample justice. One table was set with dishes belonging to Mrs. White that were the property of Mrs. Wliite's great-great-grandmother. 'M^y— — ^■-■■'■■^'^ •■'- ^-^ • >^W r y \ > 578 ■Tz'C^' ■^^ •.■c» ■^ ) A :-^ A -0- ( (^ I I ^ UDICIAL tribunals and le- t;al advocates will always be found in every civilized coni- nuinity. Mecosta County is no exception to this rule, al- though its citizens are not much given to litigation, and its criminal cases are remarkably rare. The first term of court held in the county was in April, i860, pre- sided over by Judge F. J. Littlejohn, of Allegan. Mecosta was then in the ninth judicial circuit, which in- cluded all of Northern Michigan. I The first case called was that of William H. Leeds, versus John Powers. The first case decided was Theodore Newell versus Philetus P. Jones, a case of assumpsit, and was ended by default. There was no formal trial at this term, but several cases of importance were tried at the second term, held in September, i860. 'I"he first criminal case tried at this term was the People versus Walter Kilpatrick, on a charge of rape. Kilijatrick was actpiitted. In regard to the Bar, we should bear in mind that the prosperity and well-being of every community de- pends U[x3n the wise interpretation of its laws, as well as upon their judicious framing. Ui)on a few |>rin- ciples of natural justice is erected tin: whole su|)er- w^- is.e protected and adjusted, to the judiciary is presented many interesting and complex problems. Change is every- where imminent; the laws of yesterday do not com- pass the wants and necessities of the people of to-day. The old relations do not e.xist, and new and satisfactory ones must be established; hence the true lawyer is a man of the day, and his capital is his ability and individuality. He cannot bcipieath to his successors the characteristics that distinguish him, and at his going the very evidences of his work disappear. In compiling a sketch of the Bar of a county, one is surprised at the paucity of material. The pecu- liarities and the personalities which form so pleasing and interesting a part of the lives of the members of the Bar, and which indeed constitute the charm of local history, are altogether wanting. The court records give us the main facts, but tiie auxiliary facts and interesting circumstances of each case are pre- served in the memory of but few, and even there they are generally half forgotten. The first lawyer in Big Rapids was a '' transient." 1 le came in the fall of 1859, and left early in the win- ter. He found but little' to do, and did that little so un])opularly that he eked out a very meager living, — in fact he was "starved out," and left on the api)roach of cold weather, wearing his summer clothes. It is related that when some one asked him why he did ^: r T 4 MECOSTA COUNTY. not go to work, he replied with an oath that he had a profession, and "if that doesn't support nie I'll starve before I'll work!" It is to be hoped that he found some more congenial abiding place than Big Rapids. The next member of the legal profession to arrive in the village was H. \V. Wiltse, who came in the spring of i860, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the county the same fall. He practiced law until his death, in the fall of 1862. Ceylon C. Fuller, whose services forever 20 years are well known to the citizens of this region, and who at present fills the position of Circuit Judge, came to Big Rapids May I, i860. The fourth attorney to practice in the county was John G. Murdock, who remained a uum- ber of years, and then went to Texas. J. O. Coburn was another early lawyer of prominence. He enlist- ed in the Ur.ion army in 1862, and died in Libby Prison. The present Bar of Mecosta County contains the following practitioners: M. Brown, John H. Palmer, Lewis C. Palmer (Palmer & Palmer), John B. Upton, Elijah F. Dewey, Frank Dumon, Calvin W. Notting- ham, D. F. Glidden, Edwin J. Marsh (Glidden & Marsh), Douglas Roben, A. W. Bennett (Roben & Bennett), O E. Mann, F. A. Mann, C. L. Northrup, G. R. Malone, Andrew Hanson, and S. V. R. Hayes, all of Big Rapids; Dewitt C. Moshier and John V. Haist,of Morley ; and David C. Fuller, of Millbrook. I A >: LTHOUGH Mecosta has uni- formly been Republican since its organization, on National , and State issues, yet in local -'ya elections there has been a '''■ ^/ tendency to cast away party / discipline and support the best candidate. Before the war, the settlers were too few in number, and their attention too much taken with more pressing mat- ters, to allow much political dis- cussion. During the war all citizens ^jy united on the simple platform, the I unconditional support of the Union. In this great question was merged all minor ones. Since the Rebellion, the strength of parties has some- what varied, as is seen in the following summary of elections, beginning with the first election after the organization of the county, in the year 1859. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, i860. President. Abraham Lincoln 109 54 Stephen A. Douglas 55 Governor. Austin Blair 109 53 John S. Barry 56 Lieutenant-Governor . James Birney 109 53 William M. Fenton 56 Secretary of State. James B. Porter 109 53 William Francis 56 State Treasurer. John Owen 109 53 Elon Farnsworth 56 Auditor- General. Langford G. Berry 109 53 Henry Pennoyer 56 ^: re: ^y§^^^^ -'^^^ <^ti!i;^Dii;:>^ 1^. -^s^^^:. — I^^Jf® -r-r<>lll]>:imv>^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 581 ^ S^ Attorney-General. : J Charles Upson 109 :'li Chauncey Jojlyn 56 * Superintendent of Public Instruetion. jr. /) John M. Gregory 109 Francis W. Sherman 56 Commissioner of State Land Office. Samuel S. Lacy 109 Samuel L. Smith 56 Member of Board of luiiication. Edwin Willets 1 09 _i John V. Lyon 56 \ Representative in Congress. Rowland E. Trowbridge 95 Edward H. Thompson 49 Francis W. Kellogg 13 Thomas H. Church 7 Amendments to Constitution. For Amendm't to Banking Corjxjration . 82 ^ Against " " " . 73 /A, For Amendment to Sec. 2, Art. iS 104 i^ Against " " " 5 = For Amendment as to Leg. Sessions. ... 89 ^ State .Senator. ■r ■ Osmond Tower 98 Y Frederick Hall 65 ^ Nelson Green i Reprtsentative in Legislature. Martin P. Follett 109 Irving E. Arnold 45 William S. Howell t ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, 1862. Go-^ John S. Holmes 14 53 53 53 S3 46 9 99 33 64 72 104 108 107 106 t 107 107 107 107 66 Vs. ^l Auditor-General. Eniil .Anneke 121 Rodney Payne 14 Commissioner of State Land Office. Samuel S. Lacy 121 Charles F. Heynman 14 Superintendent of Public Instruction. John M. Gregory 121 Thomas 11. Siiiex 14 Member of Board of Education. Edward Dorsch ■.121 Daniel Brown 14 Representative in Congress. Francis W. Kellogg 100 Thomas B. Church 34 State Senator. Charles Mears 1 20 noopp. Reprcsentati'i'e in Legislature. William T. Howell 1 1 1 no opp. v Sheriff. -^ Daniel F. Woolley 86 Samuel W. Rose 53 County Clerk. Orrin Stephens 140 noopp. < County Treasurer. Sumner Stickney 82 John Dalziel ^7 Charles Shafer i Register of JJeeds. Luther Cobb 82 William P'uller 48 Scattering ^ Judge of Probate. 1 )aniel Stearns gr Hamilton M. Herrick 45 Jesse A. Barker 14 Prosecuting A ttorney. C'eylon C. Fuller i 77 C. P. Ives ' , Circuit Court Commissioner. Ceylon C. l''uller So John H. Murdock 62 County Surveyor. \j 34 40 Augustine N. Williams 1 39 noopp. HK;^n!l>:Da>> -^'^^^^ ^r i^ ^^r^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -#^f^- ^^ S^ Coroiwrs. •Q Daniel Stearns 145 no opp. ■''i John \V. Rose 142 noopp. ^ ELECTION OF APRIL, 1863. Circuit Judge. Flavins J. Littlejohn 106 William J. Cornwell 87 Associate Justice Supreme Court. / James V. Campbell 105 ^ David Johnson 92 ■* Regents of the State University. Henry C. Knight 105 Thomas D. Gilbert •"*• 105 Edward C. Walker 105 J. Eastman Johnson 105 George Willard 105 James A. Sweezey 105 Alvah Sweetzer 105 Thomas J. Joslin 105 I* Oliver C. Comstock 93 ^ William A. Moore 93 = Zina Pitcher 93 ,^ Nathaniel Balch 93 _^ Charles A. Richmond 93 =1 Adam A. Roof 93 ^ Elijah F. Burt 93 y Joseph Coulter 93 *^ ELECTION OF NOVEMBER S, 1864. President. Abraham Lincoln 143 George B. McClellan 97 Governor. s^ Henry H. Crapo 146 William M. Fenton 97 Lieutenant- Governor. Ebenezer O. Grosvenor 146 Martin S. Brackett 97 Secretary of State. James B. Porter 146 '^ George B. Turner 97 , State Treasurer. •:UDr;>r^r 5i*€^fesr MECOSTA COUNTY. V ) Regents of the State University. Edward C. Walker S3 no opp. George Willard 83 no opp. ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6. 1866. Goj'ernor. Henry H. Craixj 274 165 Alpheus S. Williams 109 Lieutenant Governor. Dwight May 274 1 65 John G. Parkhurst 109 Secretary of State. Oliver L. Spaulding 275 167 Bradley M. Thompson 108 State Treasurer. Ebenezer O. Grosvenor 275 167 Luther H. Trask 108 .■I u it i lor General. William Humphrey 274 166 George Spaulding 1 08 George Gray i Commissioner of State Land Office. Benjamin I). Pritchard 275 1 67 Louis Dillnian 108 Attorney General. William L. Stoughton 275 167 George Gray 108 Superintendent of Public Instruction. Oramel Hosford 275 167 Samuel Clements 108 Member of Board of Education. Edwin Willets 275 167 John Bischmore 1 08 Representative in Congress. Thomas \V. Ferry 276 169 John B. Hutchins 107 State Senator. John 1 1. Standish 278 no opp. Representative in Legislature. Charles W. Dean 277 no opp. Revision of Constitution. For 239 204 Against 35 Sheriff. Joseph T. Escott 264 147 William P. Montonye 117 County Clerk. John Dalziel 268 I")aniel F. WooUey 112 James M. Colby i County Treasurer. Andrew Green 242 Daniel Stearns 91 Sumner Stickney 46 Prosecuting Attorney. Elias O. Rose 245 John G. Murdock 136 Circuit Court Commissioner. Ceylon C. Fuller 257 John Ci. Murdock 126 Register of Deeds. James M. Colby 238 1 )aniel F. Woolley 99 Thomas Lazell 42 County Surveyor. Benjamin F. Gooch 272 George Brady 1 09 Coroners. Isaiah J, Whitfield 269 Thomas Sliaw 272 Charles B. Humphrey 110 Thomas Cahill 108 ELECTION OF APRIL, 1867. Justice of the Supreme Court. Benjamin F. Graves 232 Sanford M. Green ." . 69 Regents of the State Uniivrsity. Thomas 1). Gilbert 232 Hiram W. Burt 232 Ebenezer Wells 69 William M. Ferry 69 Circuit Judge, Moses B. Hopkins 230 Robert W. Duncan 70 Delegate to Constitutional Convention. William S. Utley 195 Scattering 10 County Superintendent of Schools. Zephaniah W. Shepherd 190 John G. Murdock 15 Scattering 16 139 163 A •59 V ■63 160 (F ■85 -K^oii>:iiii>:>^ r-*s- ■'^^^ **^f^^ •<', '75 ^ I aaid r.lmi^ "^S^^tST ■r T >!8^^&r'>S -•*^??(g i MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ I' A «' ./< 1 141 394 .34 42^ ELECTION OF APRIL, 1868. Nc7v Constitution. Against adoption 474 For adoption 333 For annual sessions of Legislature 519 Against annual sessions of Legislature. . 125 For Prohibition 396 Against Prohibition 362 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 1868. President. Ulysses S. Grant 775 Horatio Seymour 352 Governor. Henry P. Baldwin 765 404 John More • 36 1 Lieutenant Governor. Morgan Bates 770 411 Salathiel C. Coffinbury 359 Secretary of State. Oliver L. Spaulding 771 412 Richard Baylis 359 Treasurer. Ebenezer O. Grosvenor 771 412 John F. Miller 359 Auditor General. William Humphrey 771 412 Louis Dillman 3^9 Commissioner of State Land Office. Benjamin D. Prichard 771 412 Henry Grinnell 359 A ttorney- General. Dwight May 771 412 Augustus C. Baldwin 359 Superintendent of Public Instruction. Oramel Hosford 771 412 Duane Doty 359 Member of Board of Education. Daniel E. Brown 771 Isaac W. Bush 359 Representative in Congress. Thomas W. Ferry 775 Lyman G. Mason 356 Senator. John H. Standish 772 noopp, Representatiiv in Legislature. C. C. Fuller 946 Augustus Paddock 117 412 419 Sheriff. Joseph T. Escott 760 Lewis H. Green 369 James Donley i County Clerk. John Dalxiel -746 Orrin Stevens 378 Judge of Probate. George VV. Crawford 722 James Kennedy 370 County 'Treasurer. Stephen Bronson 657 George F. Stearns 472 Register of Deeds. James M. Colby 742 Erastus E. Thompson 376 George F. Stearns i Prosecuting A ttorney. Frank Dumon 663 John G. Murdock 365 Elias O. Rose 88 C. C. Fuller i I Circuit Court Commissioner. Frank Damon John G. Murdock Elias O. Rose County .Surveyor. Theodore W. Robbins Edwin F. French Marquis Morgan Coroners. Isaiah J. Whitfield F. B. \Vood Sidney P. Phelps 723 37° 4 108 S 39' 368 343 •85 366 290 S 353 y^ 109S 761 385 1055 (noopp.) 376 rV®)$€^ James ^L Colby William IJrockway Scattering County Treasurer. Charles Shafer George W. Warren Scattering Prosecuting Attorney. Frank Dumon John G. Murdock Circuit Court Commissioner. 430 344 I 55' 2'3 3 385 372 430 332 5'7 75 86 538 Elijah F. Dewey County Sur7ieyor. ^ Edmund i'ucker \ Augustine N. Williams 1 Edward Tucker 694 (no opi).) 406 102 304 4> : n D vy-"* — ^"^^^ Represenlali've in Congress. Jay A. IluhlicU 1 106 Samuel P. Ely 358 Slate Senator. Edgar L. Gray 1112 George W. Innes 309 Representative in Legislature. Elias O. Rose 1 082 George F. Stearns 74 Sheriff. Joseph T. Escott 1074 John \\ . Weaver 364 William Gailii:k -XiZ Judge of Probate. Walter S. I lowd 874 Thcron W. Barliour 564 County Clerk. Charlie Gay 1 095 Orrin Stevens 366 County Treasurer. W, Irving Latimer 1000 Charles Shafer 472 Register of Deeds. James M. t!olby 1 133 William Warren 312 Prosecuting Attorney. Benjamin F. Graves 1025 Byron F. Lockvvood 389 Michael Brown 24 V 3 ' ° Tn 729 528 r 636 ^^/^^m^ ^.586 ■T*r-i rC^DU^mif^v ,' c ) Circuit Court Commissioner. II 17 '09S f ■:{ Calvin W. NotUngham. ;% Donald Mclntyre 22 . T Coiinly Stirivyor. !ji Darwin (i. Bell 1 1 2 1 (no opp) Coroners. Thomas Shaw 1129 793 Everelt Douglas 1109 754 Sidney P. Phelps 354 Thomas Cahill 336 Representative in Legislature. Elias O. Rose 1846 1705 George F. Stearns 141 Benj. H. Coolbaugh 12 MECOSTA COUNTY. ..^« &>* ) A ELECTION OF APRIL 7, 1873. County Supcriiiteiulent of Schools. Lewis G. Palmer 949(no opp) ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 1874. f^ ' Governor. f= John J- Bagley. 758 396 ■\J Henry Chamberlin 362 i» Charles K. Carjienter 77 ' ) Representative in Congress. Jay A. Hubbell 832 604 Henry D. Noble. . .' 228 Henry H. Noble [32 State Senator. Edgar L. Gray 831 827 Edward W. Andrews 4 Representative in Legislature. George F. Stearns 553 14 Fitch Pheljjs 539 Natlianicl T-. Gerrish 99 Sheriff. Joseph T. Escott 820 446 Jv Stei)hen W. Foster 374 ^ County Clerk. . -s Charlie Gay 818 45 1 Orrin Stevens 367 v|5 County Treasurer. , V VV. Irving Latimer 897 601 ^ Joseph H. Kilboiirne 296 Register of Deeds. James M. Colby 866 William Hiien 330 Scattering 3 Prosecuting .Ittorney. Benjamin F. ( Graves 754 Frank Dumon 417 Scattering 3 Circuit Court Conunissioiier. Calvin \V. Nottingham 67 1 Douglas Roben 501 Scattering' 7 County Surveyor. Marshall Wheeler 796 Theodore W. Robbins 3S6 Scattering i Coroners. John H. Foster 833 Thomas Shaw 827 Matthew Roben 364 Sidney P. Phelps 361 ELECTION OF APRIL 5, 1875. Circuit Judge. Richard A. Montgomery 1076 Augustine H. Giddings 582 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 7, 1876. President. Rutherford B. Hayes 1342 Samuel J. Tilden 926 Peter Cooper 10 1 Governor. Charles M. Croswell 1341 William S. Webber 945 Levi Sparks 85 Sheriff Nathan H. Vincent i 25 i Stephen W. Foster 1040 Charles W, Whitfield 53 Judge 0/ Probate. William Ladner 1337 John E. Gruber 92 1 Thomas La/.ell in County Clerk. Charlie Gay 1325 Daniel E. Stearns 975 Isaac W. Clifton 46 536 337 170 410 472 463 494 V A C 416 396 416 350 <^ii!]>:dii>->^ ^. 4^^*^^'®. ^ I -^j^^ ^-r<^^DII>:Dll^> MECOSTA COUNTY. ) A V s ) 1 t. 322 409 419 427 Ri\s;is/i'r of Deeds. James M. Colby 105S 224 Simon G. Webster S34 Benjamin Chamberlain 503 County Treasurer. W. Irving Latimer 1369 446 Richard D. Ladner 923 Jolin Wiseman 63 Troseeutin^ .-l Homey. Benjamin F. Graves '318 336 Durelle F. Glidden 97 2 John S. Evans 55 Circuit Court Commissioner. Walter L. Roberts 1 3 1 5 Wallace W. Carpenter 993 Michael A. liartigan 57 County Surveyor. William Jacques 135 2 Samuel S. Mitchell 943 Ambrose M. Bell 84 Coroners. Thomas Shaw 1355 Lyman Nelhaway 1356 Albert E. Newman 936 Jesse Varney 929 Augustus G. Fisk 74 Robert Walker 76 Representative in Congress. Jay A. Hubbell 1323 303 Joseph H. Kilbourne 1 020 State Senator. Marsdcn C. Burch 141 7 469 John S. Law 94S Representative in Legislature. Fitch Phelps ^H'^ 39^ Charles M. Darrah 9-56 William K. Hill 95 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 5, 1878. Goi'ernor. Charles M. Croswell 1 1 92 463 Henry S. Smith 729 O. M. Barnes 311 Representative in Congress. Jay A. Hubbell 1 t 79 435 George I'armelce 744 John Power 306 587^' Circuit Judge. Michael Brown 1887 (noopp.) Representative in Legislature. Filch Phelps 1139 419 William E. Hill 720 Chauncey B. Hannum 360 S/ieriff. Nathan H. Vincent 1198 518 Allen V^. Williams 349 Abel B. Knapp . . . . ; 680 County Clerk. Lewis Toan 1 102 421 George M. Gotshall 681 William (). Lake 452 Register 0/ Deeds. James M.Colby 1224 491 Alexander H. Lane 733 Charles H. Ix)vejoy 266 County Treasurer. Edgar Peirce 1 192 478 Edmund M. Stickney 714 Charles P. Bigelow 33 1 Prosecuting Attorney. Lewis G. Palmer 1067 390 Durelle F. Glidden 677 Wallace W. Carpenter 487 Circuit Court Commissioner. Calvin W. Nottingham 1 165 396 Jacob C. Clark 768 Wallace W. Carpenter 279 County Surveyor. William M. Jacc|ues 1204 495 Sumner Stic kney 709 Samuel S. Mitchell 307 Coroners. William Creevey 1 1 94 463 Lewis (!arnian 1 1 90 4158 Willard S. Whitney 732 l.ucien W. Toniey 731 John E. Grouber 314 John I .ane 310 ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 2, 1880. President. James A. Garfield 1621 769 \V'infield S. Hancock 852 James B. Weaver 275 V F < A /■y^^i^-?- -■^'^^'- •Ws <^(l!l>rniivV- .:r»r:' X- ®)«^<#«- rr v<^llll^(lDv>T '-rr- -ir«i$ MECOSTA COUNTY. Go'i'cnior. David H. Jerome 1518 .'.■^ Frederick M. Holloway 979 I David Woodman 248 li Reprcsnitalivc in Ciuigicss. Jay A. Huhbell 1592 Edwin S. Pratt 1020 George Parmelee 91 S<-ii{T/(ir. R. Ambler 1735 D. Rutherford 530 G. Fowler 408 Rcprcsciitali'c'r i/i Lri;is/ir/iire. Martin V. Gale 1756 John V. Armstrong 93S S/irriff. John Shaw 1^60 Stei)hen W. Foster 1157 Ji/i/i^e of Prohah-. )C William Ladner 1632 >. William Warren 1 1 08 .A«, Comity Clerk. ■^ Lewis Toan 1 849 7^ George B. I )ougalI 86 r >^ Register of Deeds. James M. Colby i486 Homer A. Morey i 240 County Treasurer. Kdgar Peirce 1726 Koscoe G. Wakefield 998 Troseci/ting Attorney. y Lewis G. Palmer 1584 V VValhice W. Carpenter 1 100 H Ciicuit Court Coniwissioner. Cluircliill II. Thrall 1846 Wallace W. Carpenter 181 County .SurTevor. William Jacc^ues 1620 Samuel S. Mitchell 1122 ^ Coroners. 4. William T. Bliss 1624 ■|j Gardner F. Cutler 1632 Rufus Kent 866 ^ 4 539 572 1 201; 818 403 524 988 246 728 484 .665 498 458 763 ELECTION OF APRIL 3, 1882. Circuit Judge. Ceylon C. Fuller 1324 George Luion 97 i ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1882 GoTernor. David H. Jerome 1367 Josiah W. Begole 122 Daniel P. Sagendorph 44 Charles C. Foote 7 Representative in Congress. Byron M. Ciitcheon 1572 Stephen Bronson 1 030 .State .Senator. Fitch Phelps 1502 Smith Fowler 1 1 44 Representative in Legislature. Edgar Peirce 1556 Robert Robbins 1095 .Slierijf. Eli Frederick 1545 Arnold Ely 1 1 22 County Clerl;. Lewis Toan 1481 Richard D. Ladner 884 Charles A. Munn 295 Register of Deeds. Daniel W. Stewart 1527 Joseph H. Kilbourne 1 108 County Treasurer. Simon G. Webster 1705 Chauncey B. Hannum 950 J'roseeuting Attorney. Frank Dumon '473 Lewis G. Palmer 1167 Circuit Court Conunissioner. Churchill H. Thrall 1575 Oscar E. Mann 1 1 34 County Surveyor. Harry I. Orwig 1622 Samuel S. Mitchell 1033 Coroners. Thomas Shaw . Colonel Ethan Allen 869 \« Willard S. Whitney 252 ^ Sidney L. Rood 251 David C. Fuller 1504 Willard S. Whitney 1151 John V. Armstrong 1 148 35« 46, (^, 423 597 V ( ^ 419 755 441 -«•§ ^^i^ ■:a« :/V MECOSTA COUNTY. ^i^-'-i-i -^ X- 589 < ^ A *;« V 4^ ..^.^ ..-^-a ^^ -D=5* «^ vT^T/ '..'1 ". '1 ". '1 ■. '1 ". '1". 'X' ; V .'if."'i' .' 1' .■'■' .'1' .' 1' ." 1'.; i';^'^'5Sj"^ii«■ Si, ^^>^f^ ^-K^DIl:tl[l^llP^>v -5^S- -4^^( will. The patriotism of the early settlers of this county was equal to that of any people in the State. May 13, 1861, George French went to Grand Rapids and enlisted in Company K, Tliird Regiment Michigan Infantry, and soon after- wards returned to Big Rapids for more volunteers. John Shaw, Fred L. Barker, Sidney Fox, James Mc- Allister, Alexander French, James Misner, Robert Misner, Elias Snyder, Fred Schriver and Cole- man enlisted with Mr. French, and constituted the first squad of volunteer soldiers from Mecosta County. They were mustered into the United States service June 10, 1861, and shortly afterward accompanied their command to the front, where they did their full share toward earning for the " Old Third " its bril- liant record as a fighting regiment. Of the original number, Messrs. French, Shaw, Barker, and James and Robert Misner lived to return home. Tlie lives of the others were sacrificed in defense of their country. COUNTY AID. HE county autliorities, as patriotic as those ^ *■ of every other county in loyal Michigan, early adopted measures for assisting the families of tliose who volunteered for the Un- Y ion army. At a special meeting held in Aug- ' ust, i^ti- ■:2<^^^ A V: V MECOSTA COUNTY. 59" f Green, Andrew J. Hyatt, ]o\\n Dalziel, Ariel Alilrieli, George W. (ireen, William dibson. Mecosta. — Franklin Smith, Nelson Ganong, John- son E. Hiirgess, Hiram Hull, John Davis. Dt\-rfii-liL- Frederick Hunter, William Senar.Henry Mills, John (."link, Lewis Eckhardt, William Callar, Lewis Swartout, Ellis Davis, Samuel Hutchins, Wil- liam H. lUirsse, William Mitchell. IVIieatland. — James McCloud, \Viliiani Scheidel, John W. Gingrich, George Miiikel, John Schneider, Michael Diltel, Dorvil H. Whitney, Randall F. Capen. Hill/on. — John W. Rose, John Van Dewater, Wil- liam J. Allen, John Bower, Asa Brockway, Bentley Davis. SUPPLEMENTARY DRAFT. For various reason; the above draft did not sup- ply the requisite number, and a supplementary draft came off July i. The Pioiurr \\uk humorously al- ludes to it : . "A kind of supi)!ementary draft came off this week, and the lucky ones are now being notified. This draft is for the purpose of filling the place of those who reported in Canada instead of at Grand Rapids on the last draft, and also those who were exempt. The town of Richmond seems to have been the most fortunate as to skedaddlers, as a new draft of five men was made there ; and we are informed that three of those drafted before are now in C'anada, thus leaving those who remain a chance of being drafted to fill their places. Other [)arts of the county are in a similar situation." Those drafted this time were : Richmond. — Louis Reminapp, Conrad Folmer- hauser, Ale.x. McFarlane, Thomas Sales, Henry Ger- hardt. Mecosta. — Henry Myres, Edward Davis, diaries Marsh. Dcerfield. — George Gilmore, James Buchner, Mar- cellus T. Nethaway. Hintoii. — W'illiam Brockway, Daniel Van Antwerp, John Godfroy. Wheatlaihi. — Eli W. Gingrich, Adam Kunk- elman. MORE RECRUITS. This year, 1864, the Government was determined to crush the Rebellion by force of numbers, and call after call for troops brought forth a cheerful res]X)nse throughout the loyal North. Hardly was this draft over when 500,000 more were asked, and under this' call the (piota of Mecosta County was as follows: Richmond, 6; Green, 7 ; Leonard, 8; Mecosta, 5 • Decrfield, 6 ; Hinton, 3; Wheatland, 2. Leonard, Mecosta and Wheatland Townships raised their quota before March i, 1865, and Rich- mond, Decrfield, Hinton and Green resolved to await the draft. This, however, never came off, as soon after came the fall of the Confederacy, and all enlist- ments stopped. THE END. II EJOICING at the end of the cruel war was fully as great in Mecosta County as else- '^(^\ where. Ujxjn the reception of the news of •V, the capture of Jefferson Davis, the citizens of Big Rapids turned out and bought all the powder in town, and fired fifty-two guns. This accomplished, they deemed it advisable to exe- cute the " old reprobate;" whereupon, an image of the ex-president, made of straw and old clothes, was speedily put together and suspended by a rope around the neck from a long pole, in which condition it was conducted to a cart, and after being properly put aboard, was conveyed through the principal streets, followed by a long procession carrying bells, horns, circular saws, and everything from which a noise could be made, that could be got hold of. After marching around for about an hour, the crowd came to a halt in front of Hutchinson's store, and hung the effigy. Speeches were then called for, and short addresses were made by several citizens. The soldiers in due time returned to their homes and resumed their ordinary vocations. 1: THE SURVIVORS. HE brave men who survived this struggle have as true sentiments of i)atriotism with- jy'iM^ in t'leir breasts to-day as when they left •^- mother, father, wife and family for the front. t wherever they are found, in all rr-T MECOSTA COUNTY. ■¥&^S\iiSi J (^ a comet's erratic course, in times of public trials or danger, upon great occasions, and upon great incen- 'tive; but it is their rule of conduct, — constant, equable, incorruptible and enduring. M'ealth cannot bribe it; power cannot reduce it; ambition cannot blind it ; friendship cannot swerve it from justice. Fear cannot intimidate it, nor injustice warp it, nor luxury corrupt or enervate it. We speak only, of course, of the men who volunteered from inspirations of patriotism ; and, since their return from the field, by a conscientious deportment, stirred by these true principles of patriotism, they have earned the general respect of the people, and have filled some of the highest offices in the land ; and as patriotism seeks to be effective to the interests of a State, to vindicate its rights, redress its wrongs, and secure its prosperity, these can never be better left than with those men who braved death for the Union of States, and that the States' rights might not be trampled upon in the mire of secession and rebellion ; Men win) their iliitic^ know. But also know their light-, ami, liMinse by L. II. Palmer. 5. The Hank ami File ol' om' V(ilimt<'er Army. Ke- sponse by Serg"t. J. H. Kilbonrne. 9. The Rebel Pris(Uis and their I'nfortmiate Inmates. Response by Dr. F. B. Woo. I. 1(1. Our Fallen Comrades. J{esi)onse by the audieuee silently rising. II. The Loyal AVomen of the I'liion. Itesjionse by Lieut. 'J', .r. Owc-n. \i. The ( '(dored Troops. Response by Charlie Seott- l:i. The Press— The Headlight of Anieviean Institu- tions. Respoii.se by Lieut. E. O. Rose. 1 I. When Johnnie (Monies Mairhing' Home. l{es|)oiise by S. MeClanatlmn. The res|)onses, which were both able and elocpient, elicited fre(iuent applause, and were listened to with marked attention throughout. The exercises were interspersed with instrumental music and singing. The former was furnished by the City Cornet Band, and the latter by a glee club, consisting of E. F. Dewey, S. S. Griswold, S. D. Henderson and Mrs. Campau, with Miss Jennie Mason' at the organ. The pieces selected were the patriotic songs of war times, and the audience joined heartily in the chorus of each. This reunion will long be remembered by the participants as one of the most enjoyable days of their lives. V^ < t ^llIlr>V^ ^^^^ -4)^f '^^mi^. ^K/^^^«>M^ :^jf^^ J M F.COSTA COUNTY -^dt^^^ ^'^M 593 •> A permanent organization was effected, with a view to future reunions. SECOND REUNION. .A second reunion was lickl on I'licsday, Si:\>[. j 5, 1879, and, like the former occasion, was a gratifying success. Something over two hundred veterans, ac- companied by their wives and families, were in at- tendance from the city and surrounding country. At 10 in the forenoon, a national salute was fircil, and shortly afterward the procession was formed for the street parade l>y ("apt. H. F. Hrazee, acting as Mar- shal, in the following order: City Cornel Band ; Big Rapids Light Guard ; veteran soldiers and sailors on foot; one of the rilled cannon which once formed a part of the e(iuipment of the famous Loomis Bat- tery ; mounted veteran cavalrymen, among the lat- ter being ]}. C. Allen, who was a private in the war of iSt2. Mr. Allen carried a well worn flag, which was the identical flag borne by him in active service, and which he has since preserved as a relic of the last great struggle between England and the United States. The line of march was as follows: north on Michigan avenue and Osceola street to Waterloo \y street; thence west to State street; thence south to ^ Hemlock street ; thence east to Michigan avenue ; ) thence south to I'inc street; thence east to Warren avenue ; thence south to Oak street ; thence west to State street ; thence north to Linden street ; thence east to Michigan avenue ; thence north to the Arm- ory. Many business and private residences along the line of march were tastefullydecorated, conspicu- ous among the latter being the house of J. 1'. Huling, which was adorned with a large portrait of Wash- ington, a bust of Lincoln, and a profusion of flags, mottoes and accoutrements of war. The column was halted opjwsite Mr. Uuling's house, faced to the right, and three rousing cheers given for Washington and Lincoln. .-\rrived at the .\rmory, the parade was dismissed, and shortly afterward the seats around the four long ■^ tables in Armory Hall were filled. .Mthough pro- I vision had been made for upwards of three hundred ^ people, the 1 rowtl was so great that only about two- ^ thirds of it could be accommodated at the first '^ sitting. After an intermission of about an hour, during ^ ^ A which the tables were removed and seats arranged, the crowd re-assembled, filling the li^UI to its utmost ca|>acity. The stage was handsomely decorated with flowers, flags and various implements of war. .\lr. .\llen, the veteran of 1812, occupied a iX)sition at the front, i>roudly bearing aloft his old flag. Order being restored, the audience was treated to a medley of National airs by the cornet band, after which Lieut. E. O. Rose, President of the Association, delivered a very elo(|uent address, from which tiie following brief extract is taken : "Every man and woman who can say, 'my father (or grandfather) was a soldier in the war of 1.S12 or in the Revolution,' utters it with a feeling of i)ride; and in after years our children and grandchildren will experience the same feeling of pride in alluding to the part we took in the great struggle for the maintenance of national unity. " As we view this vast assemblage, and reflect upon what brings us together, the mind's eye invol- untarily wanders back over the lapse of years to the time when we left our several avocations, and went forth to assist in defending the old flag and the Ciov- ^ eminent that floats it. We see the farmer leaving y, his plow, the mechanic his bench, the merchant his ^ store and the professional man his office; we see s^ them sign their names to the muster roll, and put on the uniform of the army and navy of the United States; we see tliem finally, with blanched cheek and (piivering lip, bidding good-bye to those they love ; we hear the gray-haired mother speak in trem- ulous tones as she bestows a ])arting blessing u|x)n iier darling l)oy; we hear the sister's reluctant fare- well, and the sweet-heart's stifled sob as she bids her V nftianced good-bye; we hear the wife's agonizing groan as slie ga/.es through blinding tears upon the receding form of her husband and protector; while little children, unalile to comprehend the solemnity of tlie occasion, cling to her skirts with a frightened l:ntii> -^^*€?^ V llB^IIIlv^.r^ -I^^f5^^4^ MECOS TA CO UN T Y. reunion, so pleasantly begun, may be throughout a season of rejoicing. When we go to our respective homes, 1 trust that each may feel that it was ' good to be jiere.' May the chain of friendship which was first linked together in the camp, on the march and on the battle-field, be brightened and strengthened. Many of our comrades fill Southern graves ; others are falling by the wayside from year to year, and the day is not far distant when the sods of earth will cover the last of the grand old army of the Union. And as we pass down the declivity of time, each day bringing us so much nearer honored graves, may the love and gratitude of the Nation, and the choicest blessings of heaven and of earth be yours." After another air by the band, Frank Dumon re- siwnded to the toast, "The Union," following whicli the band played '"Hail Columbia." J- B. Upton then responded to the "Old Flag" in such eloquent words that they are worth recording here. " Wlien a few years ago the message flashed over the wires, 'The Duke is dead,' every person knew that il meant the Duke of Wellington. When it was announced that the Senator was dead, every i)erson knew that Charles Sumner was no more. And when now we hear the words, ' the old flag," every intelli- gent, enlightened American citizen knows that they mean the history of the United States as a nation. They mean the high and glorious resolve of our forefathers that this goodly land should be free, and the home of millioJis of undisputed sovereigns. They mean all the sorrows and grief they bore to secure this grand heritage for their descendants, as well as the joy they experienced in contemplating such a grand and glorious legacy. They mean their heroic bravery, their unflinching devotion to the principles of liberty during all the long years of the war. They mean their victory and elation at Saratoga; their defeat at Germantown; their heroic enduran<:e and suffering at Valley Forge; their unswerving devotion to the just cause; and their grand and glorious victory at Yorktown, wherein they smote and shivered the power of haughty England, and secured for them- selves and us their descendants the priceless boon of independence. They mean the type and symbol of our national growth until the war of i)^'#'''- -ainig^jt. .<;;;;;uJL <^[l!]•^^ll^> A-a. .:s>,ig5jjf:- % ^^ .i^X <^tlll:r 'T^^^^'^isr MECOSTA COUNTY. 595 •: 1 A V »Mi V 1 the cost of his hfc. Marlyr indoed ! Never did the old flag take haif-inast u[kiii so sad an occasion as when the wires flashed lliat fatal message, " Lincoln is dead." The nation was at Srst convulsed as by an earthiiuakc, then it trembled, then wept as a child. Sad silence reigned everywhere. The hum of ma- chinery was hushed. All gayety gave place to deep sorrow. The palace, tiie cottage, the hovel, were alike drajjcd in mourning. Strong men met, greeted each other in whisjjers, and sobbed aloud. " In his death, every human being lost a friend. He long ago predicted and expressed a belief that his life and the rebellion would end together; and his blood, though shed by the cowardly assassin, as the agent of our ungrateful people, has cemented the bonds of our Union; and accursed be the traitor wlio dares attemi)t to break that sacred seal. "No name enrt)lled ui)on the pages of history calls forth such tender, loving enthusiasm from the .'\mer- ican jieople as the honored name of Abraham Lin- coln. He was not only great as a statesniar, l>ut a man in the purest meaning of that term. 'I'he mur- mur of a child would move his sympathy; and wlien his country called upon liiin, above all others, to re- unite, if possil)le, the l)roken bonils of brotherhood, he res|K)nded from ti\e depths of his great heart, ' We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break, the Ijonds of affection. 'I'he mystic cords of memory stretching from every battle-field and patriot's grave to every living heart and hearth- stone all over tiiis broad land, will yet swell the chorus of LInion, impelled by the better angels of our nature, with malice toward none, with charity to all.' These are but a trifling example of the calm, deliberate, loving sentiments of our sainted hero. Yet with gentleness he combined firmness. When he heard the lash of the master, followed by the groan of the slave, mark his expression : "'Fondly do we hope, fervently do we i>ray, that the scourge of war may soon pass away, liut if God wills, let it continue until all the wealth piled up ljy the bondmen's 250 years of nnre(piited toil shall be sunk, and every drop of blood ilrawn by the lash shall be paid by another drawn by the swoid.' Yes, he heard the i>iteous appeal and hastened to the rescue. He struck the shackles from 4,000,000 slaves and left them as God inlendeil tliey should be. unfettered, free as the waves of ocean, the winds ol heaven. .Xnd though he could not heal the aching limbs, he could rob the slave-pen and the whippiii- |)0st of further victims. He could clasp the black hands that were everywhere u|)held to him. He could heal their wounded hearts. "History has recorded many noble documents, some never to be forgotten. ' Magna Charta,' dear to us all; the ' Declaration of Independence,' which, please (lod, shall never die; last in number, first in human kindness and brotherly love, Lincoln's im- mortal ' Proclamation of Kmanci[)ation.' It brought forth liberty from bondage, warmed the cold hearth- stone, restored many a lost link so cruelly severed from that golden love-chain that binds a mother to her child. Forever green in the memory of that humble |)eople, Lincoln will be your name. It will be lisped in |)rayer until every lip is s])eechless anil every heart is still. " But why prolong tiiis eulogy.' Human e.\i)ression is too feeble to portray his merits or do justice to his noble character. He stands alone in history, the liuniblest, yet the highest. Summon the artillery of the nation, marshal in solemn colinnn all her soldiers, iier sailors and her citizens. Let sweetest music be wafted on every breeze. Aye — mingle with it the heavenly chorus of angels, and chant his requiem from shore to shore. Float the oUI flag from every hduse-toii and mast-head, and then, even then you have but a just response to your toast, '.Abraham Lincoln, Our Martyr rresident.'" The glee club then sang the song, " Lay me down anil save the flag, " and after that Dr. F. B. Wood re- sijonded to the toast, "The l'irown then respi)nded to the toast, "The Prison Pen." After a graphic portrayal of the sufferings at Andersonville and Libby and other rebel prisons, the speaker said : " No nation can prosper which would treat its pris- oners with such cruelty. 1 honor my country; 1 love its institutions; but whenever it resorts to such treatment of prisoners of war, then, 1 pray that he who holds the destinies of nations in his hands may blot it from the map of empires." The glee club then sang " Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," and then the toast, "Our Fallen Comrades," was re- spondeil In by the ludience rising, and standing in I < A C !^^«^#'- ^^"^^ ^m-.^'M^y^ -^:. MECOSTA COUNTY. I "f ) > A >: v ) -^ S silence while the hand played a dirge. "The Loyal Women " was then responded to by J. M. Colby, and the band next played "The C.irl I left behind me." After tliis, Noble D. Rood, of Colfa.x Township, spoke briefly, from experience, of tlie rebel prisons, confirm- ing all that liad been said of their cruelty. At the conclusion of Mr. Rood's remarks, it was suggested that all who had been prisoners of war stand up. A count of those who arose to their feet in response to this suggestion disclosed the fact that the audience contained twenty-seven men wiio were living wit- nesses of the atrocities perpetrated upon those who had the misfortune to be captured by the rebels dur- ing the war. 'I'he next toast was "The Bivouac," whicli was responded to by Lieut. Edgar Peirce, as follows : " Of the many recollections of a soldier's life brought to mind on occasions like the present, none are perhaps more vivid and interesting than the recol- lections that cluster around the bivouac fire. As memory wanders back to those stirring times of 1 86 1 -5, and calls to mind the countless fires that have gleamed from the Potomac to the Gulf, marking each day's progress on that long and bloody road, what a panorama moves before our mental vision ! Those fires have long been cold, but in memory tliey burn as brightly to-day as they did in years gone by, and give rise to many pleasant, many tender, and many painful emotions. " What pleasanter scene, for instance, can be im- agined than that presented by an evening bivouac at the close of a i)leasant summer's day, in some beau- tiful sjjot in the valley of Virginia? 'I'he blue moun- tain tops in the hazy distance, the green field dotted witli wliite tents, the myriads of twinkling camp-fires surrounded by careless and picturesque groups of boys in blue, the inspiring strains of martial music, mingled with the sounds of laughter and song, all combine to make a s( ene of enchantment whicli, once seen, can never be forgotten. "But when autumn came with its icy winds and chilling storms of rain and sleet, and the roads were one endless, hopeless stretch of mud, the picture had a darker shade. Then, after wearily plodding all day through mud and rain, often \intil. late at night, we would at length turn aside into some dripping piece of woods, and listen to some s\ich command as this: 'Halt! Dismount and fix \ ourselves comfort- able for the night!' Comfortable! Easy said; but with the rain coming down in torrents, blankets and clothing soaked through, teeth chattering, fingers stiffened and benumbed with cold, and stomachs yearniiig for mother's cupboard at liome, the prospect for comfort was not flattering. AV'e lived through it, however, and can again, if occasion require it. "But what a troop of mournful and tender recol- lections come crowding on the memory when we think of the bivouac after the battle ; when the clash of arms had ceased; when the sounds of the shrill, demoniac Southern yell, and the deep-chested, full- mouthed Northern roar were no longer borne on the breeze; when the last, fierce, desperate charge liad been made, and the battle lost or won ! Silently we gathered around the bivouac fire in sadly diniinishetl numbers, missing the merry voices, and dear, familiar faces of many loved comrades, who only the evening before were with us full of life and mirth ; b\it to- night their unshrouded and uncoffined forms lowly lie in unmarked graves. " Hundreds of thousands of those loved comrades now lie quietly resting in their last bivouac. .Scat- tered all over the sunny South they peacefully sleep, making its vaunted sacred soil truly sacred with their loyal dust. On the pleasant slopes of Cemetery Hill, at Gettysburg, on the very spot where in life they stood a living wall against which Lee's trained legions surged like a mighty wave, only to be, like a wave, dashed back in fragments, thousands of them gloriously rest. And I hoiie that these, our annual reunions or bivouacs, as the\' might be called, uill be kept up, if for no other purpcjse than to keep the memory of those brave men green. I trust as time rolls on and our numbers diminish, our interest in these gatherings will increase, initil we finall\ meet in that grand reunion on the other shore." The band then played " Yankee Doodle," after which M. T. Nethaway resfjonded to the toast, "The I-ong Roll." His remarks were very interesting, and at their conclusion the bugle call for the long roll,was sounded from behind the scenes, which was followed by the genuine, old-fashioned roll, beaten upon the drums by Messrs. Palmer, Miller and Hobart. Gen. Stephen Bronson then spoke on the " Close of the War." The exercises closed with the song, " Red, White and Blue," by the glee club. Vto; rF\ I ®;')€^^-*»- js^^^^ ■A<^D!l^c^Dlli> -•4>^jf /^"V ■5<€^*cr 7<-||0>:D(l^>r I f J'. MECOSTA ~^%a}- COUNTY. 'W ^ V 597 Tirikn REUNION. Aug. 24, iSSo, another reunion was held of the Old Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Mecosta County. The attendance, owing to unfavorable weather, was not as large as on previous occasions. t\ procession was formed at the armory about 1 1 o'clock, under direction of Marsnal Owen, assisted by W. D. Moody. First came the City Cornet Band, then came the Big Rapids Ciuard, and the veteran soldiers brought up the rear. The procession moved eastward to Warren avenue, thence southward to Oak street, thence westward to State street, thence northward to Woodward avenue, thence westward to Stearns' drove. In passing the residence of A. C. Tibbits, on Oak street, the procession was halted, and three hearty cheers were given for the decorations wliich adorned the front of the building. At the grove, after dinner, a stirring address was given by the ])resident, Edgar I'eirce. Just as he was closing a sudden rain caused the meeting to adjourn to Armory Hall. Here the following toasts were re- siwnded to : I. — "C?///- F/iig." — Response by Hon. Michael Brown. 2. — ^^ Our Fallen Coiniadi-s." — In silence, audi- ence standing. 3. — " General Custer." — David Burns. 4. — " T/ie Foragers." — J. B. Upton. The exercises were interspersed with music by tlie band, and songs by a glee club. FOUR 111 kl'.UNION. The fourth annual reunion was a grand suicess. It occurred Thursday, Aug. 4, 18S1, and was largel) ^ attendetl. The great novelty this year was the use of real tents, and the peiformance of army camp duties by the veterans. A salute was fired at 10 o'clock, and shortly aftenvard a procession formed under the direction of Captain Brazee, assisted by G. W. (Craw- ford and Thomas Shaw, in the following order: Knights Templar Band; Big Rapids Guard, armed ; old soldiers, armed ; a veteran war-horse, and a sec- tion of artillery. The procession moved through the principal streets, and then returned to camp for din- ner. An excellent dinner was served under a big tent erected for that purixjse, and squads had dinner in nearly all the mess tents on the groimds. After dinner, a patriotic address was delivered by Hon. .M. Brown, and the following toasts were proposed and appropriately responded to, as follows: "On the March." — Response by L. G. Palmer. " The Bummers." — Res|)onse by Frank Dumon. " Boo/s and Saddles." — Resiwnse by Edgar I'eirce. "Our Fallen Comrades." — In silence, audience standing. " 7 he Chaplain." — Res|)onse by Rev. C. .\. Munn. Music was furnished by the Knights Templar I'and. At the business meeting the Executive Committee were authorized to purchase a ceme- tery lot, whereon indigent members might be buried. A letter of regret was read from Robert T. Lin- coln, Secretary of War. The reunion closed with a ball at the .\rmory, which was attended by 125 couples. The Third Michigan Infantry held a reunion at Big Rapids, Dec. 13, 1881, which was attended by 200 veterans. Among the exercises was the toast, "-The Boys in Blue," to which J. B. Uplon, of Big Rapids, made an impromptu response. V^ •^• Si fci^i^^^ ^^-<:DII>:Dllr:>^ ■^^^^ X it. r i C^OD^DD^^v 13^ «^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ ^ ^. ) 1 ) ^ iSJJil f« ^ d^ ^-^- i<^ o ■; j T J- *-"'-'.g^.*-"'^ ^^. -j-ir^ jcu^'^'f^ .s^-^ "^ j:. '^"^ ^. ■.M'^ J. v^^'^ r~it'^"'-'tr I '^"-^■mt'^"'''iSLi "*"'•' [&1 ^'"^itt^ ^"'^rfi> *-"^^iai •^"^•' il AGRieUlTURiEiL .1: h ,e_4 — 1=7- -^ fe' '•.-'.• ,i»!.S-; -\>_vj Ip' |i^ ■'•' •■'?;■?%• ■■-• XTENT and fertility of the soil constitute a measure of the permanent wealth of the locality. Great as is the lumber industry in Mecosta County, it is nevcrlheless true thai the time will come wlien the forests of Central Michi- gan will be all cleared away, and the State no longer fur- nish lumber for a continent. It is therefore well tlial the soil of this county is ricli and cap- able of a high state of cultivation. ; A very great variety of crops can be raised here profitably: fruits, grains and garden stuff; and the agricultural resources of the county '\ can be imagined when it is considered that in 1882 the 1,200 farms comprised only 30,000 acres under cultivation, which is less than a tenth of the area. Iviriy in March, 1S74, steiis were taken to form an agricidtural society. A meeting of citizens from dif- ferent parts of the county, for this purpose, was held March 5, at the office of B. F. Craves, in Big Rapids. 1 Col. N. H. Vincent was made Chairman, and G. VV. • •|« Warren, Secretary. B. F. Graves drafted articles of ^ association, which were signed by N. H. Vincent, ^ Carlos Teachout, F. P. Wood, John McCutcheon, C. I) C. Fuller, J. K. Klesner, A. Vangilder, C. W. Whit- ^ field, G. VV. Warren and Henry Main. Messrs. G. W. Warren, B. F. Graves and F. P. Wood were ap- pointed a committee to distribute to the suiiervisor of each township and ward throughout the county a subscription paper, to be placed before the voters at the next spring election ; and the following address issued to the people through the press: TO THE CITIZENS OF MECOSTA COUNTY. Steps have been taken to organize an agricultural and mechanical society. Articles of association have been drawn uj) and signed by the requisite number, and an invitation will be extended to every voter in this county to become a member. Subscrip- tion lists will be in the hands of some competent per- son at every ])oll district in the county, at the s|>ring elections in April next. The object of this society is to develop and promote the agricultural and me- chanical interests of this county; and to the end that it may be made a successful enteri>rise, it is desired that ever)' citizen of this county give it their hearty co-operation and supjiort. l!ut little is known here yet of the great agricultural resources of Northern Michigan. Possessed of a rich and fertile soil, the time is not far distant when this county will not be surpassed in agricultural and mechanical productions by any county in Northern Michigan; and that she may not fall behind her sister counties in the great race of development and civilization, it is desired that every effort be put forth by the people of this county to build up and firmly establish a society of this kind. In the great agricultural districts of the F2astern and Middle States, societies of this kind have become permanent fixtures, and they are well calculate and promote the stock-raising and producing interests of an agricultu- ^^^f^ ■^^ns^DDi^ ^^£^. A T 1 T'".':^ M^t^i^^ :^f^^^ -er ■7>r- ^ ) A ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. ral coniimiuity. The pine forests of this lounty are fast clisai)|)caring, ami a few years hence improved farms will take their place. Let us then make every effort to biiilil ui) and [iromote the aijriciiltiiral and ntechanical interests of the county that tliey may keei) pace with iliC lumberman's ax. Nature has done much for us in this county, and with the en- couragement and assistance of the combined efforts of the people of this county, and with the assistance of capital, that will come in time, this county can be made one of the leadini; manufacturini; counties in the State; and nothingis better calculated to stinui- late the manufacturing interests than a society of this kind. We tliink this is a matter of great importance to us all, and we hope that no op[)ortunity will be lost to make it a success. Cr. W. Warren. Foster P. Woou. BeNJ. 1''. C"i RAVES. Big Rai)ids, March 7, 1874. The meeting held .April <», for tlie elei tioii of officers, was attended by about 40 persons. Charles Shafer was chosen Chairman, and (i. W. Warren Secretary. Col. N. H. Vincent was then elected President of tlie society, (i. W. Warren, Secretary, and W. I. Latimer, Treasurer. The following per- sons were elected Directors: Fitch Pheljis, Levi H. Roberts, W. W. Smith, John A. Markle, Charles Tea- chout and John V. .Vrmstrong for one year; J. T. Escott, P. S. Decker, S. S. Chii)man, John F. McCabe, J. O. Rose and James Canaan for two years; and J. N. Decker, C". M. Darrah, George Minkle, H. M. Johnson, B. F. Graves and Luther Cobb for three years. J. ( >. Rose, G. W. Warren and B. F. Graves were ap|)ointed a committee to draft by-laws for the society, and present them to tlie Directors for their a|)proval. It was directed that the third Monday in April l)e fixed as the time for holding annual meetings, and also that all persons who had paid into the treasury the sum of one dol- lar be considered members. .At a meeting of the Directors held .April 28, they decided that the Society hold a fair for three days, commencing on the 29th of Septemlier following. Committees were apixsinted to secure grounds and prepare a premium list. FIRST FAIR. The first fair was duly held at the appointed time, and was a grand success. It was the first time the peo[)le had hail an opportunity to compare produc- tions of agricultural and mechanical skill, and to exhibit what was raised, made and owned in Me- costa County. The entries aggregated over 500, and $408.50 were i)aid in i)remiums. A g(x)dly number were in attendance, in spite of bad weather. For the succeeding year the following officers were elect- ed : President, Luther Cobb; Treasurer, W. I. Lati- mer; Secretary, G. W. Warren; Directors for three years — Fitch Phelps, of Colfax; L. H. Roberts, of Morley ; W. W. Smith, of Fork ; K. P. Strong, of Sheri- dan ; C. Teachout, of Green ; J. V. Armstrong, of Ciiippewa. Director for two years (to fill vacancy caused by electing Mr. Cobb as President), A. Van- gilder, of r>ig Rapids. SECOND FAIR. Tlic second fair, held in Se[>tcinbcr, 1875, was nuu h inferior lo the first lair. Tliere seems to have been little interest manifested either by exhibitors or visitors. The following officers were ele( ted : Presi- dent, William Ladner; Secretaiy, John Dal/iel; Treasurer, C. M. Dariah. Directi)rs for three years: J. T. Escott, C. Main, Geo. Gilmore, R. D. Ladner, J. (). Rose and A. B. Knapj). THIRD lAlK. The third annual fair was helil Oct. j, 4 and 5, 1876, and was an improvement on the preceding. Six hundred entries were made, and the attendance was excellent. An annual aildress was delivered by J. r>. Uploii.on the afternoon of the second day. FOURTH FAIR. The fourlli fair, held Oct. 2, 3 and 4, was still better, as a very general interest was manifested. The display, both of cro[)s and live stock, was fine. On the afteriioon of the second day, there was a band contest, in which the Rvart band won the first prize, the Big Rapids Cornet Band the second prize, and the Big Rapids Light Guard Hind the iliird prize. A baby show was held the same afternoon, which furnished much amusement. Four prizes were offered. On the last day was held a firemen's tournament, in which four companies entered. For the ensuing year William Lailner was elected Presi- dent, George W. Warren Treasurer, and C. M. Dar- rah, Secretary. ^■ A -<>' m^'* r ^^€y^ «!. <^di]>:do>:> z^ o i ] I MECOSTA COUNTY '^'C^' -ia?*.^ FIFTH FAIR. The fifth fair, held Sept. i.S, 19 and 20, 1S7.S, was a partial failure, on account of persistent rain the last two days. The first day gave promise of a suc- cessful fair. SIXTH AND LAST FAIR. No fair was held in 1879. 'I'he sixtji fair was held Sept. 28, 29 and 30, 1880. The weather was very unpropitious, and Jience the attendance was small. The number of entries was 222. The receipts were so small that the premiums were paid only at the rate of fifty cents on the dollar. Since then no at- tempt has liecn made to have a fair. It is to be hoped that the enterprising citizens of the county will take hold of tliis matter and revive these fairs, as they are unquestionably a benefit to all. FARMERS' INSTITUTE. N the fall of 1879, it was announced that six farmers' institutes would be held in vari- ous parts of the State, one of tliem at Big Rapids. This was duly held Jan. 15 and 16, untler the direction of Professors Beal and Kedzie, of the State Agrictdtural College, and was a very interesting and profitable meeting. Col. N. H. Vincent, as President, called the assemblage to order in the evening of the first day, Thursday, and delivered a short opening address. He spoke approvingly of all gatherings of this kind; dwelt upon the advantages to be derived from a better understanding among farmers, and a more extended cuhivatii}n of the social relations. He urged the organization of farmers' clubs in every town, that there might be frecpient interchange of opinion, and a more thorough knowledge of subjects pertaining to agriculture. If the farmers would do this, he felt confident that the next county fair would be a grand success, and result in great profit to all concerned. He expressed gratification at seeing so many farmers present, and assured them that the people of this city would endeavor to make their stay pleasant during the session of the institute. Dr. J. T. Fraser, of Fowlerville, New York, be- ing introduced, gave an intcit;sting lecture on the structure and anatomy of the horse's foot; the vari- ous acute and chronic diseases to which the horse's foot is subject, and the best ways to avoid contraction of such diseases. He illustrated his talk by the use of the bones which enter into the structure of the horse's foot aiul lower part of the leg, and also by blackboard diagrams. The next morning's session opened with a large attendance. After a little time spent in discussing questions from the drawer, R. Y . Kedzie, teacher ot chemistry in the State Agricultural College, was in- troduced, and delivered a learned lecture on "Su|)er- phosphate for the Farm." The sjieaker explained the component parts of superphosphates, their prop- erties and effects upon vegetation, cost, etc'. L. G. Palmer, of Big Rapitls, then read an excellent essay entitled, " Boys on the Farm." In the afternoon Judge Brown, of Big Rapids, treated the audience to an essay entitled, " Brain and the Farm." Mrs. J. K. Upton read an essay entitled, " Polly and the Kettle;" and George W. Warren read an essay on the culture of roots for winter and spring feeding. Prof. Beal also talked a little on in- sects injurious to vegetation. In the evening, before a full house, Prof. Beal talked for an hour or more on " Horticulture at the Agricultural College." Sherman Ui)ton, of Big Rapids, then followed with "College Life," illustrated, embracing a series of cartoons and crayon sketches. This caused a great deal of merriment and formed a very ajipropriate closing chapter of the institute. Music, which was one of the leading features, was furnished by the Big Rapids and Green Glee Clubs. Just before final adjournment, resolutions were unan- imously adopted tendering thanks to the .Xgricul- tural College Professors and others from abroad for their assistance and instruction, to the Glee Clubs for their music, and to the people of Big Rapids for entertainiu" visitors. V 1>. '4- - V r^ -Srf^jTl -K^ii!ir>:nDr> ■3<^^^ ^ V :) MECOSTA COUNTY. -3#^^^ 6oi <^ r^. ^ A//g^^^ pIIiWDg. _o8so, and efibrts were from y^ time to time made to find a company who : would accept it and commence the work. In the early part of i860 a party of English capitalists sent a representative to this country in the person of Mr. Samuels, a civil engineer, to examine the route, tile character of the lands and country through which the road was to be constructed, and to make his report to ihe American directors, which, if favor- able, would at once secure all the means recjuired. To show what a trifling cause gave check to the growth of this entire region for nine years longer, it is wortii recording that Mr. Samuels made the sur- vey, was gratified with the prospect, and was before the Board of Directors in the city of New York to say that he would accept the securities and furnish the money at oiice ; and while making the final arrangeme.its, ne"s ■ anie of the disastrous defeat of I V_ A >: V V r % ::^Jj -^5^??«^ ■u^ A<;|]|i^MlIi;>i^ y A >: V ' ) '^ .< 602 the Union army at the first battle of Bull Run. Rising in his seat, Mr. Samuels said : " Gentlemen, you cannot give us proper security for our money. Vour armies are defeated, and you have no country ! Our conference is at an end, and I return to England upon the next steamer." After the war closed, the project was again revived and the work commenced, the objective point being Little Traverse Bay, antl it was only through the un- tiring perseverance and determination of one man that a direct line was secured through the embryo village of Big Rapids, and the great benefit of a rail- road secured to Mecosta County. This road, the Grand Rapids & Indiana, was built and oi)erated for some years under contract witli the original owners, by the " Continental Im[)rovenient Company, of Pennsylvania." The road was liuilt very slowly, and the various townships and villages along the proposed line were thouroughly canvassed for subscriptions to aid the construction. Big Raiiids, Green Township and others resiwnded liberally, voting the maximum amount allowed by law. The line was gradually constructed from Grand Rapids northward as far as Cedar Springs, and there seemed for a time "stuck ;" but in the summer of 1869 work was resumed north of that place. A thousand men were put at work, with teams, etc., and a short journey from Big Rapids would bring the citizen face to face with the van of the army of laborers. During August, work was prosecuted on the contract of \Villiam S. Patterson, commencing two miles south of Big Rapids and ex- tending six miles southward. The natural supposition would be that the advent . of this road would have united the interests of all in the hitherto isolated Big Rapids, but on the contrary there now commenced an internecine strife between the upper and lower portions of the town, which were alike disastrous and disgraceftd. The railroad company, desirous to conciliate all parties, endeav- ored to stand aloof from the contention. About this time tlie afterwards famous railroad magnate, Tom Scott, bought a tract of land of T. C. Hunt, on the east side of the river near the upper dam, paying therefor $14,000. It was at that time really the in- tention of Mr. Cass, President of the Continental Improvement Company, to locate the repair shops of the road at this point; and it was of course generally supposed that this fact would transfer the center of commercial business to the north part of the city. Residents of that part were elated over the prospect, and when visiting the inhabitants of the lower town would facetiously observe that grass would soon grow in their streets, generously offering to furnish the necessary timothy and clover seed, even drinking to the prosperity of the " street dairy farm." Soon after, when the citizens, by a donation of forty acres of land, bound the railroad company to perpetually maintain a station on east Maple street, a ])arty from tlie lower part of town retaliated by going in a body to the north side, and in open day actually sowing grass seed in the streets and harrowing it in. Bitter words and still more bitter feeling resulted, and as a matter of course all general interests suffered. As the road actually approached Big Rapids, the question of location of the dejwt became an impor- tant one. The company offered to build the depot on the west side of the river, on the site just north of the old red saw-mill, provided the city would procure for and donate to them the right of the way through the city limits, and the above mentioned field as a site for depot and shops, also' $8,000 in cash, or in lieu thereof the bonds of the city to the amount of $10,- 000. The citizens thought this demand was too ex- orbitant, and the railroad authorities claimed that it was no more than would fully compensate them for the extra cost of earth-work, and several hundred feet of extra track which they claimed would l)e re- (juired. The result was that as the citizens refused to pay the amount asked, the dejwt was located about sixty rods east of the river, at least three times as far from the business center of town as the proposed lo- cation on the west side, .\nother depot was con- structed at the same time at the upper end of town, and trains now stop at both " Lower Big Rapids " and " Upper Big Rapids." Early in September, 1869, G. A. McDonell tS: Son, contractors, broke ground for the railroad within the city limits of Big Rapids, east of the river Muskegon. October i r of the same year, the comjiany began to run daily trains each way between Grand Rapids and Morley, in this county. One was a passenger train, and the other a mixed train, having in addition to freight cars two passenger coaches. The passenger made the trip each way in two hours and a half. Tliis made Morley a place of some consequence, being the r - A >: •f ■ A ( (c ^ ^Si^^^ J^ii-^ ^mm& A^ T*^ .C-B|jtf'%«!ii. ^*#5^^ m >/ Sv^v®^** ' MECOSTA COUNTY. ■>i»'w'«sr ** >> ) €$ <(*) ^^ t A V 5. 603 ?S) 1 teniijorary temiiniis of tlie road, and the growth of the village really dates from that time. A ix)st-office was estal)lished at Morley, the first postmaster being also first station agent on the railroad, — F. 1'. Bodwell. Ill the latter part of May, 1870, the company be- gan to lay iron north of Morley at the rate of a mile a day, during pleasant weather, and on Monday, June 20, 1870, the track reached the site of the pres- ent depot east of the lower bridge, and the citizens of Big Rapids at last had the pleasure of seeing a real live locomotive in their midst. A barrel of sugar, surrounded i)y about a Inuidred citizens, greeted the thirsty track-layers when they reached the deixjt grounds, thus testifying to the satisfaction felt by all in witnessing the fulfillment of what had been so long promised. June 30, the track was laid to Paris. July 6, work was commenced on the lower depot at Hig Rai>ids, which was buiit 24 x 60, and was ready for use the same month. Another was built of the same size at the upiier station, one mile from the lower. July 27, the interests of the railroad met with a temi)orary check. An injunction was issued out of the Circuit Court of Mecosta County enjoining and restraining the company from running their cars across certain lands belonging to Col. Stewart Ives, the company having made no arrangements about tiie right of way. In the afternoon of the same day, Marshall Lynch, of Big Rapids, with a corps of as- sistants, " tore up " one length of the rails which was laid across the saiil lands. This caused but a tem- porary delay, however. The company relaid the rails and brought suit against Col. Ives for trespass. The rails were not again ids : < A LFpper 1 )ei)oi. Lower Dejiot. January, §45 3 99 S3.867 73 February, 341 46 3.829 24 March, 611 92 3,802 94 April, 748 62 3.543 '9 May 752 97 3.5 4S 68 Iiine, 816 82 3.249 7S ? '■ .luly, 688 5^' 3.799 32 August, 575 00 3.f<3f' 96 i September, 1,098 57 4.'J37 «3 •!■'* October, 974 3' 3.9of' y] November, 1,162 98 5.4«6 t ' J. December, 841 72 5.353 $48,862 f'5 40 S9,o66 92 >:niiv>-^' C' ^'v?¥itr'. . X •> jviv'^ - -"'^fS^ ■ ■■ v^Sj i6o4 -^^^^ ^V<^llI]:o;Dllf>r MECOSTA COUNTY. t The total at both stations was therefore $57,929.32. Of course the business now is much larger. SMASH-UP. ^ 4 On the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 1872, occurred a smash-up on this road, in Mecosta County, which was the most destructive that had occurred up to that time anywhere on its line. It took place between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, about five miles south of Big Rapids, the regular mail train from the south being the victim. On that ■-3 Tuesday morning, some time after the early mail train had gone south, a small jiortion of the road-bed over a little swamp, a short distance north of Morley, had settled so as to render it impassable for a time, and necessitated the transfer of passengers and bag- gage from train to train on either side of the sink. For this purpose locomotive No. 14, driven by Engineer Tinkham, with two box or freight cars, backed down from Big Rapids in the evening, to meet the regular mail train from the south, which was due at 4:46. Workmen had been engaged on the sink during the day, and at a little before nine o'clock succeeded in repairing it so far as to admit of the passage of trains; and instead of transferring, the coaches composing the mail train were attached to the rear of the box cars, and the whole proceeded toward Big Rapids, at about 20 miles an hour. In passing through the long, deep cut south of the " high bridge," about half or three-iiuarters of a mile south of Byers' Station, the. train encountered a quantity of earth that had caved down from the eastern bank. The locgmotive was thrown from the track, and the box cars, being crowded forward by the momentum of the baggage cars and coaches, were crushed and smashed into a promiscuous pile of splinters and rubbish, while the tender turned a complete somersault, landing clear in front of the engine, with its rear to the north. Three men were in the engine cab at the time of the accident — M. II. Tinkham, engineer ; Isaac L. Walker, fireman, and Ed. Stoff, brakeman on a freight train. Walker and Stoff were instantly killed, both being so wedged in between the wrecked cars and .V, engine that it was impossible to extricate them till /< the debris had been removed by the wrecking train. * 'i'he engineer was pitched forward through the front ^ cab window, and landed in the mud beside the boiler, the tender passing over him in executing its flying leap. He was considerably bruised, but had no bones broken. His escape from an instant and terrible death was almost miraculous. The forward end of the baggage car pitched into the bank on the opposite side of the track from the engine, while the rear end was thrown off the other way, leaving it diagonally across the track. Its inmates, the mail agent, baggage-master and express agent, all escaped with only slight scratches and bruises. Forward of the baggage car, between that and tlie box cars, was a freight caboose, which contained a large number of laborers who had been at work on the sink ; and although the caboose was somewhat stove up and turned partially across the track, as well as canted up on one side, none of the men were seriously hurt. The passenger coaches were brought to a standstill without being thrown from the track. They were all well filled, and, marvellous as it may appear, all escaped with nothing more serious than fright, and slight scratclies, bumps and bruises for a few. This good fortune is probably attributable to the fact that the crushing of the box car materially diminishetl the shock which the coaches must otherwise have sus- tained, as well as the moderate speed of the train. Had it been going at as high a rale as the mail train usually runs, with no box cars to receive the force of the shock, the inevitalile result is siui|jly terrible to contemplate. The excitement and confusion which followed the crash can only be realized by those wlio have wit- nessed and experienced similar scenes. The dark- ness was impenetrable, the mud on both sides of the track miry and deep, and the whole hemmed in liy a steep bank on either side, higher than the tops of the cars. The escaping of. steam from the disabled engines made a most frightful noise, drowning tiie voices of all about the wreck, and adding to the al- most perfect bedlam which seemed to reign for a time. The train was in charge tif Conductor .\rnold, who walked to the lower depot in Big Rapids, bringing the first intelligence of the disaster, and reporting the same by telegraph to the company authorities. Quite a number of passengers walked through to Big Rapids, anil during the night several women and T tS'-y %X^^[l a >: lli]i>=^ — ^^f^ i^ ^ Vl--)«v«r*'- ■■3<€^ a ^ children were brought up in wagons which were sent ■^ down for them ; hut many remained till morning, ."^^j suffering from huniier and numerous other discom- forts incident to their castaway situation. These "^1 . then g<>t away as best they could, some on foot, a few on a hand-car, and others in wagons which went down from this city. Early that morning, the telegraph operator at Lower Hig Rapids was transferred to the wreck, the wire tapped, and direct communication opened with headipiarters. Su|)l. Gorham and Ass't. Supt. Walk- er were on the ground as soon as they could reach there from their respective headquarters, and a force of men put to work at removing the debris. Walker had been in the employ of the comiiany some time, and was a favorite among his associates. He was a single man. .Stoff was a married man, his family residing in Middleville, Barry County, Mich. He had but just entered the employ of the company, and was making his second run when his earthly career was thus suddenly and tragically ter- minated. No blame was attached to the engineer or any other employe on the ill-fated train. It being very dark, and the obstruction of exactly the same color as the road-bed, it is not at all surprising that he should not discover it till so near; and Iiaving passed safely over the same track within the preced- ing hour, there was nothing to occasion unusual cau- tion on his part. If blame rests anywhere, it is uijon the company, for permitting stumps and trees stand- ing \\\K>n the very brink of cuts, to become gradually undermined, and finally tumble down the bank with the disastrous result witnessed in this instance. RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE ROAD. Jan. 14, 1874, at a special meeting of the Conti- nental Improvement Conijiany, held at Grand Rap- ids, the formal transfer of the road from the C. I. Co. to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Com- pany was completed, the latter having taken actual possession on the first of December previous. Un- der this new arrangement, W. O. Hughart, of Pitts- burg, formerly President of the Pittsburgh Connells- ville Road, was elected President of the G. R. & I. R. R., and entered at once wyion the active duties of his oftice. He made Grand Rapids his home, and from that time on the road has been managed exclu- sively from that city. <•^^D:<^Il^•>: A :< V \ I .JOJ. -•— ^^ CHICAGO & WEST MICHIGAN R R. HIS was the second road built into Me- costa County, and was projected soon after the G. R. iV I. Ry. first entered the County Feb. 5, 1870, a meeting of representative citi- zens was held at the Mason House in Big Raj)- ids, at which resolutions were adoiHed favoring the building of a railroad from Muskegon to 'Big Rapids, and a committee was appointed to confer with citizens of Muskegon and intermediate points. This committee consisted of Gen. S. Bronson, Hon. C. C Fuller, J. F. Brown, Col. Stewart Ives, Andrew Green, George F. Stearns, T. D. Siinson, J. O. Rose, D. M. Benjamin, Charles Shafer, E. Fisher and G. W. Crawford. Another meeting was held March 21, at Brown's 1 lall, at which enthusiastic speeches were made ; and it was reported that the citizens of Muskegon had already subscribed $30,000, and would raise the amount to $So,ooo. Resolutions were ado|>ted in favor of Big Rapids Township aiding the scheme to the extent of $40,000. The Muskegon & Big Rainds Railroad Company was formally organized April 12, 1870, at Muskegon. Big Rapids was represented on the Board of Direc- tors by George F. Stearns, John F. Brown, Jacob O. Rose, Col. Stewart Ives and Sumner .Stickney. Gen. Bronson and Col. Ives were ai)i)ointcHl from this city to receive subscriptions. At a sul)set|iient meeting of the Directors, oflicers of the company were elected as follows: Alexander Rogers, President; George F. Stearns, Vice President; Stewart Ives, Secretary; C'hauncey Davis, Treasurer. Early in May the actual survey of the road was commenced, and all seemed to be going on well, when unexpectedly the Suineme Court of Michigan decided against the constitution- ality of local aid given to railroads. This decision killed many railroad projects in the State, and for a time the Muskegon v\: Big Rapitls Railroad seemed to have been effectually strangleil. After a year or so, however, the company was once more organized, with Hon. I,. G. Mason as President, and F. A. Nims as Secretary, and it was determined to build the road with no aid except that of individ- uals. In the summer of 1S72 they visited New > ( :< SJ ^ r I i,>)€sr^-«*- ^^^f^ — ^T^^^DIl>:DIlr.>'--r ^€^^ York, and on returning announced that the road could be built and equipped that year, under one ar- ,'i rangement. This was nothing more nor less than a 1 consolidation of the company with the Chicago & ' . Michigan Lake Shore, whose road was then built and operated as far north as Pentwater. This arrange- ment was cordially'endorsed bytlie stockholders and directors resident at Big Rapids and Muskegon, and the contract for the construction of the entire road, to be completed and in running order by the first of i January following, was let to a Mr. Thompson, a rail- 'Pd road contractor wlio had just been performing a piece ^ of work for the Michigan Central, and who at once transferred his entire force of about i,ooo men, with all tlie necessary tools anti ciiuipmenTs for railroad work, to this Muskegon & Big Rapids road, begin- ning at the same time at both ends of the line. With this large, efficient and well organized corps, the work was pushed as rajiidly forward as it could have been under the circumstance.s. /• A ■« s ) '^ I Owing to bad weather and other obstacles, the completion of the road was delayed till the summer of 1873. In July, regular trains — two passenger and one freight — were put on the line. The stations and distances on the line are as follows: Big Rapids; Hungerford, 6}^ miles from Big Rapids; Traverse Road, 11 miles; Filigree's Dam, 19 miles; Morgan Station, 20 miles; AUeyton, 21 miles; Wor- cester, 25 miles; Fremont Center, 31 miles; Fre- mont Lake, i^;^ miles ; County Line, 36 miles; Holton, yj miles; Twin Lake, 45 miles; Big Rapids Junc- tion, 5 i miles; Muskegon, 55 miles. The completion of the road was celebrated by an excursion from Big Rapids to Muskegon, which was well patronized. In connection with this road's his- tory, it may be mentioned as an interesting fact tliat it crosses the natural bed of Mitcliell Creek thirty- two times within two miles of Big Rapids, and thirty-eight times within three and a ipiarter miles. Five or six years after the completion of this road, the Chicago & Michigan Lake Sliore and the Muske- gon and Big Ra|)ids lailroails were organized as one road, under the name of the Ciiicago & West Michi- gan railroad. Tims the city of Big Rapids has direct communi- cation witli ("hicago and all the lake ports interven- ing. HIS was the third railroad built into Me- costa County. Its present northwestern terminus is Big Rapids. The Ionia & Stan- ton Branch of the D., L. & N. R. R. was made by consolidating the Ionia & Stanton road with the D., L. & N., a number of years ago, and almost every year since the project has been dis- cussed of extending that road to Big Rapids. Feb. 21, 1879, Col. J. O. Hudnutt received a letter from J. B. Mulhken, Suijerintendent of the D., L. & N., saying that he was then " ready to talk railroad to Big Rapids, and listen to any proposition the citizens might wish to make." On the evening of tlie next day a meeting of business men was held at the Mason House to talk up the matter and answer a list of questions proposed by Mr. Mulliken. John F. Brown, F. Stearns, F. Fairman, J. T. Escolt and C. P. Bigelow were appointed a committee to confer with the railroad authorities. The railroad company finally agreed to ask no money bonus, b\it to liuild the road at once, if the citizens would procure the right of way through the county, which was done. A meeting was held at Big Rapids, May ro, to discuss means for obtaining the right of way. It was finally decided that the most feasible and prac- tical way would be to solicit subscriptions from the resident property-holders of the city, ecpuil to about two per cent, of their respective assessed valuations, to be paid as needed in ten per cent, installments. The following committeer were ap[)ointed to solicit such subscriptions: First Ward, E. P. Clark and 1''. W. Joslin; Second Ward, H. R. Hardy and S. S. Wilco-x; Third Ward, G. W. Warren and C. D. Crandell; Fourth Ward, S. C. Webster and J. T. Escott; Fifth Ward, P. I'-rikson and S. S. Criswokl. These committees met with gratifying success in their canvass, and in four days reported from the First Ward $1,200; Second Ward, $2,100; Third Ward, $900; Fourth Ward, $500; Fifth Ward, $100; total $4,800. The road was completed to P.ig Rapids in the spring of 1880, and regular trains began running on Monday, May 31. This road is now the luincipal medium of traffic with the East, and Mecosta C^omity has now railroads extending to each of the four points of the compass. V^ I n ^ ^s^cSK-^ — %^^ii!i^Dn^>v •4^^f }^S^'ii^^r^'- T ) A y§ v ) ^ AfECOSTA COUNTY. ^ j./^.. fcaJLtJiE-^ .-.acAatt^ ,-c . • - ■ - . .t. .t .t..f..l.t.jU-«4^ X ^. .i. .+. .t. .t. .t. .t.,.t..-t. .t. .+. .t, A .t,.f,.-i.i. XX.i. ■t..-fc.t.. t. -t. .■fc..t..-!i. A»M -...t..t>.t.t ••^^^r"^^ »>» ^ S the settlers of Mecosta ^^ County came fioiii a (■ouiitiy y of free schools, their nttach- /'* ment to such institutions re- mained with them, and soon became manifest in their works. They believed that svich agencies were the most powerful in advanc- 1 ing the condition of the i)eo])le. The great Frenchman, Jules Simon, said: "That people which has the best schools is the best people; if it is not so to-day, it will be so to-mor- row. " The first school-house in the county was built in May, 1858, nine years before the people were able to build the first church. During the summer of the same year, Mrs. Martha J. Evarts taugln the first school. This was on sec. 28, in the township of (ireen. The scIkkiIs of the county have more than kejit pace with the progress of other matters. The following are the latest educational statistics for Mecosta County, being compiled for the year 1882: School Children and Apportionment. Wlioli- iMiinlii'r i>\ childri'ii in ii'ii>u<. I..MI7 NiitnlxM- iiii hiilcil ill :i|(|Miitii>iiiiiriil. -l.lTii Si-hoiil riiiiil appiirtioni'il S.">,r)'">0.'i4 General School Statistics. Xo. tiiwiisliiiis anil cith's I" " si'liool (listricls '^•"> " ilistrii-ts that maintained si-liDol duriiifj: year '■ ^nuli'il siliiinls •'! •• chililicn liclwiMMi livi- and twenty years of a^Ti- ."i.(K»."> \(i. of 1 liililieii alli'iiiliiii; -iIhmiI ilminj; ilie year :{,7 loi I'eitinjj I heir lilirary iimneys ■■ Iciwnsliips m.iinlaiiiing liliraiies .1 Wlmle niiiiilier 111' vnliiines ill liliiaries 'ISA .\iiiniiiii {i:iiil Icir I K- ami i.ue ol' liliraries .Sll.-V! .\iiniiiiil lit taxes VHled tor liliraries ."i(t.(Kt .Nnioiiiil lines, ele.. reeeiveil I'ldiii ('oiinly 'I'reas- iirer lor support of libraries Pi7.9."i A KMi'i.in mi;n r Ol- •rK.\(iii:Ks. No. ol male teaelieis eiiiployeil ;j(l ■• female leaeliers eiiiployeil 101 " mniillis lailglil liy male le.ielieis 20.i.-l ■■ moiillis lailglil by female leaeliers Xl'^.2 'Icilal uages of male leaelieis lor the year 8li,!)H.">.(W 'I'olal wages ol' lemale leaelieis for llie year l.')..!7". 14 Average numlhly wages of male leaeliiMs :il.(l!l Average monthly wages of female leaelieis ■2.'^.84 ^ KKSOiniCKS OK SCIIOUI. msTIilCTS. I, Moneys on liaiiil Sepl. .">. ISSl S](;.7!l!).!).". OiK'-ii'iill lax 2.77."i.:«» I'limarv school iiiien'>l fiim! !).:!0!l.ll l.ilir.ny moneys 1.07!».:i:t Disiiii'i laxesfor all imrposes :iO,:{2l.2S I'ai-i'il lidiii all oilier sonrees .■<.S1!).72 Tolal le-oiirees for llie year (i."i.250.2!> KXI'KN urn lil s ii|- SI IKidl. lU^I Kli r'-. Paid leaeliii-. .•*22.2;!l.iil ■' lor liiiildings and repairs l."i.271.2li lilirary hooks and care of lihrai y S(;;{.OS on honded illdehledlies~ .■i,(>Sl).7:! for all oilier |iiirpo~i > <>.882.17 .\nioiiiil on hand Sepl. 1. 1S,S2 14.:I21.44 Total expeiidilures. ineliKliiig aim I on liand (l."i,2.")0.2!t STATISTICS o|- ToWNSIIir l.ll'.H UdKS. No. of lownslilps leporllng lihiaiy moneys used for general selioid purpose t v... — ^^5^ ^ ^P k^'--^ ^•<§s»- <-^llD>:ilD^>v 608 r— T MECOSTA COUNTY. ■:a^^ •^sr^ — «%J 'j^Cc® ^1» I) f J A ■^ 5. ) STATISRS OF SCHOOL DISTKICT LIBUARIES. '• female teachers 14 No. of (listrk-ts of le.ss than 100 cliiUlivn. report- Average number of pupils to each teacher 47 iiii; liliraiics No. of voliiiiu's reported liy tlic same 7 487 Mecosta. •• ilistricts of more tliaii 100 ehililn'ii. main- Xumlier of children lietweeii five and twenty taiiiinu; litiraiies :{ years 172 Xo. of vdliniies addi'd duniij; yi'ar '.m Estimated value of school property .$2,100 " voliiiiii's ill siu-li lilirarifs 1.04.") Amoimt paid for siiperiiileiideiice and instruc- Amoimt paid for siip|ior| of siuli iilnarii's §7.")0.2S tion 3.-.6..-)0 of lino. etc.. leeeiviil from < omit V Average monthly wages of male teachers 40.00 Treasure)- i,oo-j.3.s '■ ■■ •• female teachers 3.5.74 Expeiuliture.s 1 ,2S5..5!) Graded School Statistics. M<,ih;j. Jiig Bapids. Xumlier of diildreii hetweeu live and twenty Nimi))er of cUildren Ijctvoen five and wentv years 13.-) vea r.s !.(«!» Estimated valuation of school projierty §1,000 Estimated valuation of seliool property .$30,000 Amount paid for superintendence and instruc- Amoimt jiaid for instriietion 6,.5(il .J.") tion 70.5 Averai;e montlily waires of male teachers • 130.00 Average monthly wages of male tiMchers 50 Averaj;e monthly wages of female teai-hers 33..5.-> " •• female teachers 3.5 Grand total exiiemli tines ■21 ,171 .02 Total cost per capita for instruction and inci- (iraiid total indelitedness 0.000.00 dentals il.r)S ( 'osi |iere:i )ila of instiiirtion S.72 Total euidlliueiit 114 Total enrol ment I.OSII Average numlier helongiug 80 Avera<;e iiumlier lielonjcing 020 daily attendance 0.5 •• ' daily atteiidaiiee .■)30 Xumlier of male teachers 1 Nmnher of male teachers 1 ■' female teachers 1 \}pm^jj^o)^*m^ 1 ^p r^Ess. S tlie Big Rapids Pioneer Sg was the pioneer newspaper § of this part of the State, " it was rightly named. The sfc,"-^.?^;:'- j,^ first number was issued April "'",i\ 17, I S6 2, and was a very credit- able sheet in every particular, though it did not exhibit a very liberal advertising patronage for the first few months. It was started as a five-column folio, by Charlie Gay, as pulilisher and pro- prietor, and though it has had several changes in size, it has been essenti- ally under the same management for the nearly twenty-two years it has thus far been pub- ■K-^D!i:o:Dtl>:>A ished. Established when Big Rapids (or Leonard) had less than 150 inhabitants, and Mecosta County little over 1,000 inhaL'itants, and always devoted to both town and county, even its enemies admit that it has materially aided in the development and progress of this seition of the State of Michigan. Politically it has lieen uniformly an exponent of Rei)ublican principles, which, when the paper was started, were synonymous with support of the Union. The following salutatory gives the platform of the paper, and also shows to some extent the feeling generally prevailing among the people: " In presenting our little sheet to the public for their < riticism, we shall offer no aixilogy for its di- minutive proportions or for the matter contained therein, but bespeak for the Pioneer a candid and 1 4) m^9 V i I MECOSTA COUNTY. ■Z^^^- 609 \ I ky.">-^ impartial reading. It will be the aim of this paper to ailvance the interests of Mecosta County, not fur- getting in tlie meantime the interests of the pro- prietor. "As to [(olitics, we shall discuss them as little as possible, believing as we do, that at the present time, when our country is shaken to its center by the most causeless revolt that has ever happened in the history of nations, as the lamented Douglas said, " ever)' man is a patriot or k traitor." " We shall not stop to discuss party issues, nor party measures, but stand on the broad platform of American liberty ; determined to know no party preferences aside from the one great and glorious sentiment, "'the union, the constitution and en- forcement of the LAWS.' "When this unholy rebellion sh.ill have been crushed, and its guilty leaders have suffered a just penalty for their damning treason ; when the glorious old Stars and Strifies shall wave again in triumph over the whole of our reconstructed Union, and peace again smiles upon us, then we shall find time to talk of party politics — not till then. We shall heartily supjwrt the National administration as long as its policy is the utter subjugation, and annihilation if need be, of traitors to our flag; not believing it to be the duty of the Government to treat with treason, nor to be influenced by any excuses which may be made for the rebellion, by Southern rebels or North- ern traitors. " We liave always been a Repulilican since the first organization of the iJarty; but we now stand on the great Union plattbrm, with the President, all Union Republicans and patriotic men who have forn.erly been identified with liie Democratic parly, as Edwin M. Stanton, Joseph Holt, Andy Johnson and hosts of others who love their country more than the notoriety of being party leaders, or the re- cipient of party favor. \\'e shall claim the right of expressing our views through the columns of the Fioiu-er on any and all subjects, as our motto will be " INDEPENDENT IN ALL THINCS, NEUTRAL IN NOTH- INO ; " and we may say some things that will be dis- tasteful to our readers; therefore we will here ask their pardon in advance, as we can do so with inucli better grace than after the offense is committed. It will not be our policy to criticise the actions of our leading statesmen, nor the behavior of our Generals; neither to advise the President when it is best to order the advance of our "Grand Army, " believing as we do that those whom we as a nation have en- trusted with the management of the civil and mili- tary affairs of the country, are ([uite as competent tu judge of what is best and necessary in the matter as we are, pioneers in a Michigan wilderness neither shall we be so very severe in our reviews of the leading journals of the Union as some of the country papers sometimes are, thinking that perhaps their editors are as competent and do as well as we would under like circumstances. And finally, we sliall attempt to mind our own business, work for the success of the Pioneer, and strive to render it worthy of the confidence and sui)port of the people of Me- osta C'ounty and the respect of our contemporaries. '" C". ('. Fuller was associated with tiie Pioneer in an editoiial cai)acity from the beginning forseveral years, but for the first three years it was owned exclusively by Ml Gay. Dec. 2, 1865, with the beginning of the fourth volume, appeared the announcement that Orrin T. Fuller had been received as a partner. The paper was then jiublished by Charlie Gay & Co. un- til May, 1S73, and then Mr. Gay was alone until November, 1876, when the A/agne/ was combined with the Pioneer, and the Pioneer-Magnet Printing Company was formed, consisting of Charlie Gay, M. \V. Barrows, and E. O. Rose. In February, 18S2, Mr. Harrows purchased Mr. Rose's interest. Since Ml IJarrow's death in February, 1S83, Ml Gay has been once more sole manager, although Mrs. Bar- rows still retains an interest in the paper. Besides these changes in ownership, the paper has experi- enced several changes in size. For the first five years it was published as a five-coluinp folio, l-'rom 1867 to 1S70 it was a seven. coUunn folio. F'rom 187010 1874, a nine-column folio; and in the latter year it was enlarged again to a seven-i olumn quarto. On this occasion its name was changed to the "Big Rapids Pioneer. ''' Nov. 16, 1876, ai)peared the first number of the Pioneer-Magnet, the editors of the two palter^ having concluded to join forces. The following announce- ment explained this change: We greet our patrons and friends to-day with the Pioneer-Mitgnef, a consolidation of the Big Rapids Mitgnet and the Big Rapids Pioneer. We have merged the mataial and business of the two offices into one, and have organized a stock v^ A s:- r nilr:)^ ■'^i, m t I 6io MECOSTA COUNTY. •l^^C(5)^- i rs >J V ) ^ ./ '',> ^, association under the laws of this State, which is to be known as "The Pioneer-Magnet Printing Com- pany." This change has been adopted after mature deliberation, with the belief that it will enable us to more effectually promote our own and tlic public interests. The Fionrci-Ma^^net will be, as its predecessors have ever been, the champion of all the material in- terests and v;iried resources of Mecosta County. No effort will be spared to make it a welcome visitor to every family, and a source of profit to all business men whose patronage it may enjoy. In politics it will be Republican to the core. It must not be understood from this, however, that it is blindly pledged to sanction every measure and act of the party, or of its individual members, for deserving criticism will never be withheld. The patronage and friendship which our respective papers have enjoyed in the past are duly ajipreciated, and we venture the hope that the business relations between our new company and the public may be pleasant and mutually profitable. With the increased facilities afforded by uniting the material and machinery of two well ecpiipped printing-offices, and the employment of thoroughly competent workmen, we flatter ourselves that the " Pioneer-Magnet Com- pany " has no superior in the printing business in Western Michigan. E. O. Rose. Charlie Gav. M. W. B.\RRo\vs. The daily issue was started Aug. i, i88i,in size a five-column folio. The following salutatory greeted the public at this time: In commencing Uie publication of the daily Pio- iitcr-Magiiet, we have but little to say. Believing that a readable nevvsi)aper, containing the latest tele- grai)hic, general and local news, will i)e su|)ported by the people of Big Ra|3ids and vicinity, we undertake to furnish such a i)a[)er. A liberal outlay of money for telegraphic news and help will be made, and an earnest effort put forth to make the daily Pioiiccr- Magnci worthy of the patronage it seeks. It will contain the regular afternoon press dispatches, which cost quite a sum of money, and no efforts will be spared to make its local news department perfect and com[)lete. Wiienever warranted l)y the demands of patronage, its jiresent modest proportions will be enlarged, and all improvements necessary to keep pace with the times will be made. Trusting that our efforts will be appreciated, and supported by an intel- ligent public, the daily J'/iwcrr-Magnrt is launc hed upon the sea of journalism. April 24, icS82, the name was changed to the J'io- neer, and the size made six columns. The Big Rapids il/a^'/ztV was established under the name of the Big Rapids Independent, in 1870, the first number appearing June 21. E. O. Rose was editor and proprietor. It was started as a four-page, 32-column paper, very neat in appearance, and mani- festing much ability. The following extracts are taken from the salutatory : This is an humble and [lerhaps difficult undertak- ing, promi]ted by neither desire nor ambition to con- trol in political or societary matters, but to be a chronicler of local and general news, which we pro- pose making a specialty, and in which we shall endeavor not to be excelled, — in other words, we shall publish a news paper. We do not mean by this, liowever, that upon all political and social sub- jects we shall be silent, for we shall fearlessly express our opinions and convictions upon any and all matters in which we happen to become interested, and condemn wrong whenever and wherever we find it. In our political ideas we shall be governed by no man nor set of men, and our platform will be Inde- pendence IN EVERYTHING, NEUTRALITV IN NOTHING. In National and State politics we shall, from a life-long preference for the great and undying princi- ples of the Republican party, support the nominees of that party ; but in local politics, where we have the advantage of a personal acquaintance with the individuals craving the support of the i)cople, we re- spectfully reserve the right to determine for ourselves which is the most deserving of it, believing as we do that in all local and jietty offices, integrity, conijie- tency and fitness should have more to do with the selection than party lines. Promises are among the cheapest conmiodities, and sometimes, at the commencement of su( h an enter- prise, more are made than are afterward fulfilled; but not being given to a profusion of them, and pre- ferring to be judged by our deeds rather than words, we simply announce that we shall publish just as good a paper as is possible with our limited facilities, and as the supiwrt we receive will warrant, and that it will be our special aim to make the Independent interestinsi and profitable, not only to the inhabitants of the city of Big Rapids and Mecosta County, but of the whole Muskegon Valley. With the beginning of tiic year 187 i, J. O. Rose became a partner, and the paper was published by J. O. and E. O. Rose, the latter, however, continu- ing to manage the paper personally. At the begin- ning of its fifth volume, June 18, 1874, the Magnet (the name for which the Independent had been ex- changed) was enlarged to a six-column quarto. The connection of J. (). Rose ceased the last of October, 1874, and the paper was then published and edited <£. c A r> '^^^ "K-^I1!1>:DD>->A^ ^='*€^*^ ^fZ-7^>^H'*~ ■^»€^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -Z^^^ ) A V by E. O. Rose alone until it was united with the Fiont-i-r, in November, 1876. ^ Big Rapids Regulator. ^El'T. I, 1880, the jiaper bearing this name was established, and published witli more or less regularity for about two years, by David Drake Cooper, of Big Rapids. He claims to have liad a circulation of 1,200 at one time; and at the present writing promises that the paper will soon be revived. Big Rapids Current. 3i^K I-IVELY paper by the above name, and ^1(^3^ the youngest of the three at Big Rapids, %^^ is published Wednesdays, by V. W. Bruce. It 'J'ir was started early in 1879, by Mr. Bruce and W. F. Slawson, the first number appearing February 6. Tiie following is extracted from the salutatory : In the ages long ago, before Big Rapids had a name or even a being, the powerful current which now flows through our beautiful ciiy started on its course from the highlands of Michigan, around Hougiiton Lake, and ever onward lias been its flow, scattering l)lessings without number to all the inhab- itants of the .Muskegon Valley. To-day another Curriiil starts on its course to ac- complish a similar purpose; and it is tlie earnest hope of the |)ul)lishers tliat it may as honorably ful- fill its mission. We do not come basing our hopes of success ui)on the downfall of others; for did we not believe that there is room for another paper in Mecosta County, among its thousands of iniia!)itants, we should not come. We shall make the collection of local and county news a s|)ecialty, and will be grateful for any such items furnished, whether we deem it best to use them or not. Party jwlitics and its rewards shall not beour gliding star, although, being Republicans, we shall stand by our principles as individuals; but our pa|)er will be independent (not neutral) on all [xilitical matters. Temperance being the great <|uestion of the day, our Current will gladly bear on the temper- ance standard worthy men and measures, without exception, who may confidently look for our encour- agement and supixjrt, but no others need apply. To build up and strengthen the community in every way possible will be our constant aim, and every enter- prise bearing this, or the development of the city and county, in view, may draw on us as the soil uixm that other current. The C///7<7// was started as a seven-column folio, and enlarged to a quarto July 20, 1881. Mr. Slaw- son retired in November, 1879, and Mr. Bruce is now sole proprietor. Big Rapids Herald. i^'^.^l RlNd the spring of 1S76 this paper was ^yi' started by O. D. (Hidden, and the first ^ih^^ number appeared May 24. In size, it was iV** a six-column quarto; and in politics, a sup- porter of the Democratic party, as will be \ seen by the following, extracted from the salutatory : We come before our readers with this new candi- date for i)ublic favor, with the belief that it will fill a want heretofore fell in this part of the State for a ])aper Democratic in princijjles, and devoted to the interests of the people of northern and central Michigan. We shall endeavor to make the HcraU a paper not alone for Big Rapids and Mecosta County, but for the people of this part of the State. Politically, the Herald will be on the side of De- mocracy and reform, believing that the Republican party is res[)onsil)le for the reckless extravagance and corruption in government. We believe the only way by which the great jjrob- lem of economy and purity of government can be solved and the issues of to-day met in the interest of the people, is in the complete overthrow of that party and the success of the Democracy, lommitted as it is, to economy and reform. And we invite the cooperation of the Democrats and reformers of Northern Michigan, that we may, together, do our full share towards such a success. We will cheer- fully give space in our columns for the discussion of these and all other questions of general interest to the people. While the Jleralil\s\\\ occiqjy no eipiiv- ocal position politically, we shall endeavor to make it eminently a home paper, — such a jiaiJcr that every man in Northern Michigan will find it jirofitable and interesting to read ; and that it shall be a welcome visitor in every home. In 1S78 the paper was sold to a stock company, and [lublshed for a few months in the interest of the Ciieenback party, under the name of the Greenback Heralil. B. H. Howig theji became editor, and after a few months Mr. Glidden again became connected I A S^^"^— V, "i^ <^D!l>rntiv> ^^o^r- X r Vs Ml > 6ii ^%x/r'^ -r4>IlP>;tlllr>v '-i®'- A >: ) ^ MECOSTA COVNTY. T with the paper, which was for two years pubhshed under the firm name of GUdden & Howig. Then came another change, Mr. Howig leasing the paper for a year of Mr. Glidden. April i, 1882, the office was sold to William P. Nisbett, the present proprietor and editor. It is now a six-column, eight-page paper, 30 X 44. Daily Morning Enterprise. URING the spring of 1881 this short- lived paper was started at Big Rapids, by J/jju^"^ W. S. Stevens, who came for this purpose )m^ froiH Newaygo County. Soon after this, he formed a partnership with Wesley Griffith, of Greenville. It was independent in politics, and in size a four-column folio, afterwards enlarged to a five-column folio. Its office was just north of McLellan's shoe store. After a struggling existence of three or four months, the material was sold to Muskegon parties, and the paper discontinued. Mecosta Advance. U: N April, 1 88 1, this paper was started by T. W. Harrison, formerly of Edmore, where 1^ he had l)een engaged in journalistic work. Sept. I, 18S2, he sold out to the present propri- etor, H. M. Trussell, of Pittsburg, Pa., where he was connected with the Daily Chronicle. It was started as a seven-column folio, but with the beginning of the second volume it was enlarged to a five-column quarto. It is published every Friday. Politically it is independent. The Ailvancc is an ex- cellent local newspaper, and has good correspond ents in all parts of the county. The Morley Ad'oance is published also by Mr. Trussell, and is of the same size and ap))earance as the Mecosta issue. The first number appeared April 13, 1883. H. O. Lake is the Morley editor. WS.a*..?"^-®-'''^^'^''^^ ! 5 (^A~ .1.. .. - .iiJiS •■,' 1 /s i m! 1 (,j,- 1 ■-•, ?• I ECOSTA County is so situa 1 h^ on the border of a great t ' if ! ^ ^ ated great tim- ber country, and yet at con- venient distances from good markets and great distribu- ting points, and contains within its l)orders pine forests so valuable, that it is to be expected that the hmibering industry be of the greatest importance. The lumber of Michigan is known all the world over for its quality ; and as to ya^ quantity, it is sufficient to be a source of enii)loynient and wealth for de- cades to come. Even before the . first settlement of Mecosta County, its territory had lieen crossed by many adventurous lumbermen. The " Big Rapids " were known among the lumbermen long before the site of the present city ceased to be the property of the United States Government. The Muskegon river was recognized as an extremely convenient means of transporting logs from the interior of the State. The lumbermen leave no record of their work, and no trace other than pine stumps of theii' visit ; hence it is imirossible to give any extended account of early operations. Glancing through the cohnnns of the Pioneer, one sees here and there an item which indicates the magnitude to which the business had reached in an early day. In the issue of April 29, 1864, appeared the following item : "The 'Big Drive ' is now passing our village, and in a few days will be over the rajnds, as the water is at a good stage, and some thirty men, we believe, are ^ < f r^ ^/5 A<^i] a >: on v>A^^ — ^^^^^^i^ ^f^^f^" MECOSTA COUNTY. ■>-4*j;^ 613 w ^ ■^ ^ helping the logs over the rough places. About 100,- 000,000 feet of logs have heen put in the past winter on the Muskegon and its tributaries. " Again, June 9, 1866: "Commodore Pingree, of Muskegon, widely known as the oldest navigator of the Muskegon river, has just made an entirely suc- cessful experiment in -getting the ' Big Drive ' over the rapids at this place. The logs were piled two or three deep for about two miles, and about half a mile on the flat the logs were on drj' land, the water hav- ing gone down and left them there. The getting them off seemed almost an im|)ossil)ility, but the Commodore got them all afloat by filling the channel below with logs, and raising the water over three feet, thus producing slack water for nearly lialf a nnle. The logs are now being floated ofT rapidly, and new 'jams ' are made farther down, as necessity re • sufficient capacity to accommodate seventy men ^ twenty pairs of horses and seven pairs of oxen. The ^^- ' ^^-,. ^^^^^ ^^-K^?I1!1 A :^: V "^ first is the " cook shanty," 20 x 5? feet in size, and one-story high, which serves for a kitchen and dining- room for liie entire crew. The work of this depart- ment is performed by four girls and a chore boy, the latter bringing wood and water and making himself useful in a thousand ways. Pwo long tables, covered with enamel cloth, enable forty-two men to take tlieir meals at once. Two large cooking-stoves are kei)t constantly in use; and when told the amount of pro- visions consumed per day or week, the ipiery natur- ally arises how so few hands can prepare such a f|uantity of food with only two stoves. Work in the woods creates an appetite like a furnace, and provis- ions disappear before a crew of seventy men like dry leaves in a whirlwind. The bill of fare consists of potatoes, beans, pork, bread and molasses, and other substantial food, one meal seldom varying materially from another, with strong tea three times a day. A full force of men consume each week about five bar- rels of flour, five barrels of jwrk, from fifteen to twenty bushels of potatoes, and other things in like proportion. In one end of this building a room is partitioned off which serves one of the contractors as a private residence and the sleeping apartments of tlie female help. An alarm clock at least three-(|uarters of an hour ahead of the true time awakens the inmates of the shanty at four in the morning, and the day's laljor commences at once. The teamsters are first called, and while breakfiist is being prepared they feed and harness their teams; while they are at breakfast, the chojipers and other workmen rise, and fill the second table. The teamsters are off to their work long be- fore daylight, and usually make one trip to the river, a distance of two miles, and back before darkness disappears. Five trips constitute the day's work, and when that is accomplished, they unhitch and do no more till the next morning, although it may be several hours before sundown. 'I'he "men's shanty " is 26 x 36 feet in size, and one and a half stories high. It is provided with thirty-two bunks, eighteen on the first floor, and four- teen in the chamber, each designed for two men, though three can sleep in them very comfortably. They are made of Iwards, ranged on either side of the room, in tiers one aiiove another, and aie i)ro- vided with a straw tick and blankets. The building is warmed with a large box stove, and lighted at nights with kerosene lnm))s. I. V ( }fi : ■^€^^ ^ r r 'I 614 -T^<-?Iltl>:llD^:>r-^ MECOSTA COUNTY. J <§ :) The barn proper is 30 x 52 feet, with a stable on either side fourteen feet wide, making it 52 x 58 feet on the ground. It is made warm and comfortable, and furnishes stabling for forty horses and fourteen oxen. Near by is the granary, a small building where the grain for the teams is kept. In another building, a blacksmith, and a worker with edge tools, sometimes called a "wood-butcher," find employment, — the latter doing the wood-work on the logging sleds, putting in axe-Iiandles, etc., while the former does the horse-shoeing, irons the sleds, repairs broken chains, etc. In a small building near the cook shanty, the other contractor resides, with family, and " keeps store," his stock consisting chiefly of tobaccOj^lumbermen's clothing and such other commodities as the hands reciuire. A large bell, suspended on a pole, the strokes of which can be heard for two or three miles, calls the men to their meals. A logging sleigh is an institution deserving more than a passing notice, for it never fails to attract the attention of the novice. In ajipearance it resembles a cross between a pile-driver and a toll-gate. It con- sists of a pair of "bobs" with runners three inches thick and shod with steel bars three inches wide. The beams and other parts are correspondingly heavy; crosswise each sled is a beam of timber called a " bunk," seven feet in length, with a huge spike in either end to prevent the load from sliding off. They are built low and wide, the runners being from four to five feet apart, to prevent capsizing on uneven ground. On this vehicle, an ordinary pair of horses move a load of from five to fifteen logs, scal- ing from fifteen to twenty-five hundred feet, board measure, and making a load in bulk nearly or tpiite as large as a load of hay. To haul such loads, the roads must be in good condition, and it is well-known that the logging roads are the best in Michigan. This description of one camp will give an idea of all camps, though of course no two are alike. This camp had turned into the river 4,500 000 feet in three months, and r, 000,000 feet more had been cut and rejected by the scaler, for some defect. The labor on this 1,000,000 feet was all lost. V^ cr. A i s < (^ ^ ^ y ^ <^t' ^=»^ — ':^-K=^Da>:DDi>v^ — ^«^ •;!• T^^ ^ o v C-Dn>:yDr>r MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^ 6>5 ^ 1 ^ ) A ■^sr v^ t HILE the people of Mecosta ^ County Inive licen as a rule °i'-S a very orderly people, yet some black sheep are found in the best communities in the world; and accordingly there '\-.' ^ 0_i'^ was an early sentiment in favor of erecting a county jail. As early as 1862 the question was seriously raised, and it was de- cided to ask the voters at tlie Ajiril election, 1863, to vote a tax of $1,500 for the purpose of erecting a jail. The J'lc'/itrr favor- ed the measure, and in the issue of Man h 19, 1863, said : " It is well known that we have now to send what few criminals we have to the jail in Newaygo; and it It] is also evident to any one who has seen that structure, that it is not fit for a stable, much less a proper place in which to confine a prison- er. Some will object to the tax, on account of other taxes being high, and may think it cheaper to use the so-called jail of Newaygo than to build one of our own ; but when the I'act of expenses incurred in taking prisoners to Newaygo and boardmg them at the Brooks House at §4 a week — as we believe has been done^is taken into consideration, we are of the opinion that to build for ourselves will be considered the better [xalicy, be- sides showing that we are able to have at least one public building in the county.' ^^( 'I'hc proi>ositiun, however, was rejected at the elec- tion, and not seriously raised again until after the war closed. After many discussions, the Supervisors raised $1,000 in 1866, and it was decided to build a jail, if $r,50o more could be raised by special tax. A proix)sition to this effect was submitted to the voters in 1868, and carried by a strong majority. The vote stood, 600 in favor, and 246 against, leaving a majority of 354 in favor. The townshii>s in Osceola and Lake Counties attached to Mecosta, cast 159 votes in favor of the tax, and 19 against it, which left a clear majority of 214 for the tax in Mecosta County alone, indei)endent of the territory attached. .\t the next meetirig of the Boartl, the Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of ex[)cnding the $2,500 raised for a jail, at Big Rapids. E. O. Rose, Chair- man of the Board, John l)alziel. County Clerk, and Joseph T. I'.scott, Sheriff, were ajJiKjinted a Building Committee, and given full power to select the site and have the jail erected. The citizens of Big Kai>ids, feeling well satisfied with the action of the Supervisors, manifested their exhilaration by furnish- ing them a supper at the Mason House on the eve- ning after the decision, where some 30 or more of the business men joined with them in discussing a good meal. The contract was speedily let, and the build- ing completed the same fall. Propositions to build a court-house at Big Rapids have been voted down a number of times, the ma- jority thinking that the county seat would some time be located at or near the geographical center of the county, and hence objecting to the ex[>ense of erect- ing a court-house so near one side of the county. The county offices are at present located in the A r ^^A^)^^^ >r./f-y^ ^ <^DIl>:(lI]r:>A .:rT\^?;^p^ -• i1 m m t 6i6 J'. M. A <-: • > 1 MECOSTA COUNTY. >i^a>»- ^^z^^s\Mi Big Rapids Opera House. At the October (1883) session of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Escott introduced the following resolution : Resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of Mecosta County, that the question of raising the sum of $30,000 by tax upon the taxable ])roperty of said county, to be raised in manner as follows, viz : $15,- 000 during 1884, and $15,000 during 1885, for the purpose of building a court-house and county offices in Mecosta County, be submitted to the voters of said county, at the election to be held on the first Monday of April, 1884. The resolution was adopted by the following vote: yeas, 14; nays, 6. A substantial county poor-house and insane asylum was erected in 1883, at Stanwood, in Me- costa Township, and in the fall it was burned down, presumably by incendiaries. The County Board of Supervisors have offered a reward of $500 for the detection of the guilty party or parties. FOREST FIRES. ILIRES in the forests of Michigan are dreaded as much as the jjrairie fires of Illinois and Iowa once were. They come generally in the fall of the year, when dead leaves are on the ground, and are most destruct- ive after a dry season. Mecosta has suffered slightly from these fires at different times, but the days have gone by when these are very dangerous • and as the timber is gradually cleared away, the fires are dreaded less and less. October, 187 i, was a month long to be remembered as the one which witnessed so much destruction in Chicago, and through many portions of the State of Michigan. Several localities in Mecosta County were visited, though comparatively slight damage was done. On Sunday, Oct. S, the fire commenced spreading among the brush and down limber which covered the ground west of Sanborn and Rust's Addition to Big Rapids, and during Sunday night it crossed Mitchell Creek, and entered the brush and timber along the north side of the stream. It soon swept \\\i witliin dangerous proximity to the numerous dwellings in that part of the town, which were only saved from destruction by the timely efforts of the fire de|)arlmenl and citizens, who were called out about three o'clock in the morning. By the perse- verance of the inhabitants, the flames were held in check till about half past two o'clock on Tuesday morning, at which time a slight shower of rain ren- dered further work unnecessar)'. The moisture from this little rain was completely exhausted during Wed- nesday and Thursday, and a high wind springing up Friday forenoon, the destruction of the town seemed imminent. The fire raged all along the western side of the city, in many instances in dangerous proximity to dwellings and other buildings, while a similar fire was sweeping directly toward the town from the south, on both sides of State street. Many men were endeavoring to check the progress of the flames dur- ing the forenoon, and at noon the danger seemed so great that all places of business were closed, and all the male adults ordered out with pails to prevent the fire reaching the town. A large number were en- gaged in the vicinity of Warren's Addition, but the greater portion went southward, to the farm of Isaac Griffin. This latter force were not on the ground a moment too soon, for a perfect conflagration was raging in the large amount of combustible material in the woods on the south side of Griffin's farm, from which sparks were blown entirely across the fields, setting fire to the woods on the north side, where the principal part of the limlier had been cut into fire- wood. Had the flames attained headway in this lo- cality, the approach of the fire towards town would have been difficult to prevent. By dint of hard work, however, the destroying element was held in check, and no buildings were destroyed. Friday night came a moderate rain, wliii h afforded relief. In the county at large a few parties suffered. In Chippewa Township a house was burned belonging to a Mrs. Beck, a homestead settler, who had been at work in Big Rapids all summer to earn the money to pay for its construction. It was nearly comj)leted, but not yet occupied. One of the most sweeping losses that happened was that of Peter Powers, who resided on a homestead in the llbrthern part of Green Township, on the west side of the river, in tiie bend to the eastward of the railroad, and it occurred on the 9th. Mr. Powers lived in a shanty, near which he had completed a good log house. During the night, the fire was driven by the wind so close to his buildings that he thought they could not be saved, and he removed all his household stuff and wearing apparel into the garden, — a supposed place of W I I U o :^: 0: C'v I '^ i:gri>'^ '^'^i-^^^'*- m':> ^ A ) v^ MECOSTA COUNTY. '■V — •>^, safety. The new building took fire and Inirned ; sparks from it f.et fire lo his pile of goods, and they too were all consumed, leaving him nothing but a naked shanty, and an almost naked family, consist- ing of a wife and four children, ranging in age from four to twelve years. Mr. Powers had been engaged a part of the preceding summer and fall in getting out shingle bolts, all of which were burned. In tlie town of Austin, a little boy aged about four years, son of Jacob Snider, was badly burned. He was out in the woods with an elder brother, a lad of some six or seven years, where his parents were fighting fire, though some distance from them, when his pants caught fire ; and before assistance reached him, they were completely burned from his limbs, and one of his boots roasted to a crisp. Several buildings were burned in Wheatland Township. STARVATION. ETTLERS in the early times occasionally suffered from the lack of the necessities of life, owing to unexpected failures in crops, be- fore they had become able to provide for such contingencies by accumulating a surplus. In the Pioneer of December 31, 1S68, appeared the following notice, startling enough to the reader of to-day, but, alas! too familiar to those inured to pioneer hardships : "Our citizens must take action at once to relieve the destitution which now prevails in the northern part of Osceola County. It is a fact that a large number of families are now subsisting on potatoes and salt, and some are not even as well off as that. These people moved into the wilderness during the past spring and summer, without means, and settled uix)n homesteads, and on account of the dry season the few crops put in by them were nearly ruined ; hence they have scarcely anything to eat. Many of them reside several miles from neighbors, in an almost unbroken wilderness. The fact is, these help- less women and children will starve before the open- ing of spring, unless timely relief is furnished. Our Hoard of Supervisors should also act promptly in affording temiwrary relief to these iX)or sufferers." -i— <• " HEREOF FAIL NOT." I'4.ARLY in July, 1872, a man was brought to Big Rapids to be committed to jail on a document of which the following is a copy, >^S>- fictitious names being inserted for those in the instrument : " State of Michigan, County of Mecosta. To any Constable of said county : In the name of the People of the State of Michigan, you are hereby com- manded to take one John Pack, or whatever his name may be, and bring and have him forthwith before me, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, at my office in the village of Paris-Green, on the second day of July, 1872, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to answer a complaint made by G. Staba, for burning, in a plea of burning a building, to the damage of four hundred dollars; and after such arrest you are to notify the plaintiff there- of. Hereof fail not, but of your doings make full return according to law. (liven under my hand at Paris-Cireen, this 2d day of July, 1872. "John Doe, J. P." IRON-CLAD MARRIAGE CEREMONY. ►■?— ^■f^K- OT many years ago in the history of Me- i costa County, a newly elected justice of ^ the peace who had been used to drawing wills and deeds, and little else, was called 1(5 upon as his first official act to marry a couple who came into his office very hurriedly and told him their purpose. He lost no time in removing his hat, and remarked, "Hats off in the presence of the court. .\11 being uncovered, he said, " Hold up your right hands. You, John M — n, do solemnly swear that to the best of your knowledge and belief you take this woman ter have and ter hold for yerself, yer heirs, execkyerters, administrators and assigns for your and their use and behoof, forever.' " ■' I do," answered the groom. " You, .Mice E — r, take this yer man for yer hus- band, ter hev and ter hold forever; and you do fur- ther swear that you are lawfully seized in fee simple, 'I v^ 9 r I ■^T^Mm^'^T MECOSTA COUNTY. t t^ : i are free from all incumbrance, and have good right to sell, bargain and convey to the said grantee, yer- self, yer heirs, administrators and assigns?" " I do," said the bride, rather doubtfully. " Well, John, that'll be about a doUar'n fifty cents." •'Are we married? " asked the bride." "Yes, when the fee comes in." After some fumbling it was produced and handed to the "court," who pocketed it and continued : " Know all men by these presents : that I, being in good health and of sound deposin' mind, in consideration of a dollar'n fifty cents to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do and by these presents have declared you man and wife during good behavior and until otherwise ordered by the court." ) MODEL MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 'HE following is an actual occurrence in Chippewa Township, in the fall of 1871, and for brevity and simplicity may well be termed a "model marriage ceremony." It is here given for the benefit of those dignitaries and ofticers who are authorized to marr\-, and also those who contemplate a similar leap in the dark : The first preliminary was the payment of a fee of five dollars, which the Justice required in advance. He then directed them to join hands, and inquired their ages. The groom replied " sixty years ; " and the bride elect blushingly admitted that she had seen fifty-six summers fade into autumn and winter. He then inquired, " Have you, or either of you, ever luid a living husband or wife i " to which he received a negative answer from both. Then, addressing them, he inquired if they took each other for lawful husband and wife; and receiving affirmative answers, announced with due solemnity, "Then in the name of the Lord I pronounce you man and wife." Even the above, however, has been excelled in brevity. A Methodist minister, of a jovial dispo- sition, knowing that the couple applying to him de- sired a short ceremony, accommodated them by ^^ omitting all accessory forms and simply l)idding the parties to stand up and saying, "I pronounce you husband and wife. " c>i5o~ POPULATION OF MECOSTA COUNTY. u TRUE index to the rapid growth of Me- J^ costa County is the increase in the popula- tion as indicated by the census. The county \^ -S! .t^ ■^m which had in 1859 about 1,000 inhabitants, has now perhaps 16,000. The census of 1S80 credited the county with 13,973, as follows: .^tna Township, including part of Morley . . . . 894 Morley, part of 221 Austin Township 833 Big Rapids Township 549 Big Rapids City 3,552 First Ward 601 Second Ward 710 Third Ward 1,110 Fourth Ward 561 Fifth Ward 570 Chippewa Township 445 Colfax Township (>('() Deerfield Township, including part of Morley. 1,093 Morley, part of 78 Fork Township 343 Grant Township 307 Green Townshij), including I'aris i.'32 Paris 155 Hinton Township, including Altona and Syl- vester 986 Altona 85 Sy 1 vester 55 Martiny Township 192 Mecosta Township, including Stanwood 613 Stanwood 1 46 Millbrook Township, including Millbrook 706 Millbrook 242 Morton Township, including Mecosta 47 i Mecosta 189 Sheridan Township 207 Wheatland Township 981 Total, 13,973 i c- k K-lii'J!^ I i.l'^n *' ' -3*^5^ V ) ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -^^^^ 619 TAXATION. \l v. give in tlic following lalile an cxliihitiuii, in a condensed form, of the luxes spread *P ui)on the rolls of the respective townships of the county, and the wards of the city of Big Ra|)ids, for the year 181S4, as determined by the Board of Supervisors, at their session in October, 1883: _ > w ^ 'w w--*'^">~-^'"*^">'>-J>'>"^' 1- _ t:5 J ^ *^ ^« "^ ^ ^ ^ X ~ *• S a". g- 5 .^ r i ?' '"^ 5 — ^ ^ -^ — V ."' r ; : : : f : f C|f|CI; \ » \ X »i 'S. c: ■U IC Iv C". 'C -t. Cc 4- IC -- ^- :c -k -- > r^ ^' -• W ^" 'C > Cc "C 4^ »c j: 4- ^1 ^1 -i- -t- C j: -r o o -- -^ -- C ic ■t i;. H^ 4: c^ :<: i., :.- -c -4^ ;: ic iw- >- >c -de C: c: -i w. - '', -^ _ -' C tc iTr ;^, C; ^i -■» ^ 'c Cc C: -t m -i j: wi i.r -i c ::: 'c ^ IC -— --. •--. --^ ■-* -^tC'^^*^-^ n •^ *:,. ^i "c '-^ T'*-.'--. -' 'c +.'-- 'c V. w. f*. ic"^- c;''^ c ""i c % ■<^ c^ Ci -^ ,-^ ;c :^ -1 c ^. >c ^ c: '-c V '- ^ T' T> .- \<- ^ ^ C:*i "c '<■ IC 4^ ■-.•-.:; c: :.: -^ -14^-1 -^ Cs: ij ic r^ X s "-c --. ^ :o ;: 'o 4- -^ c ;c tc .:c ^t" i^ l> !•=• ? V =t "^ ^" C' C) i?! Cj C' ^1 iJ( ti ^r '*'< ^i C( C> Cl ^t '-^t C' '^ ^ 'w < fc^ •-», 4-. "'I ^'1 -y.' L. ic ^1 ^ 'C ic w' 'C ic IC ij Cc 'C 'v ^ "^ 'v "^ 'C ^' 4- _' C C^ ^ ^ 'C: ^ C;< C:' C^ ^' ^' C. C :ji 4* 4* 4^ ^ ^ C^ C: ^ . - . P ,***' r^ ^"^ r- r*^ jc ic. ^ ^ ^ ^ jc ,^ .■^" *' .*^ j^ i^ (-> w» ^ ;? •*! C^ ^i ic tc 4- :^ C: -• ^ ^ 4. ^ :,.- * I ^i :;; (C — r» :c -o > -I ;.. *c -c ^. -t 'v r' ^ ^- .^ -k .- r» '-' ^ -- _ Cc c ^ ^ >. c: ^1 ct 4. ^ *i i^ i.f c "c c^. j: ^- ^ ic 4* X ^ JC 'C 'C ^' 'C ^ ^ ^ ^ *^ 'S ^ wi CJt Ic 4* 'C ^1 ^ ^1 Ot 2, -1 i. Oi •». K, Ci S, (^ -sa Cj * Cc Or ^ 4; i- 5 S +. » .... .Of ± ivi i: i; M ic .^ . ic IC IC li :c C-. 0. :>: ^ i> » a * Orl, to i, 1, i. ij !■. ^ Wl ir d =: Ci i. ss c 0' c^ 'S s c. i tc i; to i ^ Sm* S SS SSSS<~:i?feii:S ■^■ '1 IC ^ IC * S ri c 4. -1 i. C5 5 '-k O i. i5 -1 Ic i; I-. to — 8 8S i::SSJ2?r ^ ASSESSED AND EQUALIZED VALUATION. |Kk summary of the present wealth of Me- |?5^^S costa County may be seen from the follow- ^lltt ^"^ table of the assessed and etiiiali/ed vahia- i|^ tion of property by townships and wards, the j figures of which were determined b\ the Board of Supervisors of the county at the regular October session of 1883. This portrays in undeniable tlgures the present wealth of the county : s: ■'- i; ii -^ i; x ~ r. "n c n o T -^ -^ /■ -^ K > ^" = 9 1. "^ 4 Ui I I O O O Ui O ■>J "^ ~ " " — ■" M O . __ _ - 00^O 4- O O M J OMAMOO — >Oioo0 7>Q*-ut--i Ui O aO(^ <0 OCK/1 OOOOCOCO- ■jMU, O^OUOlM OOM'^00'^»->JU>MU "0.> • Ut S04> M . . . . O O OOU1 00 00 O-' - •'J O 00 O -O O04. M O VI O O ( I >4 U •• <0 OOUi 'C 00*> OO-fc U> Ui 0> 1^ hOoOWUi<-nt/i p>^ OOM 00 neui W C >O^OOoO^OOC 1 S2'^ I C «o o •OMom*w xoui o w 000 A < » O U M t/> OOWI « ODVi O O O S O I *-0 %i 00V1 00 •ft."? 3 2 8)* SS>-,2o 8 3 S 00 a > 2; PI c c > N PJ o < > > o < > r > H o O ?3 O w H >< n o H > n o c: 5; H / *^ V f A '.< V kL'.?t.-J< ®)$«^f|— '«««a2/©^- K4— >*©tSl<3OT»v» (5> .>5,^,c t,--i<:;|]p:^:|]n;>V^^ ^^^^^ J 620 >5 V ■') y \ ^ ^ ■V) z^^^ ^^-i^^ :^f^^ 4^^«I^4M MECOSTA COUNTY. A) 7; X^ ^TNA TOWNSHIP. HIS 'I'DWiiship, o(;cupying the southwest corner of Mecosta County, is numbered thirteen nortli, range ten west, Con- gressional survey, and is bounded on the north by Me- costa Township, on the east by DeerfieldTownsliip, on the south by Montcahn County, and on the west by Newaygo County. It is watered by both the Mus- kegon, which crosses the northwest corner, and Little Muskegon, cross- ing the southeastern corner. It contains also Rycrson Creek and lirockway (reek, flowing into the Muskegon, and Big Creek, with its tributaries, West Branch and Clear Creek, flowing into the Little Muskegon. The town- sliij) contains several small lakes, among which are Davis Lake, Briar Patch Lake and Brady Lake. The greater part of the village of Morley lies in ^tna Township, 'i'he drand Rapids & Indiana Railroad runs through sections thirteen, twenty-four, twenty- five and thirty-six. .^£tna was the eighth township organized in Me- costa County, its fust election occurring Oct. lo, 1865. Its first Supervisor was Frederick R. Luther. The first white settler was William Brockway, who located on section twenty-nine. The first birth was that of Ira P. Mitchell, son of William G. and Mary A. Mit:()Dri>v -W^ ' ft MECOSTA COUNTY. \ V V ) and in one year had become 328, by the actual count of M. Swanger, who took a census in the fall of 1870. This showed a sufficient [Xjpulation to warrant the incorporation of the village, which was ordei^d by the County Board of Supervisors the same fall. The first officers elected were : Michael Swanger, Presi- dent; A. Chapin, Clerk; H. Daniels, Treasurer. In 1883 Morley was incoiwrated by the Legislature, and the following officers were chosen : George H. Ward, President ; W. H. Richmond, Clerk ; George H Force, John Pierdon, William Hugh, Sen., M. T. Nethaway, William '1'. Jones and John Hanson, Trustees. The population of the village is now between 500 and 600. The following is the list of business men and firms now in Morley; Beard, F. C., grocery. Carr, J. M., lumber and shingles. Chapin, Allen, general store. Cutler, J. F. & Co., hardware store. Dickerson, Isaiah, livery stable. Davy it Flock, wagon shop and blacksmitii. Higbee iS: Hugh, lumber and lath. Hill, William, restaurant. Force, George H., general store. Hanson Bros., grocer)'. Hicks, W. H.. drug-store. Hanson, M., notions. Jones, W. I'., shingles. Jones, Wellington, crockery. Jones iV Hugh, grist-mill. Lake, W. O., stationery. Loshbough, G. B., wagon-slio[) and blacksniithing. Lawson, Charles, boot and shoe store. Morgan Bros., furniture store. Mickins, Spencer, barber shop. Pehon, Lon. A., hardware store. Pike, Nelson, drug store. Pike, Mrs. .'\., millinery shop. Pierdon iV Sanegar, tannery. Reynier, Julius, hotel and saloon. Rockwell, Mrs. Wm., millinery shop. Richmond, W. H., jewelry store. Smith, O. W., photograph gallery. Swanger. M., bakery and restaurant. Thurkow, John E., general store. Trask, R. S., saloon. Wiley, N. W., shingles. Ward, Mrs. G. H., millinery. Wagner & Foolmer, shingles. Wliitbei k, L. I., meat market. Woolworth, B. F., harness shop. The medical profession is represented by Drs. 1!. I'. Brown, B. H. McMullen and J. B. Cook; and the legal by D. C. Moshier. M. L. Jones is the station agent on the G. R. iV I. Railroad. The Morley Aik'ancc is a five-column folio, printed at Mecosta, of which about three columns are items pertaining to Morley. H. O. Lake is the Morley editor. H. M. Trussell is the proprietor and pub- lisher, '['he first issue of the Advance appeared April 13, 1883. General Wool Post, No. 164, G. A. R.,was muster- ed Aug. 2, 1883, with the following officers : Charles Reed, Com.; Orwell Ball, S. V. C; M. T. Netha- way, J. V. C; D. C. King, Q. M. ; William Rock- well, Chap.; Sanford Reed, O. 1). ; Orrin I. Hill. O. G.; William H. Hicks, Surgeon; Clark Van Wie, Adj. The post numbers 24 members. The only church in Morley is that of the Method- ist Episcopal denomination, organized in tlie fall of 1870. For some years, until able to build a church, the society held its services in the school-house. They have now a commodious church edifice, seat- nig between 300 and 400, and which cost $1,500. Services are held at least once every Sunday, and twice every alternate Sunday. The present pastor is Rev. C. W. Smith, who commenced his duties in September, 1883. The school building -at Morley was erected in 187 1-2, at a cost of $2,500. Additional sums have been spent on the building at different times — $1,000 in 1883. The Principal of the school is Frank O. Wickham, and he is assisted by Miss Gertrude Gro- ver. The Morley Academy is a private school taught by Clark Van Wie, and was opened in |uly. 1SS3. It has a model department for preparing teachers. The attendance varies from 30 to 40. The institution is supported by a stock company, which has raised $1,500 in shares of $25 each. A driving park has just been purchased west of the village, and a track laid out and graded. The park contains 20 acres. The President of the as- sociation is John Bell; Secretary. H. W. Stewart. Morley has been a severe sufferer from fire, on two T i. r A f r >^^ '^ ■^^€»^ ^ <^D!]:
:>^ ,^... ^Jf.'H m m I f ■) ^ ^ l i^s- 622 MECOSTA COUNTY. rs^^^P^ ■■^^ ~^^ ^^. occasions. The first was Oct. 6, 1876, when the National Hotel, the Central House, and the Com- mercial House, and all south of them to the river were burned. A woman and child, living near Rust- ford, were consumed in this blaze. The fire is sup- posed to have originated in a lamp explosion. Feb. 17, 1880, the business block from Second to Third streets was consumed. These two conflagrations swept away nearly the whole of the village, though, Phocni.x-like, Morley is now more of a place than ever. The second fire is supposed to be due to incendiarism. Albert Fairchild was tried for the crime of arson, convicted, and sentenced to the State Penitentiary for life, but through a technical error obtained a second trial and was acquitted. ->=.7- AUSTIN TOWNSHIP. HE township of this name is numbered 14 north, range 9 west. Congressional survey, and is bounded on the north by Colfax Township, on the east by Morton Township, on the south by Deerfield Township, and on the west by Mecosta Township. Austin lies between the Muskegon and the Little Muskegon, the former of which just touches the northwestern corner of the township. Rising in Austin Township are a score of small streams, which all flow from the center. Those on the east flow to the east, those on the south to the south, and those on the west to the west. Among the more imix)rtant of these streams are Mac's Creek, (^uigley Creek and Beaver Creek. In the northeastern corner is Burdon Lake. The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad passes along the western border, running through sections 6 and 31. The township contains no villages. Austin was organized in January, 1869, and its first Supervisor was Jacob Snyder. 'I'he population of the township according to the census of 1870, was 346. In 1874 it had grown but a little, and had 416. By the census of 1880, it had doubled its \)opulation of si.x years before, and had 833. Its increase in acreage of improved land was still greater. In 187411 had 1,089 acres, and in 1881 it had 2,464. 'I'he equalized valuation of its real and personal estate at the time of its organization in 1869, was but $125,727. Its present valuation is $267,028. Its total vote, in November, 1882, was 56. -^ BIG EAPIDS TOWNSHIP. HE township of Big Rapids, containing the city of the same name, is an exact Con- gressional township, being township fifteen north, range ten west. It contains 23,040, acres of land, of which as large an amount is under cultivation as in any other township in Mecosta County. It is intersected by the Muskegon River, which flows in a winding course south through the eastern part of the township. Flowing east through the northern part, and emptying into the Muskegon at Big Rapids, is Mitchell's Creek. In the southern part are Cold Spring and other small creeks, which flow into the Muskegon. Big Rapids is pre-eminently the railroad township of the county. being traversed by three lines, — the Grand Rapids & Indiana, the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, and the Chicago & West Michigan (formerly the Muskegon & Big Rapids). The township was organized in 1858, under the name of Leonard. Luther Cobb, was the first Super- visor. In 1865, by act of the Legislature, the name was changed to Big Rapids. The first white settler of the township was John Parish, who located on section 14, in 185 1, and was also one of the first two settlers in the county. Many of the first events in the county occurred in this township. The first first birth in the township and also in the county was that of Alice Brockway, daughter of William and Margaret Brockway, Feb. 12, 1853. The first mar- riage in both township and county was that of Silas Moore and Sally French, solemnized by Elder Kelley in the fall of 1854. The first frame dwelling was the two-story boarding-house built by Warren & Ives in 1857. The first mill was the water-power saw-mill built by the same parties in the spring of the same year. This was the first frame structure in town; and a run of stone afterwards added, made it the first grist-mill in the county. The first school- house was a two-story frame building, erected in 1859, on the corner of Michigan avenue and Oak street, in Big Rapids, and afterwards known as the First Ward School-house of the city. The first ^ G ^ ^ r-iliSs. I t ?V^D$«^^" MECOSTA COUNTY. -^ ^J^ 4 A V s ^■^ ^ 623 school was taught by ^[rs. Mary Fuller, in the siini- iner of i86o. The population of Hig Rapids (then Leonard) Township in i860 was 317 ; in 1864 it was 342; in 1870 it was 465; and in 1880 it was 549. It had 2,440 acres of improved land in 1878, and 2,239 acres in i88i . The decrease is only apparent, and is due to different standards used in different years. The equalized valuation of real estate and personal property in 1859 was $161,279.36; and its present valuation is i53i 2,790. This of course excludes Big Rapids City. The total vote in Noveuilier, 1S82, was 87. i. ^1 Chippewa Township. ^{■fl^^jHIPPRWA Township, situated ui the ^t'f^^' northern tier of townships of Mecosta ^1^ County, is township 16 north, range seven f t west. Congressional survey, and is bounded on the north by Osceola County, on the east by Fork Township, on the south by Martiny Township, and on the west by Grant Town- ship. It is on the divide between the two slopes drained by the Muskegon and the Chippewa, though most of it is tributary to the Chippewa. Pogie Lake, in the northwestern part, is the source of Pogie Creek, which unites with Muskegon River in Grant Township. South through the central part of the townshi[) flows Roundy Branch, which enters Upper Evans Lake on the southern line of the township. This lake has from its southern end, which is in Martiny Township, a short outlet flowing into Lower Kvans Lake. This in turn flows by another short outlet into the South Branch of the Chippewa. On the head-waters of the Roundy ISranch and tributary streams are Pine Lake, Fnierald Lake, and a num- l)er of smaller bodies of water. On the northern boundary lies Big Stone Lake, which projects into Osceola County, and in the southwestern part of the township lies Chippewa Lake, the largest body of water in Mecosta County. It may be considered as tlie source of the .South Branch of the Chippewa. It covers parts of sections 19, 20, 21, 29, and 30, and is 800 or more acres in extent. A railroad has re- cently been built to Chippewa Lake, as a branch from the Detroit, Lansing i<: Northern railroad, and a small steamer plies on the lake. It may in time bee ome a very [wpular resort. Chippewa Township was given a civil organization in 1868, and it elected as its first Supervisor, John W. Sparks. The first while settler, a Mr. Pollo( k, located on se( tion six, in the spring of 1865. The first birth, tliat of Mary McCormack, daughter of Malcolm and Catherine McCormack, occurred Ai)ril 20, 1868. The first death was that of Mrs Sylvester Smith. The first marriage, that of Robert Jamieson and Minnie Mar- tiny, was solemnized by Rev. E. B. Miner, in Jan- uary, 1868. The first frame building was a barn, erected by William Perry in 1874. The first mill was a saw-mill, erected by R. \V. Kimball, in 1872. The first school- house was a log building erected on section eight, in the spring of 1870; and the first school was taught by Z. N. Tidd, in the summer of the same year. The first store was opened by Wil- son Brothers in June, 1873. The first iwstoffice, Chippewa Lake, was established in 1870, with S. V. Tice as Postmaster. The Chijipewa Grange is an organization deserv- ing mention. It was started in 1874, with a mem- bership of 25. At the jiresent time it has 30 mem- bers, and is in excellent condition. They have a hall, built in 1879. The lumber interest is of great im])ortance in Chip- pewa Township. The Chippewa Lumber Company l)urchased 150,000,000 feet of timber near Chippewa Lake, in the fall of 1882. They also purchased the I). F. Comstock Mill at Big Rapids, and removed the same to Chi[)pewa Lake during the winter. They commenced sawing the ist of June. They will soon have a large planing mill and shnigle mill in connec- tion with their lumber business. Tiie same firm have platted a village called Chii)[iewa, which is growing rapidly, and has excellent prospects for future prosperity, as the nearest towns are Ev.ut and Big Rapids, 12 miles distant. On section 2 is a saw-mill with a capacity of 18,000 feet per day, run by William Wilson, Bro. & Miller. In 1S70, the population of Chippewa Township was only 140. In 1874 this had increased to 291, and in i88o the census credited it with 445. In 1878 it had 1,522 acres of improveil land; and in 1881 it had 1,737 'teres. In 1869, the ecpialized valuation of its real and personal estate was §32,414; and its liresent valuation is $426,680. The total vole of '.he township, in November, 1882, was 54. I- I c ^ 'i'r3«^i^-'» -^^^f^ .xJ^ ^. *mi. -^•^^^^ *?a.. C 'k ^^^T<^Dn>:^Dll^>v -ae^ f?^fi; MECOSTA COUNTY. ?>5) v1> DEEBFIELD TOWNSHIP. EERFIELD Township is thirteen north and nine west, of the Congressional survey. It "5" lies in the southern tier of Mecosta County, and is bounded as follows : On the north by Austin Township; on the east by Hinton Town- ship ; on the south by Montcalm County ; and g on the west by .-Etna Township. It is well watered, the Little Muskegon flowing nearly west through the middle of the township. It traverses the town- ship on sections thirteen, twenty-four, twenty-three, twenty-two, twenty-one, twenty, twenty-nine and thirty, from which it leaves the Township. In the northern part of Deerfield are Quigley Creek, which flows with and enters the Little Muskegon near the center of the township, and the East Branch of Big Creek, which flowing southwest unites with the Lit- /S tie Muskegon near the village of Morley, in ^-Etna Township. In the southern part of Deerfield begin several small streams, which, although they flow south, finally find their way to the Little Muskegon. The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad barely enters the township, running through sections six and seven. A portion of the thriving village of Morley belongs to Deerfield, although the main part is in JEXn^ Township. Bell's Crossing and Rustford, small sta- tions on the D. L. &:. N. railroad, are situated in Deerfield Township. The territory included in Deerfield was organized in March, 1861, and its first Supervisor was Samuel S. Chipman. The first white settler was George Quigley, who located on section four. The first birth was that of James Quigley, son of George and Jane Quigley, in 1858. The first death was that of Frederick Eckard, in 1863. The first marriage was that of Isaac Sedore and Elizabeth Smith, solemnized by George Quigley, Justice of the Peace, in Decem- ber, 1862. The first frame building in the Township was a dwelling erected by Lysander Quigley, in 1859. The first mill was a small water-power grist-mill and saw-mill, built on the Little Muskegon River by Ethan .,. Satterlee. The first school-house was a log building ^ erected on section five, in 1862 ; and the first school _ was taught the same year by Margaret Quigley. ^ The first store was opened by George Magill, in 1863. <>:• ) I The first jx)st-oflfice, Big Creek, was established about 1865. In 1864 the pojnilation of Deerfield Township was 296; in 1870 it was 564; in 1874 it was 654; and in 1880 it was 1,093. ^'^ 'S?^ 'he township had 4,389 acres of improved land; and in 1881 it had 4,491 acres. At the time of its organization, in 1861, the equalized valuation was $40,45 i ; and its present valuation is $300,080. The total vote of the town- ship in November, 1882, was 145. COLFAX TOWNSHIP. fe fe\o.,c-,/ Of HIS is township 15 north, range 9 west. Congressional survey, and is bounded on the north by Grant Township, on the east by Martiny Township, on the south by Austin ■I- Township, and on the west by Big Rapids I Township. The township is drained jjrinci- pally by Ryan Creek, which flows west through the northern part of the Township. There are several good-sized lakes and a number of smaller ponds in Colfax. The largest is Clear Lake, on section 21. In the northwest corner are Long Pond and Town Line Lake. On the northern boundary is Pickerel Lake; and in the northeastern part of the townshi]) are Colby Lake, Cook Lake, Mud Lake and Twin Lakes. In the southwestern part of the township is the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, which crosses section 31. On this road is Byers' station and post- office. The Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad runs through sections 18, 17, 16, 15, 14 and 13. In section 13 the Chippewa branch connects with the main line, and at this junction is the new village of Rodney, which has good prospects for future growth. The township of Colfax was organized in 1869, and its first Supervisor was Sidney L. Rood. 'I"he first white settler was Lloyd W. Simonds, who located on section 19, in i860. The first death was that of Helen A. Rood. The first couple married were Noble D. Rood and Martha A. Edwards. 'I'he ceremony was performed June 30, 1869, by Lloyd W. Simonds, Justice of the Peace. The first frame building was a barn erected by L. W. Simonds in 1868. The first mill was a i)ortable steam saw -mill, put up by Henry Escott, in 1 869. The first school- I I A 1 •<■ ! ^^^ — ^-^m >: m^>^ — ""^^^ •4^^^ 'i^^yfv®^** ' MECOSTA COUNTY. t>3f 625 t A V 4 I house was a frame building erected on section 3 1 , in 1870. The ]X)pulation of Colfax Township in 1870 was only 146. In 1874 it had increased to 263; and the census of 18S0 showed a furtlier increase to 669. It had 2,001 acres of improved land in 1881. The pres- ent equalized valuation of tlie real and personal property of the township is $264,842. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 94. Fork Township. ORK Township is situated in the northeast corner of Mecosta ("ounty,and is Coiigress- ■i^" ional township 16 north, range 7 west ; and is bounded on the north by Osceola County, on the east by Isabella County, on the south by Sheridan Township, and on the west Martiny Township. It is watered by Chip- pewa River, the North and South Branches of the same, Rat-Tail Creek and Cliippcwa Creek. The last two are tributaries of the Noith Branch, which they join in about the center of the township. These streams, especially the South Branch, are the outlets of a score or more of lakes, of which but tluee or four are in Fork Township. The others are mostly in Chippewa and Martiny Townships. Fork has no railroad, no village, and but one post-office, — Fork. The territory above described was organized into a township in October, 1867, and William Creevey was elected the first Supervisor. The first white settler was Marvin A. Rogers, who located on section 28, in the winter of 1865-6. Among the other early settlers, who came between 1866 and 1868, were John H. Gibbs, Charles Rogers, Chauncey Rog- ers, Charlie Powers, Almond Mott, Leonard Chro- shaw, Walter Kendall, Philip Chroshaw, Will- iam Brown, J. H. Groom, Oliver Bark and Leland Roe. The first white child born was Gazelle Murphy, daughter of James and Josephine Murphy, Aug. 21, 1866. The first death was that of John Nicholson, in the fall of 1869. The first marriage was that of Marvin A. Rogers and Alice Ford, in the fall of 1S67, solemnized by Elder Z. W. Shepherd. The first frame building in the township was erected by L. W. Roe, in the fall of 1870. The first school- g>)«^f|* ^^^i^ ^^-K'^I house was a log building put up on section 28, in the summer of 1870; and llie first school was taught by Mrs. Cynthia L. Brown, during tlie same summer. The first store was opened by Lewis E. Wolcott, in 1875. The first and only post-office, Fork, was es- tablished in the spring of i860. In 1870, the [wpulation of Fork Township was 163; in 1880, this had more than doubled, being 343. In 1878, F"ork had 1,670 acres of improved land. In 1881, under a different rule of assessment, it had 1,219. ^'s eipialized valuation in 1868 was $64,096; and its present valuation is §122,705. The total vote in November, 1.SS2, was 43. Grant Township. HIS is slightly smaller than any other town* ^ ship in the county. It comprises all of lown- '^rd^ ship sixteen north, range nine west. Congress- ional survey, except se< tion six and parts of sections five and seven, which, being cut off by the Muskegon River, are, for the sake of conven- ience, attached to Green Township. It is bounded on the ncKth by Osceola County, on the east by ('hip- pewa Township, on tlie south by Colfax Township, and on the west by ( ireen Township. It is watered in the northern part by the Muskegon River and its tributaries, Pogie Creek and Blodgett Creek, and in the southern part by Pickerel Lake River and Ryan Creek. The Township contains several small lakes, drained by these streams, of which the most impor- tant are Blodgett Lake, Mud Lake, Pickerel Lake, Young Lake and Little Young Lake. These lakes and streams abound in fish, and no better field for the sportsman exists than Grant Township. It has no railroad within its borders and yet much of its territory has been cleared and settled. The township was given a civil organization in 1865, and the first election was held in October of that year. The first white settler was Sylvanus Ford, a single man, who located on section 20 in 1863. The first family to settle in Grant was that of Charles L. Tuttle, who located on section iS, also in 1863. The first birth was that of Irving Tuttle, son of Charles L. and Mary C. Tultle, which occurred July 4, 1865. The first death was that of Uryal ;nti;>i-^, — ^-:-;'^ ■ Xv'^-' (?) V A V r '\ ■^■^ 626 f -^^^^^^ ^^4-^11 B >^ D ll^>r -«% MECOSTA COUNTY. ) >: -y J ¥ s ^ s Aldrich, in 1865. The first marriage was that of Uryal Aldrich and Mary Donley, in 1863. The first frame building was a dwelling erected by Sylvanus Ford, in 1871. The first school-house was a log building erected on section '18, in 1868. The first school was taught by Lydia Marsh, in the same year. By the census of 1870, the population was 144; in 1874 it was 179, and in 1880 it was 307. In 1878, Grant Township had 1,231 acres of improved land ; 111 1 88 1 it had 1,324. Its equalized valuation in 1866 was $44,797; its present valuation is ij)!24o,io7. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 71. The first officers of the township were: Super- visor, Charles L. Tuttle; Clerk, Abram Van Alstine; Treasurer, Allen Moore ; School Inspectors, Peter Long and S. C. Hemphill; Highway Commissioners, Hugh McCune, R. Whalen and H. M. Wilder; Jus- A c; ^ r $«^#^* ■A<^ll!l^|||lvt>^ •^•i*^ )^t^^)^-£T^ ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. "2<^^^ 627 ■?i ^ V Wright. Mr. Stickney opened the first store, in February, 1S66. Shaler & Fitting built the mill now owned by E. M. Stickney, in 1867. Paris is not incorporated, and has a population of about 350. There are no lodges or other organiza- tions. A small, neat church has just been built by subscription, in which all denominations may meet. The pastor who preaches every Sunday in this church lives at Hersey, Osceola County. The following are the names of the business men of the village : Bisbee, J. E., grocery and drug store. Frink, L. M., Frink's Hotel. Hopkinson, W. D., general store. Johnson, T. C, wagon shop. Leggett, I. J., drug store. Murphy & Dolan, saloon. Nichols, J. E., restaurant. Robison, H. M., blacksmith. Symonds, S. H., shoe shop. Swigler, N. J., blacksmith. Stickney, E. M., saw and grist mill. Scranton, W, S., saloon. The medical profession is rejjresented only by Dr. I- J- Leggett. The most imiwrtant event in the history of Paris was the great fire of 1879. At about half past three o'clock in the morning of Monday, ^fay 26, the rear part of Andrew McFarlane's store was discovered to be on fire. A strong wind was blowing from the northeast at the time, and but two or three minutes elajised before the entire building was enveloped in flames. McFarlane's hotel, the " Muskegon House," which stood adjacent to the store on the south side, was on fire; but a few minutes after the alarm was given, and the inmates of the hotel had barely time to get out, some of them saving but a part of their a])parel. The store buildings of E. M. Stickney, situated un the opix)site side of the street, and occupied by Mr. S. Elwood, with a general stock of merchandise, were on fire before half the people of the village had been aroused from th^ir slumbers. A two-story building 1 adjacent on the south, owned by Mrs. Annie Hall, of '^ Detroit, and occupied by Mr. Elwood with a stock of 'jj crockery, melted into smoke and ashes with the rest. ^ A large two-story building, originally designed for a \^ store, but occupied by Elliot Cheney for a hotel, -^ which stood next south of the store-buildings occu- pied by Mr. Elwood, was also in flames about as soon as the others, all of them being directly in the course in which the flames were driven by the wind. The inmates of this last mentioned building escaped with most of their apparel, which was about all that was saved. The Cheney Hotel was owned by Mrs. Roxy Compton. .\nother large two-story store building, situated several rods south of the Cheney Hotel, was the next to take fire. It was occupied as a residence by two families, one of them being that of Mr. Jud- kins, station agent at Paris, and they had time to re- move all or nearly all their household goods. A substantial barn belonging to E. M. Stickney, and two or three cheap cow stables, complete the list of buildings destroyed. Mr. McFarlanc saved literally nothing from his store, in fact no one attempted to enter the building, the entire inside being a sheet of flame before the inmates of the surrounding buildings were apprised of the danger that threatened them. Mr. McFar- lane's loss on buildings and stock was about $7,000 or $8,000, with no insurance. Mr. Stickney 's loss on buildings was about $2,500, with $1,500 insurance. He also lost about $200 worth of lumber, which was piled near the railroad track, in the rear of McFar- lane's store. A small warehouse situated at the rear of Stickney 's building, and owned by Fox, Shields & Co., of Grand Rapids, was insured for $300. Mr. El wood's loss on merchandise was about §10,000, with $4,000 insurance. Only a few handfuls of goods were saved. The postoffice was located in Elwood's store, and the letter case and stamp drawer were saved, but the paper mail and the jwuch con- taining the letter mail to come south that morning, were swallowed up in the flames. Mrs. Hall's build- ing was worth about $t,2oo. Mrs. Com[)ton's build- ing was worth about $1,200, and was insured for $300. Mr. Cheney, who occupied the building, lost about $500 with no insurance. Mrs. Staab's building was worth about $1,000. Many other buildings were in imminent danger; but the activity of the citizens fortunately saved them. Among other things burn- ed were the books and records of the town of Green, which were in Mr. Elwood's store. The origin of this disastrous conflagration is not known. It was probably a case of incendiarism. V_ ^ A ■^. ^^\:^¥^^ ^^^^^^ ^WyM<^ X-.-> r il^ ^ 628 -V^^W^nW^^ -^^^ ^«4?^§5$i MECOSTA COUNTY. :<^' V ^ =^ Hinton Township. HIS is Congressional Township 13 north, range 8 west, and is bounded on the north by Morton Township, on the east by Mill- brook Township, on the south by Montcalm I County, and on the west by Deerfield Town- ship. It is drained by Silver Creek (into which flows Decker Creek), in the northern part, and by Tama- rack Creek in the south, which flow westward into the Little Muskegon, sometimes known as the South Fork of the Muskegon River. This stream itself flows in a southwesterly direction through the north- western corner of the Township. There are two post-offices in Hinton. Altona on sections six and seven, and Sylvester on section ten. The township of Hinton was organized in Janu- ary, i860, and the first Supervisor was R. Van De- water. The first white settler was John Hinton, who located on section fifteen, in June, 1855. The first birth was that of Margaret Kibbe, daughter of Ho- ratio N. and Margaret Kibbe, Aug. 15, 1857. The first death was that of Phoebe Hinton, Feb. 18, i860. The first marriage was that of John Hinton and Mariette Rockwood, solemnized by Leonard Aldrich, Justice of the Peaqe, May 26, i860. Another report says that Samuel \\'. Rose and Ann Hinton were the first couple married. The first frame building was a barn, 30x50 feet, erected by John Hinton, in the summer of 1856. Tlie first mills were a saw- mill, built by William Seaton and Bartley Davis, and a flouring mill, built by Harrison J. Brown, in the summer of 1868. Both are water-power mills, located on the Little Muskegon, where the village of .Altona was afterward platted. The first school-Jiouse was a log building, erected on section 21, in 1861. Tiie first school was taught by Rachel Whitzell, in the summer of 1861. Otliers say that Lydia Allen taught the first school, in the spring of 1861. One report says that Harrison J. Brown opened the first store in 1868; another says that David Fowler opened the first at Sylvester. The first post-office in Hinton Township was Hinton, established in 1S62. In i860, tlie year of the organization of the town- ship, the population was 153; in 1864 it was 167; in 1870 it was 390; in 1874 it was 638, and in 1880 it was 986. In 1878 the township was reix)rted to have 3,799 acres of improved land; in 1881 only 2,971 acres were reported. This apparent decrease was due merely to a change in Supervisors, and con- se(iuently no standard of classification. Hinton's equalized valuation at the time of organization was $70,194.38, and its present valuation is $302,298. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 189. il-i^HlJlllB-V!? t -4iV^"v®^'* -5*^^*r- MEC0S7A COUNTY. -2*^;^ had 287 acres of improved land in 1879, and 642 in 1881. Its eiiualized valuation when organized, in 1875, was $102,470.50; and its present valuation is §424,47 8. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 25. A V s \ I -JC<- Mecosta Township. ECOSTA Township is numbered 14 north, range 10 west. Congressional survey, and is situated in the western tier of townships of Mecosta County. It is bounded on the north by Big Rapids Township, on the east by Austin Township, on the south by /Etna Town- shij), and on the west by Newaygo County. It con- tains some of the best agricultural land in the county, and also much fine timber, of which, however, the greater part has been cleared away. It contains the villages of Stanwood and Rustford, on sections 25 and 13. The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad runs through sections 12, 13, 24 and 25; and the Grand Rapids and Big Rapids State road runs through the central portion of the township. Mecosta is excellently watered, and its land is lower geographically than any other land in Mecosta County. The Muskegon River enters the township in the northeast corner, and leaves it in the south- west corner, though it flows in by no means a straight line. It meanders in such a fashion that the total length of river is more than twice the length of a line drawn diagonally through the township. Be- sides the river, there are no less than a dozen streams flowing into it within the township, of which the most important are Cold Spring, Mac's and Davis Creeks. The township of Mecosta was organized in .March, 1 86 1, and R. A. Moon was its first Supervisor. The first white settler was John Davis, who located on section 27, in 1851, and was also the first settler of the county. He resides still on his first location. The first birth was that of James Hyde, son of Han- nibal and Mary Hyde. The first death was that of William Davis, who departed this life in February, 1852. The first marriage was that of James Suther- land and Hannah C. Jaipiett, solemnized by H. Gil- more, clergyman, Oct. 21, 1859. The first frame building was a barn, built by John Davis, in 1856. The first mill was a saw-mill, built by Francisco & Marcy, in 1870. The first school-house was a frame building erected in 1859, on section three; and the first school was taught by Mary Gilmore. The first store was opened by James H. Rogers, in 1865. The first ix)stoffice, Mecosta, was established in 1865. In 1864, Mecosta Township had a population of 222; in 1870, 263; in 1874,392; and in 1880,613. In 187S, it had 1,654 acres of improved land; in 1880, 1,600 were reported. Its equalized valuation at time of organization was $67,627.14 ; and its pres- ent valuation is $195,035. Its total vote in Novem- ber, 1882, was 99. '^- "^^f^ -X:>D!l:o: Millbrook Township. HE Township of Millbrook lies in the south- eastern corner of the county, and is num- bered 13 north, range 7 west, and is bounded on the north by Wheatland Township, on the east by Isabella County, on the south by Mont- calm County, and on the west by Hinton Township. It is watered by Black Creek, in the southwestern half, and by two branches of Pine River in the northeastern half. It also contains three or four small lakes. The village of Millbrook lies mostly in the town- ship, and Blanchard lies just outside of its limits in Isabella County. Millbrook was organized into a civil township in October, 1865, in the same month with Grant and ^^tna Townships. Its first election resulted in the choice of Peter S. Decker as Supervisor. The first white settlers were Leonard and Hazen .Aldrich, who located on section 14, in 1859. The first birth was that of Forest Aldrich, son of Leonard and Jane Aldrich, in August, 1S59. The first death was that of Charles Roe, in November, 1866. The first mar- riages, those of Hazen .'\ldrich and Jane Jackson, and William F. Thompson and Salina .Mdrich, were both solemnized by John Bower, clergyman, in Feb- ruary, 1S65. The first frame building was a dwell- ing erected by Ha/en Aldrich in 1865. The first mill was a water-jxjwer saw-mill, erected by Hazen >-£— - — ^-fjr- I A r -^^^^j^m. m :^ ^:|]D-^^Dll^>r 630 MBICOSTA COUNTY. 4^^5C(fV(^ f I' A ■^. • > \ ^ Aldrich in 1864. The first school-house was a log building, erected on section 11, in 1863. The first school was taught by Louisa Allen, in 1863. The first store was opened by W. S. Howd, in 1865, where the village of Millbrook is now located. The population of Millbrook Township by the census of 1870, was 302 ; by the State census of 1874 it has 412; and in 1880 the general census gave 706 inhabitants. In 1878 it had 2,151 acres of improved land; and in 1881, 2,407 acres. Its equalized valuation in 1866 was $29,957 ; and its present valuation is $564,748. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 107. MILLBROOK VILLAGE. The village of Millbrook is a thriving place of be tween 300 and 400 inhabitants, on section one. It would undoubtedly grow faster, and have more busi- ness, had not the railroad been located so far away as it is. The citizens of the village offered the D. L. & N. Railroad Company every reasouable induce- ment to come to the village, but opposing influences were too strong. The first house was a log dwelling erected by Hazen Aldrich, in 1863. The same man put up the first frame house on the village site, in 1864. The fiist store was opened by W. S. Howd, in March, 1865. The present school-house was erected in 1869, at a cost of $800. The principal is C. F. Fitzgerald. Millbrook has two religious organizations, — the Congregational and Methodist Episcopal. The former denominatio: erected a church in 1874,31 a cost of $3,000; and the latter have a small church now in process of construction. Rev. Mr. Schiedel preaches for the Congregationalists, and Rev. Mr. Wyaiit for the Methodists. Level Lodge, No. 219, I. O. O. F., has a member- ship of 35, and meets every Saturday evening. The principal officers at the present time are Levi S. Meneri, N. G. ; Charles Knauss, V. G. ; James Wylie, Secretary ; William F. Denney, Treasurer. 'J"he postoffice was organized in 1869, and Orson N. Earl was the first Postmaster. Henry D. Brown at present holds the appointment. The following list comprises all the firms at pres- ent doing business in Millbrook : Aldrich, Forest, wagon shop. Brooks, Keller & Eicher, restaurant. Brown, H. D., postoffice, notions. Denney, William F., furniture store. Dysinger, George, blacksmithy. Dole & Precious, saloon. Decker, G. A., harness shop. Eicher, A., meat market. Fink, R. M., dry goods. Harmon, E., Harmon House. Howd, A. J., feed and flour. Horton, E. T., general store. Haggett, George, blacksmithy. Kenrick, E. H., drug store. Lock, Frank, barber shop. Norton & Carman, grist-mill. Pattison, J. M. & Co., drug store. Richards, James & Co., hardware store. Stanley, J. B., grocer)'. Stanton, H., blacksmithy. Willett, Ida, millinery. The medical profession is represented by C. H. Rodi, S. A. Gates, J. W. Pattison and W. J. Cree ; and the legal by D. C. Fuller and W. S. Howd, the former of whom is Justice of the Peace. Morton Township 6\i- 1 f?'J'J-'*^K.TON Township is numbered 14 north, ^■| te^agrf ^ of range 8 west. Congressional survev, %i^^Z 'I'ld is bounded on the north by Martiny / A ^ ^ Township, on the east by Wheatland Town- ',r shij), on the south by Hinton Township, and on I the west by Austin Township. The Little Muskegon, its East and West Branches, and smaller tributaries, drain the township. In the western part are four good-sized lakes, and two smaller ones. The large ones are named Round Lake, Long Lake, Blue Lake and School Section Lake. The last named derives its name from the fact of being partly on section 16, the section which in every township is set apart for the benefit of the schools of the State. The recently constructed Detroit, Lansing it Northern railroad passes through the north- eastern portion of the township. Morton was organized as a civil township in Jan- uary, 1877. The general census of 1880 gJive a < i ;' t Jl <^nD>:DDs>^ 4f?t^5(<* I MECOSTA COUNTY. ^m^ ^'^^i' A V V 4 population to the township of 192. In 179 it had 287 acres of improved hind; in 1881 it had 642 acres. Its equalized valuation at the time of organ- ization, in 1877, was 114,840; its present valuation is more than double that amount, being $257,680. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 162. The township has had a marvelous growth in the last three years. The first mill was built by John Van Vleck & Son, of Palo, Mich., on the north side of the Little Mus- kegon River, and afterward moved about four miles north of Mecosta village, where it is now run by Charles Van Vleck, John Van Vleck having died in 1S80. MECOSTA VILLAGE. The village of Mecosta is but little over four years old, and owes its existence and prosperity to the construction of the D., L. & N. railroad through this county. The opening up of a rich agricultural and lumbering district, by this road, made a station near the center of the county, where several years previous a large number of hardy tillers of the soil had settled to the south and east, and already had many thousand acres of land well under cultivation, an absolute necessity ; for the farmer needed a mar- ket for his grain and produce, as well as a place to purchase supplies, while the lumbermen needed a shipping point and base of supplies in order to carry on the business of manufacturing the sturdy pine (of which there is an immense forest to the north) into lumber, lath and shingles for transportation over the new railroad. Foreseeing this necessity, Weber Bros., of Ionia, who also had a large interest in the pine land at this point, E. B. Moore, of E'dmore, and Giles Gilbert, of Stanton, formed themselves into a stock company and platted what lias since been known as the village of Mecosta, ilie plat, which was duly recorded July 17, 1879, contains 120 acres, and is beautifully located on the East Braiuli of the Little Muskegon, at the junction of the Alma and Clinton State road with the D., L. & N. railroad, 16 miles southeast of Big Rapids and 12 miles northwest of Millbrook, and is aliout four miles east of the geographical center of the county. The com- pany gave Amos S. Johnson, formerly of Sherman t'ity, full power of attorney, and made him the resi- dent agent for the sale of lots. At that time nearly the entire plat was heavily timbered, although the greater iX)rtion of it is now cleared. The fust lot was sold to Charles Cum- mings, of Stanton, shortly after the plat was recorded. The first building was put up l)y D. O'Brien about tjie I St of October, 1S79. H. W. Bassingwaite, George Evans and A. S. Johnson put up buildings the same month, and John Van Vleck and son com- menced the erection of a steam saw and shingle mill. During the fall and winter of 1879-80, sev- eral more buildings were put up by actual settlers, but not until the first of May, 1880, when trains com- menced running regularly over the new road, did the young village experience a healthy growth. The first store was a general grocery and supply store, kept on Main street, where is now Parks Brothers' hardware store, by H. \V. Bassingwaite. The post-office was established in December, 1879, and John Van Vleck was apix)in'ted Postmaster. His widow is now Postmistress. The first hotel was opened by Ephraim LeGrange, in 1879, and christened the Mecosta House. It is on the corner of Main and Weber streets, and is now kept by Dominick O'Brien. The village was organized as a school district in 1879, and the school-house, begun in i88o, was com- pleted in 1881. This was a log building, and the first school was taught by Mrs. M. A. Chipman. 'I'he same year, the present nice frame school-house was completed, at a cost of §2,000. The first religious society was of the Baptist de- nomination, organized by John Van Vleck, and held its meetings in the log school-house. In the fall of 1880, the Methodists sent a minister by the name of Hoag, who remained about one year, also preaching in the log school-house. Rev. J. Berry at present holds services in the town hall, but the society is preparing to erect a church on the west side of the river, at a cost of $2,500. The first and only bank is the private bank of (Jilbert & Wixs.^n. The Mecosta Planing Mills were built by Rathvon Bros., and started in tliesj)ring of 1883. Mecosta I-odge, No. 93, A. O. U. W., was organized March 30, 1881. The present oflfi^^-^ ^^^^^^^ «^-H5^1>f r f '>■■ J r<-^IlD>:tlO->r— MECOSTA COUNTY. i€$^ r2)Mr^"e>. t f f J /• \ •^ :) -^ A ance society. The present officers are R. D. Reed, S. K. C. ; J. H.Waller, S. K. F. K. ; L. W. Esselstene, S. K. R. K. Mecosta has a good brass band, led by A. C. Wal- ler, organized in May, 1882. The following are the first village officers of Me- costa, elected April 2, 1883: President, A. S. John- son; Trustees for two years, H. M. Trassell, C. W. Parks, J. W. Pierce ; Trustees for one year, J. W. Ferris, D. O'Brien, A. R. Streeter ; Clerk, C. M. Calk- ins; Street Commissioner, E. La Grange; Con- stable, Marvin Spencer; Assessor, E. A. Davis. The business interests of the village are repre- sented by the following firms : Beard, Henry, wagon shop. Black, George, general store. Bromley Bros., livery stable. Calkins, C. W., furniture store. Conrad, E. S., photograph gallery. Cooley, L. D., drug store. Carman, M., general store. Duley, R, H., Wilson House. Diller, Mrs. George, dressmaking. Evans, Mrs. R. G., notions. Gilbert, G. & Co., general store. Gardner, J. T., jewelry store. Garland & Hornung, clothing house. Gilbert & Wixson, bank. Hullinger, James, drug store. Morris Thomas, shoe shop. Metzorg, Isaac, clothing store. O'Brien, Dominick, Mecosta House. O'Brien, W., restaurant. Pangburn, W. S., boot and shoe store. Parish, W. H., saloon. Parks Bros., hardware store. Reed, R. D., meat market. Rice, Lewis, blacksmith. Rathvon Bros., planing mill. Stewart, B. M., grocer)-. Trussell, H. M., Advance o^o.^. Thomas & Esselstene, millinery. Thomas, Morris, harness shop. Wernette & Schultz, blacksmith. Wilcox, D. W., shingles and lumber. Wilson, Albert, barber shop. Wilcox, John, blacksmith. Woolford, R. S., grocery and drug store. Wernette, C. W., saloon. Woolford, Mrs. N. O., millinery. Among the professional men are C. B. Pattison and J. H. Waller, physicians, and N. W. Bush, lawyer. The last school census of the village contained the names of 225 children of school age, which would indicate a total population of nearly 800. Sheridan Township. N the eastern tier of townships of the coun- ty is township 15 north, range 7 west. Con- gressional survey, named as above, and is bounded on the north by Fork Township, on the east by Isabella County, on the south by Wheatland Township, and on the west by Mar- tiny Township. Sheridan is on the divide between the territory contiguous to Lake Michigan, and that stretching towards Lake Huron. It contains no stream of any size, except the south branch of the Chippewa River, which flows through the northwestern corner. In the eastern portion are Bamber Brook, and other small streams flowing east, while in the southwestern part are the head-vi'aters of the Little Muskegon. The township contains half a dozen verj' small lakes, and three lakes of some size are intersected by its bound- ary lines. Lake No. 6 lies near the southwestern corner, while Dimon Lake and Tubb's Lake lie near the northwestern corner, and partly in Martiny Township. Sheridan has no villages and no railroads. It was organized as a township in 1867, in the same year in which Fork was erected, and in October of that year it held its first election, which resulted in the choice of Edward P. Strong as the first Supervisor. Mr. Strong was the first white settler of the township, having located on section 1 2 the first of January, 1866. The first white child born was Mary E., daughter of William ^\'. and Susan McComb, who greeted the light April 29, 1866. The first two marriages — those of A. Berry and Angcliue Benscoter, and Chauncey Rogers and Minnie Gibbs — were solemnized on the same day, Nov. 28, 1867, by Elder Z. W. Shepherd. The first death was that of Ella S. Hanna, and oc- A ^ (c ^y yf ^r t '*-- ■^ •4^^^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -:^Q^^ I?" O o curred June i, 1866. The first frame building in the township was the school-house in District No. i, built by John A. Markle. The first school-house was a log building erected on section 1 1, in the spring of 1868, and Mrs Aaron Osborn taught the first school during the summer following. E. P. Strong opened the first store in June, 1867. The first [wstoffice, Rienza, was established in the spring of 1870. Its population in 1S70 was 135; in 187^, 160; and in 1880, 207. In 1878, it rejKirted 990 acres of impioved land, and in i88r, 1,192 acres. Its equal- ized valuation in 1868 was $44,312; and its present valuation is §204,139. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 39. Wheatland Township. HEATLAND Township is township four _pMi^^|) teen north, range seven west. Congressional jj^Vp * survey, and is in the eastern tier of town- j!^^^ ships of Mecosta County. It is hounded on the north by Sheridan Townsliij), on the east by Isabella County, on the south by Mill- brook Township, and on the west by Moiton Town- ship. It is on the divide between the watershed tributary to Lake Michigan, and that tributary to Lake Huron, and its land is accordingly jiiglier than that of surrounding counties. Pointer and other creeks tributary to the Little ^luskegon drain the northwestern part, while the greater part of the township is drained by Piie River and its branches (of which the most iniix)rtant is Pony Creek), which flow eastward into the Tittabawassee. Wheatland Township has a number of small lakes, — Lake No. I, Pine Lake, Pickett's Lake, Gay Lake, Mud Lake, Lake No. 6, and others, which form the head-waters of the Little Muskegon and Pine Rivers. 'J'he township is crossed by a railroad recently con- structed, — the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, — which, runs through the southwestern part. Wheatland contains no villages, although Millbrook lies just on its borders. The township of Wlieatland was organized in Octo ber, 1862; and its first Supervisor was Jacob Schiedel. The first white settler was William Schiedel, who located on section 24, in September, i860. Solon Hall located on section 36, the same year. The first birth was that of Ellen Hall^ daughter of Solon and Mary Hall, in the summer of 1 86 1. The first death was that of John Norman September 28, 1864. t'atharine Robitzsch died about the same time. The first marriage, that of Thomas Ariss and Catharine McCIoud, was solem- nized by Solon Hall, a Justice of the Peace, in 1866. Others say that Isaac Harvey and Marisa Blood were the first couple married. The first frame build- ng was a dwelling erected by John D. Clement, in September, 1865. 'J'he first mill was a water-iX)wer saw-mill erected by Frederick D. Miller, in June, 1875. The first school-house was a log building erected on section 26, in December, 1864. The first school was taught by Lydia Allen, in the winter of 1864-5. Others say that .Adaline Aldrich taught the first school in the winter of 1865. The population of the township in 1864 was 120. This increased to 400 in 1870; to 632 in 1874; and to 1,170 in 1880. The township had 3,534 acres of improved land in 187S, and 4.320 acres in 1881. Its asssessed valuation in 1868 was $44,312; and its present valuation is $424,214. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 200. >^ .■J-: f A '.<^. V ^^^y^- i.-K^OO"^:(lll^>'-^ •r<^DIl^llDf-V ->^v^ -¥^i(i\m MECOSTA COUNJY. f J •■'1 ) ,J ^ I \ iV't^i^t^i^t'^.^t^i'i vn;^i v^i"r'i^^(S^i^>'Kt^i'gi)'^'^'^>'gai'§^'s^ ji ^^^Q^^x%x\ m %w^\9^%.mi^- El ^^e- HE origin of the above name ihas lieen explained under the heading " Early Settlement. " It was a name appropriately given by the early settlers to 'l'^ the rajjids in the Muskegon River at the point where the thriving county seat now stands ; and when the town was started it naturally took the name it has ever since been borne. The earliest entries of any lands now included in the city plats are one fractional lot of 32.20 acres 1^ located by Robert P. Mitchell, May 3, 1853, and also one fractional lot of 55.70 acres located at the same date by John Parish. These pieces were south of Mitchell t'reek, and between Micliigan avenue and the Muskegon River, being portions of the First Ward of the city. A Mr. Fred Hall entered land soon after, but the interest of these men must have been purchased by Messrs. Warren & Ives some time afterward, as we hear no more of them in connection with the village. March i, 1X55, Zera French and his brother George came througli the wilderness -ria t'roton from -^>^^ ^:dd->'-^ — ='4^ ::i T V < ( \ I ^ ---r<:Dll:.r- MECOSTA COUNTY. ":a»w^^ -4J^((?^'^ 63=; ^ A V / 'P3; north. They had conversed upon the subject of a future village being located here, ond when some time afterward Warren Ives surveyed a portion of their land, and recorded a village plat, Zera Frent h then laid out a portion of his own land north of Mitchell Creek, and lying on both sides of State street, into a village plat, gave it the name of Glen Elm, and it was recorded by that name May 9, i860. A. N. Williams was the surveyor of this new village. There appears to have been some little feeling at this time between Mr. Ives and Mr. French in regard to location of county buildings, and this may have been the cause of locating a new village on the French proi)erty ; but it must have been amicably settled soon after, as Mr. French was persuaded by Orrin Stevens and others to change the name to " French's Addition to Big Rapids," which was done and recorded June 4 of the same year. George French now decided to engage in other business, and sold his claim to Zera French, who, having a small family to provide for, at once commenced the build- ing of a log house. This was the first house of any kind built within the village limits. It was situated a little north of the Big Rapids Iron Works, and about midway between State street and the river. The ruins of its foundation may yet be seen. This house, with the south forty acres on which it stood, was sold to Ives &: Warren, soon after the arrival of Chauncey P. Ives in this country. Another forty- acre piece west of this, covering the lot where the new school-house now stands, was included in this purchase, and the consideration was $600 cash for both. This house was occupied by Mr. Ives while en- gaged in erecting a mill office and large boarding- house near by. The saw-mill was built first, all the actually necessary lumber for this purpose being hauled from Newaygo, and the other buildings fin- ished as soon after as the lumber could be cut by the new mill to construct them. Mrs. Orrin Stevens presided for a long lime at their boarding-house, and the old settlers remember many bountiful repasts served by her. \ good story is told by one of the pioneers about these days when nearly all the necessaries of life had to be brought from Grand Rapids. He received from a certain grocer a keg of molasses {}) and in the bill accoiTipanying it found he was charged for ten gallons, while the keg, by actual measurement, could hold but eight gallons. He wrote back to the grocer that he "didn't mind the money overcharged so much as he did the strain on the kegl " It is needless to say that the error was in due time recti- fied. Chauncey P. Ives removed here and purchased the interest of Fred Hall and others about the year 1856. As has been said, the French Brothers owned and were at this time in possession of about 240 acres of land, bounded on the south by Hemlock street. Uixjn this land where noiv stands much of the northern part of the city, they had made consid- erable improvement and had designed much more ; and it had also become known some time previous that they intended some of this ground for a village. For this reason, although Zera French did not i)os- sess the means to push the enterprise, he deserves a large share of the honor of founding the city. The following incident shows what trivial matters sometimes change the fortunes of individuals. James Montague, one of the earliest settlers of the county, entered fractional lot number five, covering the old red mill site, somewhere about the tune tlie same lot was taken by Mr. ?'rench, — he claimed a little before, — and undoubtedly had in view the valuable water power for a mill site. Both parties appeared at the land office, each claiming the right to the cer- tificate of entry. In such cases it was the duty of that office to institute a court of inquiry, and after mature deliberation Mr. French was pronounced the rigjilful claimant. Mr. Montague always felt that injustice was done him. The land upon whicii all the present business part of the city of Big Rapids is built, was owned in con- nection (but not in partnership) by Messrs. Ives, Warren and Leonard. Mr. Warren soon afterward purchased the ei.tire interest of Dr. F. B. Leonard, and the records show that the original plat was sur- veyed and recorded by Warren and Ives, November 3, 1859, and comprised about 100 acres of land. A Mr. John F. Tinkham, of Grand Rai)ids, was the surveyor employed to do the work, and it is just to add that Mr. Tinkham was thoroughly competent as a surveyor. His lines are more accurate than those of the Government surveyors. It is well known that anything having little present or prospective value is carelessly handled and tossed about, while an article of real or supposed value will I V^ A :< r *^ ■ I • K^^(lf1>'nfivV- -^'*^^- ^?AS^»J^ ^^^^ v<^tlll>^tlDv>r ■7^^^^ 4^^5f ^ :->: MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ 4 receive the most careful attenlion. It was thus with a great portion of the hind in Northern Micliigan. Its supposed worthlessness made it cheap in the eyes of all, and a little deviation in lines, or the loss of a few acres more or less, was of no consequence. Por- tions of the forty-acre tract known as Sanborn & Rust's Addition %vas wanted at an early day by a few settlers, but Mr. Rust could not be prevailed upon to sell it in part, although he was willing to sell it entire. Several of the well-known citiz3ns therefore agreed to take a certain number of acres each, to include the entire forty, and the deeds were made out accord- ingly. The owners then determined to run streets through it, east and west, parallel with and joining one or two on the Warren & Ives plat ; and when asked why not plat their property in lots and blocks, they replied that they only wanted it for pastures for their domestic animals ! It seemed foolish to them to " lay out the whole country as a city." By a glance at the map it will be seen that each selected a por- tion according to the size of his purse, or inclinations, without regard to shape or dimensions, presenting an appearance of either the surveyor or his sextant hav- ing been slightly "twisted." Men who have always been known as possessing superior judgment in other matters, failed to see the vvaut of careful groundwork at that early day. As many additions have been made to I3ig Rapids, for the sake of convenience they are all mentioned here in chronological order: The original village of Big Rapids was platted by Messrs. Warren & Ives, of Troy, N. Y., and duly recorded Nov. 3, 1859. It comprised about 100 acres of land, situated upon the western bank of Muske- gon River, on section 14, township fifteen north, of range ten west. On the 9th of May, i860, Zera French platted an addition on the north comprising about forty acres, which was first called Glen Elm, and soon afterwards changed to French's Addition to the Vilhige of Big Rapids. On the 20th of Novem- ber, 1865, Sanborn & Rust platted forty acres on the west, which was named Sanborn & Rust's Addition. On the 25th of September, 1866, Clark & Fuller platted thirty-six acres immediately south of Sanborn & Rust's Addition, which was named Rose's Addi- tion. On the 14th of the same month, Ceylon C. Ful- ler platted twenty-five acres immediately south of Clark & Fuller's .Addition, which was named l'"uller's Addition. On the 22d of the same month, Thomas D. Stimson platted two acres, lying between the orig- inal plat and Clark & Fuller's Addition, which was Stimson's Addition. On the 22d of October of the same year, George W. Warren platted forty acres, lying west of Rose's Addition, which was named Warren's Addition. On the 5th of November in the same year, B. E Hutchinson platted thirty acres, ly- ing west of Sanborn & Rust's Addition, wliich was named Hutchinson's Addition. The year 1859 was full of promises to the little colony of pioneers. The act organizing the county of Mecosta, and designating tlie village of Leonard (as Big Rapids was then called) as the county seat was approved by the State Legislature Feb. 1 1, 1859, and the election of the first county officers took place soon after. The organization of the county and the establishment of the county seat now directed atten- tion to those seeking new homes, and gave a new impetus to the growth of the village. It is somewhat difficult, after the lapse of twenty- five years from the time Mr. Ives became a resident of Big Rapids, to understand the various motives which may have actuated him with regard to some portions of his work. His companions of that early period all unite in saying that he was active and en- terprising, untiring in his efforts to promote the public good, generous where the many could be served, a man of broad and comprehensive ideas, never vis- ionary, although somewhat prophetic, and whose far- seeing judgment saw the future city of Big Rapids positively standing, in the distance ! It is related that when the first small hotel was built, by A. N. Williams, in the spring of 1858, and the question arose as to the number of lots retpiired for such a purpose, Mr. Ives remarked, much to the amusement of his neighbors, that " within twenty years a two- story hotel covering half a block would be required to accommodate the necessities of the time." When the reader considers the elegant accommodations now afforded the public in the Northern Hotel, one of the finest hotels in the State, and in the mmierous smaller hotels in Big Rapids, who shall say that such a man was not worthy to be a leader in the settle- ment of any new country ? He often spoke of the geographical position of the village in relation to other portions of o.ur country yet to be settled ; and possibly in some far distant time, he saw in imagina- tion a more direct route from tlie Eastern Hemisphere VS' A ^ J^ <^iia>:Dns> Ii—CZ^. T^ A V f -<-i]a»:(iOv> MECOSTA COUNTY. /■^'oxr* ^ I across the continent to the Atlantic, — saw a great national roadway of iron from I'ugct Sound to Lake Superior, thence direct to the straits of Mackinaw and south througli the village of his creation, bearing away eastward to New York and Boston. "Cientle- men," said he in one of his speeches, "I assure you that cargoes of the teas of China will pass unbroken through Big Rapids to New Yorkl" He was a man of kindly disiwsition, ever extending a hand to the weak and deserving; and it is said of him that no man ever ai)i)lied personally for work wlio was, if in need, turned away. He would even board the man, for the time, at his own expense, until he could make business for him. He has been known to employ three men to perform one piece of work in order to give them all employment at a remunerative price, when one man would have answered the purpose quite as well. He was a man of fair personal habits and personal neatness, but an inveterate smoker, his large, generous pipe, with its long reed stem thrust deep into his mouth, being ipiite a constant compan- ion. He could not have been selfish, and yet he had his own peculiar ideas, and was determined to follow them. Others were now rapidly settling round about ^hc new village, and additions -to the original plat were now in order. It may be that these weie viewed with a jealous eye, as calculated to interfere some- what with plans of his own. Be that as it may, Mr. Ives, whose lands e.xtended only '.o State street on the west, at once determined to prevent additions to the village in that direction by platting lots on the west side of Michigan avenue, 150 feet deep to an alley, reserving the remainder, about 300 feet in width, to State street, and extending from his north line the entire length of his village plat south, in a complete state of nature. His next and favorite idea, for reasons of his own, was to force the growth of the village over the grounds he had plaited to the south. To further this project he ])ositively refused to sell any portion of his lands north of Maple street, but was generous to those who would make improve- ments south or southeast. He felled the trees the entire length of Michigan avenue, and opened from the south end communication with the old trail from Newaygo. He also opened up Ives and Warren avenues from Maple street, a long distance into the woods, hoping to attract attention in that direction. And still later, when grounds for school purix)ses were required, he offered to donate the lots of his own selection, which were on the corner of Michigan avenue and Oak street, then in the woods, seven blocks south of his office. He prevailed upon others to purchase lots and open mechanic shops near the school grounds, and many can remember a wagon and blacksmith shop, and a bakery and tailor shop, all in active business in that vicinity, as late as 1867. He also, as soon as a competent mechanic could be procured, com- menced the erection of a dwelling for himself, on the corner of Michigan avenue and Linden street, which was afterward sold to B. E. Hutcliinson, and, al- though moved from tlie original foundation, is still an old and time-honored landmark of the city. But, as " the best laid plans of mice an' men gang aft agley," the fond hopes of Mr. Ives were not to be realized in his life-time. Other influences were brought to bear against him which will hereafter be mentioned, ciianging the business center of the city permanently. .The following, although occurring some years after, is appropriately related here, in connection with the location of the business center of the village : Some time in 1861 or 1S62, when Mr. Williams built the second hotel in the village, the site pro- posed and thougiu the best was on the corner of Elm street and Michigan avenue, where the " Furni- ture block " has since been located. In bargaining for the ground, the party then owning it insisted on having an old wagon thrown in, the value of which may have been $20. Mr. Williams would not accede to the demand, and immediately purchased ground on the site of the old Mason House, and within the next 24 hours was laying the foundation. Judge C. C. Fuller, whose interest was farther south, noticing the change in location, was thoroughly dis- gusted, and said to ^\'illiams, "Stop your work; go and complete the trade with Mr. Clark for that ground, and I'll pay for that darned old wagon my- self rather than have you build away out of town." But the work had already jirogressed too far, and that unfortunate vehicle had, we fear, changed the future center of the city for at least the space of half a century. Mr. Ives, however, had exhibited much wisdom in his work and ideas as to tlie future of a large city. f 1 ( f ^■S^i — ■^^^^ .A.^ <-DD:<;POvy- -^^^^ r I ' « mh/^^^^M^ MECOSTA COUNTY. -*4^^5f^A^=^ ^ f^ ) i ^ i: y. He gave all the principal streets a uniform width of 80 feet, crossing at right angles. The lots were all 50 x 150 feet, with 20-foot alleys in the rear. He left spacious public grounds in a central part, upon which the original grand old forest maples were left standing (but which selfish and vandal hands have since destroyed), donated generous lots to the differ- ent religious organizations who might occupy them, and planned everything for a model village and a iirilliant future. His original idea, but one which was strongly op- posed by his friends, was that all streets should be 100 feet wide ; and nothing in the entire history of the city is to be more deeply regretted than the objec- tion offered at that time to his excellent judgment in this particular. Besides French's Addition, others were now from time to time recorded, and began to be peopled in spite of the proscribed barrier of 300 feet of forest on the west. State street was opened and became a public highway. It was found tliat travel could not be forced through from the south on Michigan ave- nue, and inexorable fate seemed to point in other directions for settlement. Other causes conspired to sever mutual interest between the original owners. Litigation, threatened and real, followed in later years, and gave a check to the prosperity of the vil- lage, from which it slowly recovered. After Mr. Ives had completed his mill and office, a postoffice seemed a necessity. Application was made and one established, with Jesse C. Shaw for the first Postmaster, who was appointed under Presi- dent Buchanan. A weekly mail was then opened with the outside world, via Greenville, arriving on horseback every Thursday, and returning a portion of the way the same day. A peck of mail matter was a heavy mail for this region. The first daily mail was established in 1865, between Newaygo and Big Rapids. For a long time after the first settle- ment here, it was customary for the inhabitants to speak of themselves as if "walled in;" and if one left the town he was said to be " going outside ; " and this custom continued until the almost hourly arrival of mails and trains broke down that imaginary wall between themselves and the rest of mankind. The railroads and telephone exchange, now fixed institutions, have placed Big Rapids " inside " for all time. Orrin Stevens, the first Register of Deeds of Me- costa County, came to Big Rapids from Big Prairie, in the month of March, 1859, and was assisted in transporting his goods over the primitive roads by a Mr. Hersey, who is said to have been the first white settler north of the Muskegon River, and who, as late as 1880, resided at Croton. He found the only unoccupied house to be the one first built by Mr. French, and in which he and his family gladly found shelter for a few weeks. Thi~, year, after the county officials were elected, it was deemed necessary to build a bridge across the river. County orders were issued, and the contract let to construct a good sub- stantial wooden bridge for the sum of $3,000, to Mr. Tinkham, who had been the village surveyor. This bridge was built on wooden piers, and thrown across the Muskegon at its junction with East Maple street. A rather substantia! two-story school-house was also built about this time, on the lots before mentioned as having been donated by Warren & Ives. This structure was an imixising one for that early day, and the School Commissioners were empowered to let the contract. Charles Shafer was one of the directors, and the superintendence of the work de- volved upon him. James Jones and a Mr. Kirk- patrick were the fortunate contractors, receiving for the labor alone the munificent sum of $150. The district furnished the material. As lime was not to to be had in this region at that date, the building was ceiled throughout instead of being plastered. Only about a dozen children were found to attend the first term of school, which was i)resided over by Mrs. Mary Fuller. In the early spring of i860, the first term of Circuit Court was held in the upper story of this school- house. Judge Littlejohn presiding; and the first case called on the calendar was William H. Leeds ?Yrst/s John Power. The nature of the case is not re- corded. Charles Shafer came to the village in September, 1857, and moved his family here in February, 1858. He says : " I found a very small clearing in the woods. Chauncey P. Ives, Jesse C. Shaw, Samuel Bailey and brother, /.era and George French and a few others were here — probably fifteen or twenty persons in all." Mr. Ives had thrown a rude dam across Mitchell Creek, at the foot of the hill where it now crosses Michigan avenue, and had erected a saw-mill, known since as the "Old Red Mill." It was an old-fashioned, rough-boarded structure in ^5 1 rF> ^^i^^^ ^ -i^^jf -^j^S^< ^r-r<.^DO:^UUr>r*^ :i^^^isr MECOSTA COUNTY. 11 ) • Ml V > ) ^ '») which was one upright saw, and which on the fourth day of July, 1S57, to the great dehght of the vil- lagers, cut its first few feet of lumber. This mill continued to do work as late as 1868 or 1869, and in 1875 '' ^^'^^ ''^'^" down and removed to the lower dam, where new machinery was added, and the mill rebuilt. The trees had been cut out of .Michigan avenue south, and a narrow roadway opened for travel. On the east side of the avenue for a long distance north and south a rude brush fence was constructed, so that the domestic animals might be safely corraled between this point and the river. The price of cor- ner lots at this time was $100 each, and inside lots §50. Mr. Shafer at once purchased two lots on the southwest corner of the block bounded in that direc- tion by Michigan avenue and Elm street ; and in consideration of his being a mechanic the north lot adjoining this property was donated to him, and thus he secured 150 feet square for the trifling sum of $150. The same land would probably to-day be considered cheap at $10,000. His first work was to cut out a few trees where the foundation was to be laid, and remove 16 feet of the brush fence, and prepare to build a dwelling 16 x 24, on the north line of his property. The house was one and a half stories high, boarded uf) and down with rough lum- ber, and as no shingles could be had, rough boards formed the roof also. His first bricks for a chimney were hauled from Grand Rapids by team, and cost !S65 per thousand. Soon aftenvard Mr. Shafer built and opened on his corner lot the third general store in tlie village. Edson Fuller iiad the honor of displaying to the early settlers here the first stock of miscellaneous merchandise. His store was on the northwest corner of Michigan avenue and Elm street, in a small but new structure. G. F. Stearns, now President of the Northern National Hank, opened the second store, with a capital of only $300, in Septemljer, i860, on Michigan avenue, near the lot where Vandersluis' store now stands. Mr. Shafer, about this time, re- ceived the appointment of Postmaster, Mr. Shaw having resigned in his favor. Mr. Shafer also relates: "Having expended what little money I had on hand, after my store was completed, it l)e<:anie a serious ipiestion with me liow I should fill it in part with a stock of goods. A firm in Grand Rapids offered me all the ready-made clothing I wanted on time ; but this alone would not answer, and I at once repaired to Detroit, an entire stranger there, and with only a small amount of money. H. P. Baldwin, since Governor of the State, was then engaged in the boot and shoe business in that city. I called at once at his office and requested to see him in person. In brief, I informed him that I was Charles Shafer, ex-Treasurer of Mecosta County, now Postmaster and Justice of the Peace; that I had no cash, but wanted a stock of boots and shoes on time, and would remit the money in small sums as fast as possible. He seemed to be pleased with my frankness, asked a good many ((uestions touching my responsibility, etc., then, rising, told me to select all the boots and shoes I wanted. I ship- ped home about $250 worth of his stock, gradually paid off the indebtedness, to his apparent satisfaction, and bought many more from the same firm." Mr. Shafer kept his [wstoffice for a short time in his dwelling-house, until he commenced business as a merchant, then removed it into his store. There was at that time no jiostoffice north of this in the lower peninsula, and of course people came here oc- casionally from a long distance. It was customary for the settlers in the woods to come in on Thursday and await the coming of the mail ; and often every family within a radius of many miles was repre- sented and on the look-out for the mail-carrier, who usually came on a mule to the east bank of the river, tied his animal to a tree, and after feeding him fiom a bag of grain brought for the purpose, if no canoe appeared in sight, would either blow a horn or raise an Indian "yell" to attract attention. Someone then volunteered to bring liim over; and the mail be- ing distributed he was ferried back in the same manner. The lumbermen's name — Big Rai)ids — stuck so thoroughly to the place, and was so widely known, that after the establishment of the postoffice here a large amount of mail matter came directed to that name. It soon became apparent that only the (wst- office department and the few inhabitants here knew anything about such a place as " Leonard," Michi- gan ; and a i)etition was signed and forwarded to the proper officer, re:tlD^•>^— MECOSTA COUNTY. -yi^^ 4^^^.; A < i About this time Mr. Shafer was asked by the De- partment to survey a mail route from this point through the wilderness to Elk Raijids via Grand Traverse, and to receive bids for carrying a weekly mail, as during the winter months the settlers at these remote points were practically ice-bound and isolated from the outside world. Among o'.hers, Nelson Ganong put in the lowest bid — $300; but the route being so expensive the Government aban- doned the project altogether. Comparatively few amusements were indulged in at this early date, although unbounded hospitality was the rule instead of the e.xception ; and, as in most new colonies, no "aristocratic cliques" or "select few " caused the least jealous feeling. Both capitalist and laborer, old and young, stranger and friend, all met at social gatherings on common ground, danced and sung, grieved and rejoiced together. In the language of one who came over twenty years ago, "We had plenty of plain food to eat, tobacco to smoke, and stories to tell ; and with our weekly sup- ply of outside newspapers, to give us the news of the world, we were supremely contented and happy." Incidents sometimes occurred to break the monotony, and furnish amusement for the villagers, one of which it may be well briefly to relate. In the summer of 1865, a trifling altercation oc- curred between two residents, one being at the time a cripple. A knock- down was the result, but neither was seriously injured. George French was at that time Justice of the Peace, and to him the aggrieved party applied for redress. It being a rather hot and dull day for business, this was the signal for amuse- ment. All the legal fraternity of the place at once put in an appearance, and with all the gravity befit- ting the occasion proceeded with the trial. C. C Fuller was retained for the defense, and as a matter of course some of those present volunteered to pros- ecute the case, and uphold the " peace and dignity " of the State of Michigan. But few witnesses were rei|uired to establish the fact that the offense had been " wantonly and with malice aforethought " com- mitted. Some new tactics had been urgently neces- sary on the part of the defense, in order to save their client, and the counsel proved eipial to the occasion. It is generally believed that in that court there was not only a little collusion between the counsel on both sides, but that the ])risoner at the bar was also included, and a kind of " gunjwwder plot " cooked up for the simple, unfortunate German complainant. " May it please your Honor," said Mr. Fuller, ad- dressing the court : " we propose to show that the prisoner is non compos titcntis ; and, beckoning to a civil engineer who happened to be present as a spec- tator, and who promptly came forward, he said: "We will swear this gentleman as an expert on in- sanity, and allow him to testify." The prisoner was also allowed to make a statement, and to the utter astonishment of that Justice he was questioned in regard to his diet, and admitted that it was, and always had been, principally mush and milk; and that stranger and e.xpert being under oath testified that such a diet invariably produced serious mental disturbances, and what was known as emotional in sanity! This was indeed an unheard of and dan- gerous result from the use of hasty pudding ! "Your Honor," pleaded the counsel, " having un- questionably established the fact of insanity, of course our client is not responsible, and we ask that he be set at liberty." But the Justice concluded, in order to partially heal the wounded feelings of the German, to impose a light fine of fifty cents and costs, in all amounting to two dollars. The audience, whose sympathy for the poor, insane prisoner would not allow them to do otherwise, now made up a purse to pay the sost, and his Honor also remitted the fine, much to the disgust of the complainant, who always claimed " dot leetle feefty cents " as be- longing to him personally. The first celebration of the Nation's birthday was held in the woods not far from where the Methodist church now stands, July 4, 1859, at which nearly 100 persons attended. It is said that Mr. Standish, from Newaygo, was the orator on the occasion. "The following year," says Mr. Shafer, " a pic-nic celebra- tion was held, and the table was set for one hundred and fifty persons, showing that an increase of the population was expected." B. L. Gray was the orator that year. The first lawsuit in the village was a case of assault and battery, rather amusing in its character: the People versus McAllister, tried before Charles Shafer, Justice of the Peace. As there was no jail togo to, McAllister paid his fine, $10, and went on his way rejoicing. The first marriage in the village was a Mr. Hagart to Miss Goliday, solemnized before Jesse Shaw a K^ "<}, G t f g>) (:iitiv:>A^ -«^ |^^5f 5^^^- nr<-^DO:^:CI]r->r -^^%^^ ^ •> i,v v V s MECOSTA COUNTY. 641 Notan,' Public, as neither minister nor justice could be found at that lime. The first birth in the village of Big Rapids, after the name had been changed from Leonard, was that of Charlie Hutchinson, son of B. E. and Elma L. Hutchinson, which occurred March i, 1S60. It is related that on this occasion C'hauncey P. Ives ofl'ered to deed the child any lot in the village his parents might designate, provided he was allowed to incorporate in the name of the infant some part of the name of the village. This, however, was de- clined. The first butcher shop in the village was opened by Henry Escott, who often drove his animals from a long distance ; and it is related that ix)rter-house steak was then twenty-five and thirty cents a pound. The first regular freight line from Grand Rapids was established by Clark & Latimer, in i860. This line, with all its running stock, was purchased the following year by B. E. Hutchinson, who first settled in the village Feb. 10, i860. Mr. Hutchinson at once supplied additional teams, commencing his new business with six well equipped wagons, — three at each end of the line. Two thousand pounds of freight was considered a usual load, and five to six days was consumed in making the journey between the two points by «'ay of Newaygo. If the teams were on time, one left each end of the route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of each week. Through tariff was two dollars per hundred pounds. Mr. Hutchinson also started the first dray in the city, a two-wheeled vehicle, in Ajiril, 1S70. The honor of setting up and distributing the first type in Mecosta County, belongs to Charlie Gay, referred to in his sketch, in a small office on the east side of Michigan avenue, between Maple and Elm streets, in this city. He issued the first number of the "Mecosta Coanl^ Fioneer" April 17, 1862, assisted in the editorial department liy Hon. C. C. Fuller. Mr. Gay seemed determined to adjpt the price of his paper to the [wssibly limited purse of the new country, as for a long time it was only $1.00 per year. From that small, five-col mnn folio, since combined with the " Big Rapids Magnet" has grown the present daily Pioneer, one of the best papers in Michigan. A further notice of this paper is given elsewhere. During the winter of 1857-8 there was a great *^ scarcity of food in the northern part of Michigan, \' and the State authorities in some cases were obliged to afford relief to the settlers. Food was also scarce in the new village, but wherever it was found that the families were getting short of meat as well as money, there always remained one alternative here. Messrs. Williams, Kirkpatrick and James Jones constituted tliemselves a committee of three to procure a supply, and with guns, ammunition and torches they would embark in a " dug-out " for a night's deer-stalking up the river, usually returning next morning with an ample supply of venison, landing near Maple street as a distributing point. The meat was freely and gratuitously dispensed among all the settlers, and a few of the more favored ones would occasionally distribute some flour. "Late in the fall of 1858," says Mr. Shafer, " I found myself getting short of flour for my family. I mention this incident to show the kindly feeling and extreme hospitality of every one in our new settle- ment. Selfishness seemed unknown, and our com- mon wants seemed to create a common bond of sympathy between us. Nelson Ganong was going to Grand Rapids with his team and offered to bring me some flour if I could raise the money to purchase it. It was then five dollars a barrel in that city. I had only two dollars in cash, and prevailed upon him to defer his journey a day or two, until in some way the amount could be raised. We both walked over to Williams' Hotel and stated the case. Mr. Williams said it would not do for me to be short of flour, as winter was coming on, and contributed $1.50 (every cent he had) to the fund. His man-of-all-work about the premises also loaned twenty-five cents to the enterprise, and Mr. Ganong volunteered to make the amount four dollars. But where was the other dollar to cume from.' Mr. Williams was equal to the emergency. Said he, ' I am expecting some gen- tlemen from Chicago in a day or two, who are lum- bering up the river. They usually remain over night at my house, and from them I shall obtain a little money, and if Mr. Ganong can wait I will make up the desired sum.' The travelers in due time [)ut in an appearance, cash was raised, and per conse- quence the barrel of flour." In the first years of the Big Rapids settlement, as a matter of course provisions of almost every kind had to be brought here from a long distance and ( A ^»: V r F^^ ';K/^t''5^tf*^ 642 MECOSTA COUNTY. \ V ) .^ ^ •7 V with only a narrow passage for any vehicle through the forest. If the weather was stormy and wet, the task of making such a journey was an unenviable and often expensive one. Goods of every kind were therefore high in price, if at all obtainable, and often money would not purchase what was required. It is related that as late as 1861, when a partial freight line by wagon had been established by Mr. B. E. Hutchinson, when the roads were bad, and many goods awaiting transportation at the opposite end of the line, it often was impossible to bring but a lim- ited amount of provisions ; and on the arrival of the cargo with |)erhaps only one barrel of flour, a dozen persons, some perhaps from a distance in the country, would all be found awaiting its arrival. There were no " favored " ones in thgse days, and says an old settler: " It often happened that in order to make the flour go round, each would receive only a milk- pan full." Possibly, in a known case of illness in a family, a larger quantity would be apportioned. In the Pioneer of June 18, 1863, is a short article written by H. Lucas, a minister of Big Rapids, from which, to show the exact degree of progress the village had made in four years from the time it w as platted, the following is extracted: " Big Rapids * * * contains about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, and is the county seat of Mecosta County. It is surrounded by a beautiful farming country, and a more intelligent set of inhabitants is not to be found in any place, east, west north or south. There are no liquor establishments in this village, and of course all is quiet and industry. There are two dry-goods and grocery stores in the place, conducted by Stearns and Hutchinson, both enterprising young men and doing a good business. One pa|)er is published here, which commends itself to the community, and merits an extensive circula- tion. A good district school is now in progress, and there is now every inducement for good settlers to identify themselves with this communrty. I have been in Michigan sixteen years, and have preached to a good many congregations, but never to a more respectable and attentive one than I have found in this village." The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first one organized in Big Rapids, and dates from 1865. Oc- casional services had been held for many years before that, but this was the beginning of religious services. In those days the services were marked by an inter- est that is too often lacking in later times. Congre- gational singing was the rule, and was plain and grand. In those days the old hymns were not tor- tured in the following style so common now : ■■ Oh for a man Oh tor a man Oh for a mansion iu the skie-s."' ••AVe"ll oatcli tho fleo We'll cati'li 111!' tlci- AVe"ll catfh tin; fleeting hours." '• Hell take the pil He"ll take the pil He"ll take the pilgrim home." "With reverence let the saints appear. And bow-ow-ow before the I.oril." This society erected a fine church, in due time, at a cost of $4,000. This was dedicated on Saturday, Nov. 16, 1867, with appropriate ceremonies. The sermon was preached by M. A. Daugherty, and he was assisted in the services by Rev. I. Cogshall, Rev. A. J. Eldred and Rev. J. H. Ross, of Grand Rapids. The quarterly conference of the M. E. Church was held in the afternoon in the church. In the evening a Sunday-school anniversary service was observed. On the following day, Sunday, a love- feast was held at nine o'clock, Mr. Cogshall preached at half past ten, Mr. Eldred at two o'clock, and Mr. Ross at seven o'clock. For some time after tliis, the Methodist and Presbyterian societies alternately wor- shiped in this church. From the same paper we also quote as follows : " F. H. Todd & Co. will soon commence building a dam across the river at this place, and expect to have a mill in operation the present season, or early in the spring. This will be of vast importance to our village, as the improvement of our water-power, together with the building of the G. R. & I. R. R.,is all that is required to insure the prosperity of this country, and make Big Rapids a city of to,ooo in- habitants in ten years." This water-power has been indeed a powerful aid to the development of Big Rapids, although the pre- diction in regard to increase of population was hardly realized. When it is considered that there is at pres- ent but one-tenth of the water-power at command utilized, it will be admitted that there is no limit to the possiliilities of the future, and that the time is not far distant when the prediction as to the ix)pula- tion will be more than realized. This dam above VS f^ ^lll]r>-M^ ^^5€^^ -t^*-^^* ^ m. !^ r-;-.^ T<>I1I1^I10^> V MECOSTA COUNTY. I A V 1 m referred to was completed in the spring of 1867, and marks an important era in the histor) of Big Rapids. The year 1866 was a most prosperous one for the village. The /'/>//£•(•/• of December 8, 1866, said: " Our village has been the scene of busy activity the past summer, in the erection of buildings and the hurry of other kinds of business, and the sound of the saw and hammer is still heard in all directions from morning until evening. Sixty-one buildings have already been erec'ed and nearly all completed, since the opening of spring, and others arc yet to be built this fall. The scarcity of lumber has prevented many from building, although three saw-mills have been running nearly the whole summer. This diffi- culty will be obviated another season, as two more mills, one steam and the other a water mill, will be put up and ready to run early in the spring." And again : "Our population has more than doubled during the past six months, now numljering 800 or more, and many of the mechanical trades are not yet represented." The issue of December said: " The difTerent kinds of business and professions now here are as follows : four general stores, one grocery store, one hardware and grocery store, one tin shop, one drug store, one meat market, three saw-mills, one grist-mill, one furniture shop, two blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, one jeweler, two boot and shoe shops, two hotels, one livery-stable, one bakery, one gun shop, three lawyers and three physicians, besides some twenty or more carpenters and joiners, and two masons. " In May following we are told that fifty more build- ings had been erected. In Janu.iry, 1868, an article appeared in the Pioneer from which it is gathered that during 1867 the population of Big Rapids increased to 1,500, and that during that year nearly 200 new buildings were constructed. These included several dwellings, costing from $1,500 to $2,500, one three- story hotel, a large school-house and several stores. The hotel cost $10,000. We quote : "The manufacturing and mercantile interests of the town have kept pace with its growth, and all have had a prosperous year. The four saw-mills here have been taxed to their utmost in supplying the local demand for lumber, and a part of the time were unable to make lumber as fast as they needed for building. Some 5,000,000 feet have been made \^^m:^' ^^^^ — r^^m I v:;. since July i, 1867, but there is no surplus on hand, ^ and spring will find us with a very short supply for the wants of the coming season. The Grand Rap- ids & Indiana railroad being completed from Grand Ra])ids to Cedar S[)rings, and now in operation, gives us a more speedy means of communication with the outside worid, as we now have a daily stage and express running in connection with the cars, and can reach Grand Rapids in one day instead of iwo as formerly. " During February, 1868, considered the dullest month of the season, Hutchinson's freight line from here to Cedar Springs carried 66,292 jMunds ; the largest load was 5,299 pounds, and the average load was 3,900 ix)unds. From what has been said on a previous page, it will be seen that before the coming of the railroad provisions were frequently scarce in Big Rapids. This is further illustrated by the experience, in the summer of 1868, of Dr. Woolley, at that time land- lord of the Mason House. He sent a man out in the morning with a two-horse light wagon, with in- structions to go in all directions in search of pota- toes; and at dark the man returned with only two bushels, for which he had paid three dollars, and consumed the entire day in order to get them at all ! Sj/ But Dr. Woolley was never out of provisions. His gross receipts in cash after he took possession of the old Mason House in 1867 were about $1,000 a month, and often forty persons were obliged to sleep on the lloor at night, so limited were the accommo- dations. Dr. Woolley was the first physician in Big Rapids, and was crowded with work from the first day he came. As there was no other physician in all this region, his practice extended as far north as Clam River, and through the woods at every point of the compass for thirty or forty miles. 'I'hose who voluntarily became the pioneers " bear- ing the burden and heat of the day, " are seldom the ones who amass wealth in new countries. They love the partially isolated life for the quiet surroundings; (^ for the peculiar beauties nature, presents in her most primitive form where " unadorned she is adorned the most;" for the immunities from fashion's follies, Irom the turmoil of crowded streets, and from the rush and bustle of business, mental and physical, incident to older places, which often make life a continual care and shorten its term. They are willing to exchange lA- nn; rV— ^ ^^>r ■ ■ ' • ^ ^'' ' ^ rAr<^Dn>^D(l^> V MECOSTA COUNTY. 4^^^ :< s i ^ > I :> x^ the wealth of money and power for the wealth of 'rt health, peace, contentment and consequent happi- ness, and are usually an industrious, hospitable and kindly disposed people, enduring with perfect cheer- fulness any little privations they may suffer. Thus it was with all the early settlers of Big Rapids. Some trouble was experienced occasionally by the diverse feelings of the principal owners of Big Rap- ids. When Mr. Warren purchased the interest of Dr. Leonard in the village plat, he became the ( owner of an undivided two-thirds interest in the whole. It is much to be regretted that these two I men did not form a partnership; for as Mr. Warren was always a resident of Troy, N. Y., and Mr. Ives a resident here, no legal business could be transacted by either party except through an agent of the other, in regard to any part of their joint property. The wheels of progress could be instantly blocked if s either party refused upon the least pretext to convey his interest in the title. Mr. Ives, always anxious to see improvements going forward, could frequently act in cases which admitted of no delay, as he would had a partnership really existed, trusting to the sub- sequent approval of Mr. Warren in the matter. But, as often happened, Mr. Warren did not approve, and his signature could not be obtained. Thus ill feeling was engendered, and litigation sometimes followed. Jacob O. Rose purchased of Zera French his en- tire interest in all lands in the northwest part of the village, including the Glen Elm Addition, Feb. 2, 1864, and, as the records show, for the sum of $975. Another important change in ownership of Big Rap- ids real estate occurred three years later, when Gen. Stephen Bronson, of Illinois, purchased the interest in the village so long held by Chauncey P. Ives. Gen. Bronson had already established himself here, and in connection with other parties had opened the Excliange Bank of Bronson, Stickney & Co., which was soon after incorporated, under the general bank- ing law of the State. This was the first banking in- stitution in Big Rapids, and supplied a much desired want in this northern region. The transfer of the property from Ives to Bronson is recorded Oct. 16, j. 1867. Xy Big Rai)ids was growing so surely to prosperous ''*) dimensions that in the winter of 1868-9 the talk of ^ adopting a city government took delinte shape. A meeting was held according to announcement Feb. II, i86g, to consider the iiuestion of incorporation. It was well attended. Charles Shafer was elected President, and S. F. Dwight, Secretary. A resolution in favor of applying for a city charter was discussed at length, and adopted without a dissenting voice. Charles Shafer, Stephen Bronson, E. O. Pose, N. H. Vincent and G. W. Crawford were appointed a com- mittee to draft a charter. The matter was pushed promptly, and early in April of the same year the bill became a law wliich incorporated Big Rapids as a city. The corporation was made to include sections eleven and fourteen, and the east half of sections ten and fifteen. It was directed that the city have three represeijtatives on the Board of Supervisors, one be- ing elected, and the Mayor and Recorder being en- titled to seats on the Board. The bill also provided for the organization of the township of Big Rapids, and directed a township election to be held at the house of John Halpine, on the third Monday in April. The charter election of the city was fixed for the same date. This election came off duly on the 19th of April, and resulted as follows : Mayor. — George F. Stearns. Recorder. — Charlie Gay. Supervisor. — William VanLoo. Treasurer. — W. Irving Latimer. School Inspectors. — S. S. Wilcox (one year) and R. D. Pierson (two years). Aldermen. — First Ward, Daniel Stearns and Thomas D. Stinson; Second Ward, Morgan L. Palmer and John Y. Brown ; Third Ward, Jacob O. Rose and A. Frank Markham ; Fourth Ward, Ceylon C. Fuller and Alfred L. Clark, Justices. — First Ward, Charlie Gay ; Second Ward, Erastus Fisher; Third Ward, Everett Douglass; Fourth Ward, Elijali F. Dewey. Constables. — First Ward, Edgar W. Ford ; Second Ward, Robert A. Griffin ; Third Ward, George W. Bevington ; Fourth Ward, George W. Jones. Lewis H. Green was appointed City Marshal, E. O. Rose, City Attorney, and 15. E. Hutchinson, Street (Commissioner. The first meeting of the City Council was held April 22, and the governmental machinery was set in full motion. The bond of the Marshal was fixed at |r,ooo; of the Treasurer at $5,000; and of the Street Commissioner at $1,000. At subsequent 4 < A ^: t^ m ];^-i^ ^^f^ ^^^^^ -3<^^< cr-r<:ail>:Oll>>v ~^^-ir -**--frfc MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ k ^ meetings the most imijortant of the city ordinances 'n were adopted, providing for licenses, nuisances, ini- ,'% provenients, etc. I In the fall of 1870, the city was cheered by the arrival of the first trains on the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, a full account of which is given elsewhere, under the head of " Railroads. " From this time population increased still more rapidly, and many disadvantages in the way of improvement removed. It is a melancholy truth iliat from tiie date c,f the first entries of city lands, down to as late a ijeriod as 1872, factional interest and jealousy, and sectional feeling and rivalry, were almost continuous, and silently if not openly expressed, to liie serious detri- ment of the" city, turning away valuable accessions of both i)eople and capital. But time, the great leveler of all distinctions, with the aid and advice of those who took up a residence at a later day, again pro- duced a unity of feeling, and to-day we are pleased to record that all is now changed, and an era of progress and prosperity has dawned U[X)n the city which all sincerely hope nothing can ever impair or obstruct. Big Rapids has been a sufferer from fire at various times, some of which deserve mention. The first fire of any consequence in the place was the de- struction of a large (juantity of lumber belonging to Warren & Ives in the year i860. The next was French's Hotel, in the north ])art of the city, occupy- ing the ground where the VValdon House has since been erected, and whicii was destroyed by fire Jan. 29, 1863. Probably the most disastrous fire that has ever oc- curred in its effects upon the growth of the city, was that known as the "great fire," April 26, 1869, when every building on the west side of Michigan avenue, between Elm street and the Mason House on the corner of Maple, was totally destroyed. The fire originated in Ford & Bailey's meat-market, next door north of the large hardware and grocery store of Crawford & (ireen, at about eleven o'clock, p. m., 1 and in two hours the whole range, consisting of ten ■; 'f buildings, was laid in ashes. The loss was variously W. estimated at from $20,000 to $50,000. No water ^ supply or engines for extinguishing fires were here at . • that time, and common pails or buckets were the ^ only appliances afforded. Lines of men were formed 645 A V ^ to supply water with buckets from wells in the vicinity, and even from the liver, but without avail. The Mason House, on the northeast corner of the block, was only saved by tearing down a small build- ing belonging to Harwood iV Olds, and then hanging carpets and bed-clothes from the roof and windows, and keeping them saturated with water. Nothing was insured except the Mason House. .\nother disastrous fire occurred on Sunday morning, July 12, 1874, which destroyed nearly every building on the east side of Michigan avenue from the old Pacific House on Maple street to Shafer's block on Elm. Comparatively little projjerty was saved at this fire, and only partial insurance covered the losses. The great destruction at that time is said to be due to defective linen hose, and not to a want of water. The Shafer Block, a large three-story brick ve- neered structure, on the northeast corner of Michi- gan avenue and Elm street, was burned Nov. 9, 1874, and proved a very severe loss, not only to the owner but to the city in general. The last extensive fire occurred Oct. 19, 1879, when the new .Mason House Block, and all the bus- iness houses south of it on the west side of Michigan avenue, to the brick block now occupied by A. S. Hobart & Co., were totally destroyed. All buildings on the east side of this block were more or less dam- aged by the intense heat. In fact, the fire extended around and over the Hobart store, and did consider- able damage beyond. All these disasters combined contributed in no small degree to retard the growth of the town. Many men lost all they possessed, and, becoming disheartened, removed to otiier places, while those who remained were many of them com- pelled to begin life anew. The last calamity, and one that threatened to be one of the most destructive to the city, occurred April 29,1881. The snow and ice from the country and lakes al)ove melted with such ra|)idity that the Muske- gon River was swollen to an immense height, and a jam of logs completely filling the river from bank to i)ank,and in many places piled several feet above the water, extending from this city to about six miles above, commenced to move with the current. The booms and cribs gave way before the moving mass; the top of the Tioga dam and the bridge just below were swept off, and for a time all the mills and man- ufactories at this |K»int were in imminent danger of y>^ ^^^*^^ fi^j y^ 'i>' r "I' T J 646 MECOSTA COUNTY. -4^^Jf5^\^J|/: ) > A •oC; ) ^ •';• I serious damage, or of being carried off altogether. Maple Street bridge, ^although severely tried, with- stood the terrible ordeal, to the delight and satisfac- tion of the hundreds of people who had gathered upon the banks to witness the grand but destructive sight. The lower dam was partially carried away, and required an outlay of some thousands of dollars to repair it. The entire damage to the city from this flood is estimated at from $25,000 to $30,000. Re- pairs were immediately commenced, and soon the booms, piers, dams and bridges were in a more sub- stantial condition and better fitted to battle with the elements than ever before. Soon after Big Rapids became a city, the question of water supply for fire protection and for private use became a general topic with the citizens. At a meeting of the Common Council, April 11, 1871, Alderman William Van Loo offered the first reso- lution, " That a committee be appointed to ascertain the expense of supplying the city with the Holly water-works." This resolution, with its amendment by Alderman Jacob O. Rose, "To investigate the cost of the works by both steam and water power,'' was adopted, and the committee appointed. A majority of the council approved of the main resolutions, and went steadily on with their work and what they con- ceived to be their duty, despite the criminations and recriminations of the people, and the various peti- tions /;■(? and con which were presented, and always respectfully discussed and considered. Its first pro- posed cost was increased through unforeseen causes incident to all enterprises, and ultimately amount- ed to perhaps $70,000. The amount expended in the fall of 1 87 1 was $30,271.40, of which $10,000 went to the Holly Com- pany for machinery, and $11,192.93 to H. Phelps for pipe, and for laying same. The following spring, by a vote of 215 to 123, the citizens decided to raise a further loan of $15,000 towards completing the works. Then, at different times since, various other amounts have been expended, though it has un- doubtedly been a good investment. The fire department of Big Rapids was organized in March, 187 1. The first officers were: J. M. Cook, Chief Engineer; E. O. Rose, First Assistant; C. D. Crandell, Second Assistant. In May of the same year. Hook and Ladder Company No. i, was organ- which at that time constituted the entire -^■!^''}x-0^ ^^0!l:^:il!lv>-^ department. Its officers were : Charlie Gay, Fore- man ; William H. Bennett, First Assistant; O. T. Ful- ler, Second Assistant; J. Frank Clark, Secretary; S. D. Thompson, Treasurer. Several hose companies have since been organized and thoroughly equipped. The " Young Alerts," of Big Rapids, have the champion belt for hose companies in Micliigan, won at the State tournaments of 18S2 and 1883. The former tournament was held at Charlotte, in August. The hose companies entered were the Protections, of Ann Arbor ; Protections, of Muskegon ; Cadillacs, of Cadillac; Hillsdales, of Hillsdale ; Unions, of Battle Creek ; and the Young Alerts, of Big Rapids. The Protections, of Ann Arbor, Protections, of Muskegon, and Hillsdales, of Hillsdale, were given no time, on account of imperfect couplings. Cadillac Hose made the run to the hydrant in 27 seconds, but owing to an imperfection in their hose they were unable to make any coupling, and were given no time. The Unions, of Battle Creek, made a handsome run in 41^ seconds; hydrant time, 26^^. The last to run were the Young Alerts, who made the run in 41 1^ seconds; hydrant run in 261^, winning by one- fourth of a second. They brought home a prize of $125, and the champion belt. At the State tournament of 1883, held at Marshall, Aug. 15 and i6, the Young Alerts again won the first prize of $125, and the champion belt, making the run in the unprecedented time of 391^ seconds. The competing companies were from Albion, Hillsdale, Battle Creek, St. Johns and Hastings. The team composing the Young Alerts this year were Robert McGregor, Foreman ; David Aitken, Fred Wakefield, Fred Gay, Dan McDonald, Herbert Priest, Alexander McGregor, Ferber Black, Charles Van Alstine, John Hagadone, Winifred Case, John Aitken, Will Lincoln, James Vallies, Burdette Cran- dell, Walter Gaunt, Robert Moon, Stowell Crandell and Ed. Hagadone. SCHOOLS. MODEL of beauty, size and convenience ^_^!^ is the central school-house, and when the >y|^ new First-Ward school building is completed ■'I'i^ the city will have ample school accommoda- : tions for years to come. The school census taken in 1883 shows the number of persons in the ">i't5<»'^ MECOSTA COUNTY. •^^^^^ 647 I T A V 1 I district between 5 and 20 years of age to be 1,317, an increase over 1S82 of 178. This increase has necessitated the employment of three additional teachers, besides one for an ungraded school. The following is the full corps of instructors for the year 1883-4, with the salaries paid: J. S. Crombie, Superintendent S',650 Anna Pease, Preceptress 700 Prill V. Boyce, Assistant High School 475 G. L. Bingham, Grammar 450 Fannie Forrester, Grammar 400 Flora A. Lincoln 400 M. D. Chittenden 350 C. E. Hulsart 35 o Nettie Peters 350 Lottie C. Price 350 Allie Hay 350 Etta Smart 340 Maggie Switzer 330 Marion Palmer 330 Hattie Place 330 Alverta Lamb 330 Total $8,200 The bonded indebtedness of the district is $7,000, of which $4,000 is to be paid Feb i, 1884, and $3,000 Feb. I, 1885. The value of the school prop- erty in the district is estimated at $35,494 ; number of pupils that can be seated in the various buildings, 1,050; number of pupils enrolled in 1882-3,1,166. Following is a synopsis of the annual report of the Board of Education for the school year ending Sept. 3, 1883, and the estimates of receipts and expendi- tures for the year commencing Sept. 3, 1883 : RECEIPTS. Cash in treasury as per last report $2,901 13 Receipts during year 151^23 22 Total general fund ' 8,5 24 35 Balance in building fund, Sept. 4, '82. . .. 650 95 Receipts during year 5,642 35 Total building fund 6,293 30 Balance in library fund, Sept. 4, '82 405 34 Receipts during year 368 43 Total library fund 773 77 Total receipts for the year 25,591 42 EXPENDITURES OF IIIK NEAR. General fund — teachers' salaries, etc. . . .$15,691 30 Building fund — wood house, walks, etc . .. 4,293 30 Lil)rary fund — new books, printing, etc . 393 41 SIJMMARY. Total general fund 18,524 35 Orders paid 15,691 30 Balance 2,833 °5 Total building fund 6,293 3° Orders paid 4,293 30 Balance 2,000 00 'i'otal library fund 773 77 Orders paid 393 4 1 Balance 380 36 Total amount in treasur)- to date 5,213 61 ESTIMATES FOR CO.MINd YEAR. Estimate of expenditure for coming year. $16,370 44 Amount on hand, general fund 2,833 25 One-mill tax i ,500 00 Primary school fund i ,000 00 Total resources 5,333 25 Recommended to raise by tax 14.500 00 Total 19,833 25 Estimated expenditures 16,370 44 Balance 3 462 81 BUSINESS. m i 4Vv • v:^ A .yupBBi|,r H E pioneers who first visited the ground on Jll^l^ which the city now stands, saw in the " big " ■'' rajiids " of the Muskegon River a mighty power that would some day be the means of establishing a manufacturing city. Nature seems to have so designed it. A river whose constant flow of water is seldom materially affectd by the snows and rains of winter, or the extreme drouth of summer, with a fall greater than any other stream in the State, seems to invite the manufacturer to this spot. In the eariy history of the city the luml)er interest was the one looked after; but as the • imlier in the vicinity was removed, other industries ^ fF fcV.« / >niDr.>-v r*:^ •4^^^^?!>NiS r-. 648 TZi^^ -7 <^aD^DD>>r >i'^4;«:' t ^ A s ) V AT ECO ST A COUNTY. took its place, and now, although it is still head- quarters for a large extent of the lumber manufac- turing district, is not dependent upon that alone for its existence. The natural and abundant facilities for manufacturing has drawn men and capital, and ever)- year it is increasing; and it is confidently pre- dicted that the time is not far distant when Big Rapids will be second to none in the State as a manu- facturing center. Its immense water power, the ex- cellent farming lands around the city, timber for manufacturing purposes, and many other things, seem to verify the prediction. The city has three large lumber mills, two flouring mills, two shingle mills, five large establishments for the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, two foundries and machine shops, in which are made anything from a rivet to a steam engine, one large furniture factory, one large and several small wagon factories, one match factory, one picture-backing fac- tory, besides several smaller manufactories of differ- ent kinds. The last mentioned — the picture backing factory of James G. McEhvee — is worthy of special mention, as it is the largest of the kind in the world. The products of this mill are shipped to all parts of the United States. TIOGA MANUFACTURING COMPANY. This company has been one of the principal in- struments in building up Big Rapids and its manu- facturing interests. It was incorporated Nov. 17, 1870, by John F. Brown, Thomas C. Piatt (Owego, N. Y.), Marcus E. Brown (Hornellsville, N. Y.), Byron M. Hanks (Rochester, N. Y.), and Joseph O. Hudnutt, for the purpose of ojjerating in lumber, lath, shingles, etc., and also flour and feed. The capital stock was $500,000, in 20,000 shares of $25 each. Of this stock, $400,000 were actually paid in at the start, the 4.000 shares representing the other $100,000 being held by the Directors for sale. Of the 16,000 shares held by the incorporators, 4,694 were held by John F. Brown; 4,693 by Thomas C. Piatt; 4,693 by Marcus E. Brown ; 960 by Byron M. Hanks, and 960 by Joseph O. Hudnutt. John F. Brown, of Big Rapids, was Managing Director until his death, in icS.So. The company built and ran a steam-po.tter saw-mill, a water-power saw-mill and a flouring mill. They also held interests in the North- ern National Bank, and many other prominent enter- prises in Big Rapids and vicinity. BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION. A move in the right direction has recently been made by the principal citizens of Big Rapids. At a meet- ing held Oct. 26, 1883, they organized themselves into the " Business Men's Association," the object of which is to induce capitalists to invest in Big Rapids, in manufacturing, etc. They have raised a fund of $r,ooo to defray the expenses of the organization. The following are the officers: M. P. Gale, Presi- dent; F. Fairman, G. F. Stearns, W. S. Gray, George A. Roof, C. M. Darrah, S. S. Wilcox and J. McCor- mick, Vice-Presidents ; William P. Nisbett, Secretary ; W. W. Smith, Treasurer; S. H. Gray, J. M. Crocker, D. F. Glidden, S. L. Newton, E. G. Haney, M. M. Cole and J. T. Escott, Executive Committee. TELEPHONE. A telephone company was formed in 1881, con- sisting of M. P. Gale, Hudnutt Bros, and others, which was in October of 1881 bought out by the present Telephone and Telegraph Construction Com- pany. Its office is in the Furniture Block, and H. D. Reid is General Manager. The main office is in Detroit. The Big Rapids system now has 85 wires. NORTHERN HOTEL. The hotel called the "The Northern," Sid. H. Roosevelt, proprietor, is justly conceded to be one of the finest hotels in Northern Michigan, and has added much to the fair name of Big Rapids. The building was erected in 1S81. It faces the south, and is 300 feet in length, extending from State street to the alley west of the Northern National Bank. It contains, first, one large store, 40 x 100 feet, directly west of the alley. Next come three rooms, iS x 40, for offices or small stores. Then come the barber shop, reading-room, and other small apartments con- nected with the hotel. The hotel office, forty feet wide and fifty feet deej), occupies the center of the block. Directly in the rear of it is the dining-room 40 X 60, and in the rear of that the kitchen, 30 x 40. Next come five rooms, iS x 40, and two, 18 x 44, for offices and small stores. The upper story is all used as a part of the hotel. It is divided into sixty-eight parlors and sleeping rooms, the largest being 18 x 18, and the smallest 10 X 1 4, and all but four have outside windows. A hall extends through the entire block, and outside stair- ways at the northern and western extremities render gKV?))f§^- T C A ■A Si/ t -^*€^^ _- V <-ii!i:-^^nDr> -4J^f MsA^«Ni^r^- -r<-^DD:v:i]Qv>^ ":^^ ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 649 m yf^ escape easy in case of fire. Abundant sewerage is fiir- f^: nished, the site being ujxin the slope facing Mitchell .;, Creek. The entire block is lighted by gas and heated it by steam, the furnace and boilers being located in the J basement directly under the dining room, with a ^ laundry under the kitchen. The "Northern," under the management of Mr. Roosevelt, and favored with the services of so effi- cient and genial a clerk asCharlcs I' Miller, is a credit to Big Rapids. MERCY HOSPITAL. Mercy Hospital, at Big Rapids, was established by the Sisters of Mercy of Grand Rapids at the in- stigation of Father Herbstrit, a Roman Catholic priest stationed here. The institution was an urgent necessity from the number of accidents in the lum- ber woods. The sisterhood purchased 40 acres of land and proceeded to erect a building which cost $7,000. It was begun Feb. 5, 1879, and before the close of the year its list of entries included 200 names. The aggregate number for the years 1880- 8 1-'82, were respectively 500, 900, and 800. Up td date of •writing (Oct. 24, 1883), the number of patients who have received treatment the current year is 743. There are now 60 patients in the vari- ous wards. The death rate has thus far been the '^ J lowest of any hospital on record, being but 3j4 per cent. In December, 1882, the building was consumed by fire, and a temporary structure has been erected to serve the demand until the new one now in progress is completed. It will cost $24,000 besides the ad- dition which is contf^mjilated, and will require an ad- ditional expenditure of about $13,000. The Sisters discharge all the required labors of the establishment. Five or six are at all times in attend- ance, and the hospital is sustained by the contribu- tions or sale of tickets among the lumbermen which are solicited by agents in the employ of the Sisters. Each ticket costs $5, and entitles the holder to the benefits of the hospital in case of sickness or acci- I dent. Patients suffering with any disease except ,.■ -« those of an infectious nature are admitted. The beneficiaries of the institution express their satisfac- »/ tion with the care and attention they receive, and re- gard the gentle women who strive to alleviate their sufferings with grateful affection. The drugs required A V s ^ ^ ^ are kept in stock and the medicines compounded at the hospit.d. Drs. Burkart and Groner are the present medical advisers, and their services are gratuitous. They visit their charges on alternate days and treat some remarkable cases, and perfonn rare and difficult sur- gical operations. Among the most recent was the am- putation of the tongue of James McGill, July 20, 1883. The disease was cancer of the tongue, and the ojieration was performed by the regular attending physicians. On the third day of August they per- formed the rarely successful operation of stretching the sciatic nerve, with the best results. Dr. \V. A. Hendryx was attendant physician and surgeon about two years. *s^ »}- --^-^ BANK ROBBERY. ROBBERY was committed at the Ex- lj^!^3^ change Bank of Big Rapids, between Sun- '■^I^ day evening, Nov. 30, and Monday morning, '''^l^ Dec. I, 1873, of $2,868.42 in checks and I notes. Upon attempting to open up for busi- ness Monday morning, at the usual hour, the inner door of the vault could not be unlocked. All efforts to open it being unsuccessful, an opening was made in the back or west wall of the vault> through which an entrance was obtained. An ex- amination of the door disclosed the fact that the slid- ing bars or bolts were securely held in place by a prop — a piece of two-by-four scantling, about two feet in length, so placed as to effectually prevent their being moved by the key. Further examination also disclosed the fact tliat a long framework of shelves for the reception of books, standing against the south wall, had been shoved away from the wall, and that there was a hole in the cement floor in the southwest corner, sufficiently large to admit the body of a man. The safe was found unlocked, its valuable contents gone, and the unpleasant co.iviction that the bank had been robbed was forced upon the minds of every one present. A thorough examination of the premises being made, it was ascertained that the burglar entered beneath the sill at the southwest comer of the build- ing, and tunneled his way to the base of the vault, a (. 'fi' sj «; ■^^^^f^ > r ** - 650 ^ fi V '^ MECOSTA COUNTY. F5g£^ -«^>«^ distance of about 15 feet, and then by making an ex- cavation in the masoni-y or stone work of the vault, he was enabled to effect an entrance up through the cement floor. The trench was large enough for a man to crawl from end to end without difficulty, and near the vault the excavation was large enough for a man to sit up- right, with plenty of room for work. The earth and stones which had been removed from the excavation were packed away on either side, filling the space between the joists clear up to the floor. There were found in the tunnel two pairs of heavy double blankets, two straps (which had evidently been used to fasten the blankets into a compact bundle while they were being taken in there), an old summer coat, a gunny sack, and a quantity of crackers, all which would indicate that the burglar had burrowed beneath the floor for some time; in fact, the amount of work done, considering the cramped position of the opera- tor, and the caution with which it had to be con- ducted, must have occupied several days and nights. The only things in the shape of tools found in the excavation were a small screw-driver without a han- dle, and a piece' of cross-cut saw plate, about live inches square. One rather singular coincidence, and perhaps a very fortunate circumstance for the robber, was the fact that the safe within the vault had been left open, and after having gained an entrance he had nothing to do but appropriate its contents and make his exit. The reason of tlie safe being unlocked, (Jen. Bron- son. President of the hank, explained as follows: On Sunday forenoon, having occasion to examine some papers that were kept in the safe, and not under- standing the combination upon which it was locked, or how to unlock it, he got Mr. F. D. Brown, who was at one time cashier of the bank, to go and unlock it for him. Having taken out the documents he de- sired, Mr. Brown closed the safe door and inquired if he should lock it. He (Gen. Bronson) replied that he might wish to ins|iect other papers not yet taken out, and Mr. Brown thereupon left the bank. After concluding the inspection of the documents he went there to examine, he returned tliem to their place, closed the door, and took hold of the knob for the purpose of locking it; but it occurring to him that he might turn it the wrong way, and thus derange the combination or get the lock out of order, and believ- ing everything to be secure within the vault, he left the safe unlocked. Two young men, Charles Stickney and Charles Milner, who slept in the back room of the bank, their bed being rot more than three or four feet from the hole made in the vault, stated tliat they heard no noise or disturbance whatever during the night- Young Stickney stated, however, that for several days before he had occasionally heard a scratching noise beneath the floor, but supposing it to be caused by rats or mice, he paid no attention to it. A track made by a dirty shoe-pack or moccasin was discovered, leading from the rear of the building back to the alley, and thence southward, and was sup- posed to have been made by the robber as he depart- ed from the premises. It, however, could not be followed beyond the engine house. There were numerous theories and speculations concerning the robbery, Init no satisfactory traces of its perpetrator were ever discovered. PRESS CONVENTION. i ^ % pIG Rajjids has come to be a a favorite t place for holding conventions and re- ur inions. One of the most prominent of the meetings held in Mecosta County's metropolis was the second annual meeting of the Northwestern Michigan Press Association, Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and 15,1879. The following journalists were in attendance: C. S. Ramsey and w'ife, Cheboygan Tribune. App. M. Smith, Manistee Times. Frank Bracelin, Montague Liimheiman. Hon. E. G. D. Holden, S. F. Aspinwall and wife. Grand Rapids Journal. L. A. Barker and wife. Lake City Journal. T. T. Bates and wife. Traverse City Herald. G. E. Matthews and wife, Fremont Indicator. E. L. Sprague and wife, and Miss O. Spencer, Traverse Ba}' Eagle. A. H. Johnson, Sutton's Bay Tribune. L. M. Sellers, Cedar Springs Clipper A. Chase, Evart Review. G. W. Minchin, Red City Clarion. 11 .^^t-i---* ^^^^ '^m-'^M>r -3<€^*sr 1^ V > ) MECOSTA COUNTY. ^ 1^ J. W. Hallack, Sparta Sentinel. E. O. Rose and wife, Charlie CJay and wife, M. W. Barrows and wife, Big Rapids rionccr-Ma^ncl. O. D. Glidden and wife, D. F. Glidden and wife, Big Rapids Herald. VV. r". Slawson and wife, V. ^V■. Bruce and wife, Big Rapids Current. W. S. Stevens and wife, Hesperia Hesperian. Maj. J. W. Long, wife and nurse, Isabella Times. J. H. Wheeler and wife, Sherman Pioneer. A. Bilz, Miss Fannie G. Bilz and Miss Allie Sabin, Spring Lake Repiibliean. C. F. Chapin, Cadillac News. Gen. A. A. Stevens and C. C. Sexton, Grand Rap- ids Democrat. Frank H. Rose, St. Johns Home Chroniele. James Vandersluis, Grand Rapids Banner. \\ . S. Benham, Grand Haven Herald. E. F. Grabill and wife, Greenville Independent. F. Weller and wife, Miss Theresa Quinlin, Mus- kegon News and Reporter. W. M. Harford, Muskegon Chronicle. W. A. Smith, Charlevoix .Sentinel. R. R. Johnson, Muskegon Journal. C. P. Rice, Muskegon Daily Times. Don. Henderson, Allegan Journal. J. Parmiter and wife, Hart Journal. The following representatives of papers outside the Northwestern Michigan Press Association were present: Gill R. Osniun, Detroit Evening News. W. S. George and wife, Lansing Republican. Rev. H. Lamont, Chicago Witness. After a business meeting Monday afternoon, an evening was spent in social chat, and festivity. At ten o'clock they were serenaded by the city cornet band, and then followed an enjoyable banquet at the Armory Hall, prepared by A. R. White, proprietor of the Mason House. After being seated in the hall, S. S. Wilcox, of Big Rapids, ])residing. Dr. Bigelow, in behalf of the citizens, delivered an elo'iuent wel- coming address. The banquet over, T. T. Bates, of the Traverse City Herald, delivered a feeling re- sponse to the address of Dr. Bigelow. Then fol- lowed the toasts : " Michigan. "—Response by Hon. E. G. D. Hol- den, of the Grand Rapids Journal. "Our Schools and Colleges. " — Response by Hon. f. W. S. George, of the Lansing, Mich., Republican' '■ The Editor's Guests " (Will Carlton)— Recitation l)y Kittie May Woolley, of Big Rapids. " The Press — Indispensable to American Prog- ress." — Response by Hon. M. Brown, of Big Rapids " IVomen — May she never be Underestimated." — Response by E. O. Rose, of the Big Rapids Pioneer- Magnet. " Our Second Century. " — Response by Rev. E. W. Miller, of Big Rapids. " The Newspaper Man — His Ups and Doivns. " — Response by G. E. Matthews, of the Fremont Indi- cator. The responses were excellent, and loudly applaud- ed. At the business meeting Tuesday morning, E. O. Rose, of Big Rapids, was elected President. Tuesday forenoon, the entire party spent a couple of hours riding about town and witnessing the various objects of interest, carriages for that purpose being furnished by the citizens. At eleven o'clock the fire department came out for its review, and was cordially praised. The party left in the afternoon for the north, on an excursion to Mackinaw Island. This meeting was the largest assemblage of newspaper men ever seen in the State, up to this time. V^ ORGANIZATIONS. '83;? IG Rapids contains a good representation of secret, benevolent and other associa- tions, of which the principal are here wra noticed. The societies are functions of an I'' advancing civilization, which are destined to grow and strengthen with the increase of an enlightened poi)ulation. BIG RAPIDS LODGE NO. 171, F. & A. M. Was dedicated Feb. 8, 1866, the ceremonies being conducted by Alex. Mann, of Muskegon, represent- ing the Grand Master. The officers installed at that meeting were A. S. Mason, W. M.; Charlie Gay, S. W.; B. E. Hutchinson. J. W. ; G. F. Stearns, Treas. ; E. O. Rose, Sec. ; George French, S. D. ; A. N. Wil- liams, J. D. ; James Furster, Tyler. The present officers are: A. S. Mason, W. M.; E. W. Ford, S. W.; Peter McNaughton, J. W. ; G. F. Steams, Treas- A V (■ ; ^^^- -3^^^ -K-^nnr-t'iiiivVi-^ ,^"~'>-" '^-, i) \ i V r A ■>: s (^ H' MECOSTA COUNTY. ■>i--: '■^ 'M ?»^ urer; A. W. Eldredge, Sec; C. H. Olds, S. D.; Thomas Shaw, Sr., J. D. ; G. F. Whitney, Tyler. The present membership is about 120, and the lodge is in a flourishing condition. It meets the first week in every month. BIG RAPIDS CHAPTER, No. 52, R. A. M., Was organized under dispensation Aug. 28, 1867, with W. I. Latimer as High Priest; Charlie Gay, King; Alfred S. Mason, Scribe; Orrin Stevens, Sec; B. E. Hutchinson, C. of H.; E. O. Rose, Prin. Soj.; A. M. Green, R. A. C; C. C. Fuller, M. 3d V.; J. O. Rose, M. 2d V.; Andrew Green, M. ist V.; George W. Green, Sent. The present officers are as follows; Charlie Gay, High Priest; Hiram E. Hardy, King; John H. Foster, Scribe; George F. Stearns, Treas.; Alonzo H. Eldredge, Sec; Simon G.Web- ster, C. of H. ; O. D. Glidden, Prin. Soj. ; Wesley F. Louckes, R. A. C. ; Alfred S. Mason, M. 3d V. ; Hi- ram Honeywell, M. 2d V.; Peter McNaughton, M. ist V. ; (ieorge F. Whitney, Sent. The chapter now has a membership of 74, and meets the first Wednes- day of each month. KING SOLOMON COUNCIL No. 25, R. &. S. M (Royal and Select Masters), Was instituted Tuesday, Aug. 4. 1868, by James Kennedy, proxy for T. I. G. P., with the following officers : C. C. Fuller, T. I. G. M. ; Charlie Gay, D. L G. M.; W. I. Latimer, P. C. W.; G. F. Stearns, Treas.; E. O. Rose, G. R. ; D. E. Steams, G. C. of G ; B. E. Hutchinson, G. C. ; F. E. Nelson, G. S. The present officers are: Charlie Gay, T. I. M.; Peter McNaugh- ton, D. M.; B. Elial Hutchinson, P. C. W. ; George F. Stearns, Treasurer; Charles D. Bronson, Recorder; Hiram Honeywell, C. of G. ; Ceylon C. Fuller, C. of C. ; Joseph W. Fearns, Steward ; George F. Whitney, Sentinel. The present membership is 18. The Council meets at Masonic Hall the first Tuesday evening of each month. PILGRIM COMMANDERY NUMBER 23, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Was organized under dispensation in November, 1868, with the following officers: W. I. Latimer, E. C; Charlie Gay, G.: C. C. Fuller, C. G.; E. O. Rose, S. W.; C. D. Bronson, J. W.; B. E. Hutchinson, W.; J. Kennedy, St. B.; G. F. Stearns, Sd. B., and Treas.; E. O. Rose, R.; F. E. Nelson, S. It was regularly constituted Sept. 10, 1869, by T. A. Flower, of Pon- tiac, Rt Em. G. C. of Michigan. The present officers are: Simon G. Webster, E. C; Ceylon C. Fuller, Gen.; Edward W. Hudnutt, C. G.; Calvin W. Not- tingham, Prel; Charlie Gay, Rec; George F. Stearns Treas.; Alfred S. Mason, S. W.; Peter McNaughton, J. W.; Hiram E. Hardy, St. B.; John H. Foster, Sd. Bearer.; Willis M. Slosson, Warden; George F. Whitney, Sent. The Commandery meets the first Friday evening of each month. The present mem- bership is 96. BIG RAPIDS LODGE, NUMBER iii.I.O.O.F. Was organized Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1867, with J O. Rose, as Noble Grand ; Alonzo Powers as Vice Grand; and E. O. Rose as Secretary. The present membership is 70, and the lodge meets every Mon- day night at Odd Fellows Hall. L. T. Loveless is Noble Grand, and M. V. Taylor, Secretary. BIG RAPIDS ENCAMPMENT, NO. 55, I. O. O. F. Was organized in 1872, and has now about 45 mem- bers. It meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. BIG RAPIDS COUNCIL, NUMBER 174, ROYAL ARCANUM, Was organized in 1878, with E. J. Marsh as Regent W. W. Carpenter as Secretarj', and C. C. Fuller as Collector. The present officers are : L. C. Patterson, Regent; E. R. Keith, Secretary; George A. Roof, Collector; and John Watson, as Treasurer. The Council meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month, and has a membership of 34. MECOSTA LODGF, NUMBER 26, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, Was organized in 1875, and is now in a very flourish- ing condition. The present officers are : C. D. Car- penter, P. C; John R. Snyder, C. C. ; C. D. Cran- dell, V. C; E. P. Clark, Prelate ; O. D. Glidden, K. of R. & S. ; George D. Miles. M. at A.; T. R. Crocker, M. of E.; F. R. Fowler, M. of F.; A. AV. Withington, I. G. D. F. Glidden, of this lodge, is the Grand Chancellor of the order for the State of Michigan. ^ ( t h> ■\S^ K-'^-^ m. ;l^ V ,^ ;».»-'^<*-V <^DD»:ilD>->r MECOSTA COUNTY. 653 I V '^ THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR Have a lodge, organized in October, 1882. It now has 140 members. The principal officers arc Gen. Stephen Uronson, V. S.; T. J. Wakeman, M. W.; J. W. Griffin, Fin. Sec; J. T. Davison, Sec. The lodge meets every Tuesday night. PINE-TREE LODGE, NUML5ER 763, KNIGHTS OF HONOR, Was organized Sept. 16, 1877. It now has a mem- bership of 44, and meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. F. Fairman is Dictator; J. F. Clark, Reporter; and C. W. Nottingham, Finan- cial Re^X)rter. BIG RAPIDS LODGE, NUMBER 35, SONS OF INDUSTRY, Was organized in September, 1883, with the follow- ing officers : O. D. Glidden, M.; D. W. Stewart, W.; G. W. Trowbridge, C.; Charles H. Crane, Sec; C. J. Hood, T.; H. D. Reid, Stew.; H. I. Orwig, Mar.; T. Edmunds, G. The present membership is 37. The lodge meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. THF ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE Have a branch here, organized in August, 1880. It meets twice a month. E. E. Stone is S. C ; D. Emer- son, Treas. ; W. S. Whitney, Sec. ; and Wm. H. Andrews, Fin. Sec. BIG RAPIDS LODGE NUMBER 408, I. O. G. T., Was chartered Aug 18, 1880, with tlie following first officers: O. D. Glidden, W. C. T.; Mrs. M. H. Cobb, V. T.; M. D. Ford, Chap.; Mrs. Jennette Blackwood, Sec; William Binney, Ass't Sec; G. C. Gardner, Fin. Sec; C. N. Chick, Treas. The lodge now has a membership of over a hundred, and meets every F'riday evening. The following are the present officers: Lewis Toan, W. C. T.; Mrs. Millie Chap- man, V. T.; G. R. Malone, Chaplain; H. E. Chap- man, Sec; Miss Lottie Price, Ass't Sec; C. W. Bar- ton, Fin. Sec; Fred Hill, Treas. ^ AMITY LODGE, NUMBER 9?, A. O. U. W., V, Was organized Jan. 12, 1881, witli I-^dgar Peirce as ^ m-u p. M. W.; Charlie Gay, M. W.; C. W. Nottingham Recorder; F. Fairman, Receiver. The present offi- cers are: Charlie Gay, P. M. W.; W. W. Putnam, M. W.; S. G. Webster, Recorder, and F. Fairman, Receiver. The lodge meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, and has about 40 members. THE BRAZEE RIFLES Were organized in June, 1875, with B. F. Brazee, Captain; M. D. Ford, isl Lieutenant, and Charles H. Milner, 2d Lieutenant. The membership was then about 85; and the company will now muster 50. B. F. Brazee has been Captain continuously since the formation of the company, except in 1877, when S. G. Webster was Captain. Daniel Alcom- brack is now ist Lieutenant, and C. M. Wiseman 2d Lieutenant. The company meets every Thursday night for drill in its armory, which is valued at $3,000. This has a parlor up stairs, and an office down stairs, both well furnished. The drill room is 40 x 100. The building is 150 feet deep, but 30 feet are used for a stage, as the armory is often used for re-unions and public meetings. The company has been called out twice for actual service, — at Grand Rapids, in 1877, and at Muskegon, in i88r, the occasion both times being workingmen's strikes. POST FRENCH, NUMBER 28, G. A. R., Was organized Sept. 6, 1 881, with eighteen charter members, and the following officers : B. F. Brazee, Com.; Michael Brown, S. V. C; J. Shaw, J. V. C; L. T. Loveless, Adjutant; Thomas Shaw, Chap.; Ed- gar Peirce, Q. M.; Dr. A. W. Whitney, Surg.; Wil- liam T. Bliss, O. D. The present membershii) is 131. The post meets every Wednesday evening. The following are the present officers: B. F. Brazee, Com.; John P. Schort, S. V. C; Henry Albro, J. V. C; W. A. Cole, Adj.; Thomas Shaw, Chap.; A. T. Compau, Q. M.; Dr. A. W. Whitney, Surg.; D. Al- combrack, O. D. THE CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY AND SCIEN- TIFIC CIRCLE Has a branch in Big Raiiids, organized Oct. 2, 1S79, ^ witii about a dozen members. Rev. C. L. Barnhart ^-' was elected President; Mrs. E. W. Miller, Vice- President; Miss Mary E. Russell, Secretary and Treasurer, and Miss F. F. Angell as Preceptress. The following ladies were chosen as an advisory A :♦ V f 'C ^^ 6S4 •ST T <:nii^DD>> T T3S€^ •ST 4^^5C(^^: ^ ^ A s/ ^ MECOSTA COUNTY. committee: Mrs. E. O. Rose, Mrs. C. J. Hood, Mrs. V. W. Bruce, Mrs. A. J. Russell and Miss Clara Osburn. The puriwse of this society is to promote a desire for study among adults, whose time is gener- ally employed at their regular avocations. CHURCHES. HE pioneer church in Big Rapids is the Methodist Episcojjal, some account of the early history of which is given in the his- tory of Big Rapids on a previous page. The society was formed in 1865, and the church built and dedicated in 1867. The present pastor is Rev. J. W. Hallenbeck, who came in Sep- tember, 1883. The society now has a membership of about 260. V. W. Bruce is Superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has about 250 on the roll. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH Was organized in the fall of 1869, and the church edifice was erected in 187 i, at a cost of $2,000. The first pastor was Rev. Sydney Beckwith. The pastor at the time the church was built was Rev. W. Flower. No meetings have been held since December, 1882, though there is a prospect of a speedy revival. The present membership is 65. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Was organized in 1876, with Rev. E. W. Miller as pastor. He remained six years, and was then suc- ceeded by Rev. William McCracken, the present pastor, who came from Allegheny City, Pa., in March, 1882. The society bought their church edifice of the Baptists, in 1878. It is located on the corner of State and Hemlock streets, and is now valued at $3,000. It will seat about 200. Tiie present mem- bership of the Church is over 100. THE UNITARIANS Are now building a fine church in Big Rapids, and are having a pipe organ constructed in Detroit. This will be the first pipe organ in the city. The Catho- lics, Swedish Lutherans and (ierman Lutherans have organizations in good condition and holding regular services. 'v«4ize/®i@» -•t^WUtTtStv. POPULATION. ■A^jj*^-^ Total . 1.237 The State census of 1S74 showed the following: First Ward 707 Second Ward ,. 1,018 Third Ward 886 Fourth Ward 47 2 Total 3.083 By the general census of 1880, the population was as follows : First Ward 601 Second Ward 710 Third Ward i , r i o Fourth Ward 561 Fifth Ward 570 Total 3,552 The population at the present time is probably forty per cent, more than that in 1880. j|3CCORDING to the census of the respective l^^^ years from 1870 to the present time, the ratio of increase of the population of Big >r Rapids has been steady, indicating a healthy ' growth upon a substantial foundation. The following tables give a condensed statement, a form convenient for reference. First, the census 1870 gave : First Ward 378 Second Ward 44 1 Third Ward 375 Fourth Ward 243 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 090 707 1