l'^^ w- -v:uu:--.uu-:;- S^. ^ i ■^ I . life'.;'* II IS/^BELLA COUNTY, MICH. SOI^TI^AITS AND Biogi^;aphi6al Si^etghes pi^onimcnt; and I^epfe^eqtatiiVB Citizeq^ of tfje Counti}, TOGETHEli WITH PORTRAI IS AXD IllOdli APII lES OF ALL THE (iO\'E/{X()L'S OF MICHIGAN AND OF THE PFESinENTS OP 'THE UNITED STATES. ALSO CONTAIMNi; A COM 1M.KII-; lilSlOiiV ol- I I ll-; COl'NTY, I KOM I IS KAHI.IKST SETTI.E.MEN I TO Till-: I'UKSMNr TIME. CHICAGO: t \ \ i;i<' ' I 1SS4. ^ J >aDD-^- ^2 a -?<'«D>:i ^ Vi I "f^!/ -^t^^fe?^ v3^^ '^ /; / A ^. t ^'^- iaa:<^iiu^>^ r I 11 t f^.-^(^% '"&fjS"' ^. i> J^>^' iV'Tk''*^ E HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the Portrait andBiograph- \ II \L Album of Isabella County, and wish, in presenting it toils patrons, to speak briefly of the importance of local works of this nature. It is certainly the duty ■ of the present to commemorate the past, to perpetuatcthe names of the pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and to relate the story of their progress. \ The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which '- ^ men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity^ demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their prime entered the wild forests of Isabella 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 the collection and preservation of his- torical matter without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only isit of the greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen- (^ ) tial that the history of the county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. The present the age of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden times; it is abrilliant record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, their lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age, and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will be advanced and observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and their very names hidden in obscurity. In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treated indifferently, and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published. As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous representa- tive citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented in this department; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the gentlemen whose portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the call- ings and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with those presented, but of course it was impossible for us to give portraits of all the leading men and pioneers of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of Isabella County for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album. CHAPMAN BROIHRRS. Chicago, /"fy, J8S4. / •i. i „ i^^ -7\ T ^^f^vi^ I) .'q\ f(z) -^^Dfl^CDr^^- >5 (!) ■:^^ c'V^^Il D;^' H[l^i> v ' 'w ' ^ i^y^ ..+.,.+. .+, •■'^/y^y '> ^^A ••'•• ■■'•• --^ •+-!•■ .t.,.t,.t.,.+. 4^^JC(sVp vs ^5 c-:^: ^V®»«^t|- ^=^«^^!J^^^ — ^^<^[l :^ HDf-^-^ — ^''^^ -l^^f®>^7 SSiSf -cr v<>DP>:ilIls> -4?^C(s^-#; t % f e /7s Nl -^ /^ ? -^^c^x'^^ — e-^^n!]^D(ii>=^ '^^^. i^K®>)«^€- ^ FIRST PRESIDENT. /?>■, , ■; .>i;s«^^i«P.*:^i i:^' ; i'j£j)'^'^'^i'<; 1 i'<^^'S«JSS*?^«^>^<^'SS V EOBBE ^l 7 A « BT®N. ; .V. V^sTV^ 'i •■ '■•.'■ V.'. V'tigi't^<^'t^W''^j!t'^'v HF Father of our Country was 1 l)0in in Westmorland Co., Va., 1 eh 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 George, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Chades and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, and to George he left the parental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left scliool, 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 eady noted for that nobleness of character, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was appointed surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 9 A ¥, (^ -5M 1:^:1 |)$«^r|«»- i>:i GEORGE WASHINGTON. 4^^5(<§VM; xV trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near /,. losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished '^ a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment *& of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- I mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was -*) commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was ^^ then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer of distinctiof. who escaped from the calamities of the day with hfe and honor. The other aids of Hraddock were disabled early in the action, and Wasliington alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter to his brother he says : " 1 had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, though death was levelin- my companions on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit him. After having been five years in the military service, -) and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Fort Duqr.esnc and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, ^ to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the ■^ Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an vx active and innwrtant part. January 17, 1759, he „ married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy == widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the jxart of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, tosecure their common liberties, peaceably if [wssible. To this Congress Col. Wash- ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- cord and Le.xington had been fought, .\mong the first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and responsible office was conferred ujion Washington, who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted it on June 19, but uixm the express condition that he receive no salary. He would keep an exact account of expenses and expect Congress 10 pay them and nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the X fortunes and liberties of the people of this country [ were so long confided. The war was conducted by .-% him under every jKassible disadvantage, and while his '% forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every (f obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion ^ and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest ,i' nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 17S3, Washington, in ^ a parting address of surpassing beautv, resigned his V V') 1^ commission as commander-in-chief of the army to to the Continental Congress sitting at Annajxjlis. He retired immediately to Mount \ernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February, 1789, Washington was unanimously elected President. In iiis presidential career ht was subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new government ; trials from lack of confidence on the pari of other governments; trials from want ol harmony between the different sections of our own country; trials from the imiwverished condition of the country, owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and while perhaps this alone kept our government from sinking at the very outset, it left him exixjsed to attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and very annoying. -At the expiration of his first term he was unani- mously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining years free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the year, however, his reix)se seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. .\t the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the armies. He chose his sub- ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- ters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the comm.ind he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2, he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- teenth his body was borne wiih military honors to its final resting place, and interred in the family vault at Mount Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is inijxjssible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- miration. The more we see of the operations of our government, and the more deeply we feel the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- ent and character, which have been able to challenge the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits of the globe, and which we cannot hut believe will be as lasting as the existence of man. The person of Washington was unusally tall, erect and well proportioned. His muscular strength was great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. He commanded respect without any appearance of haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. ^• (^ im\^^^^-^ ■^m%m<^^^ — ^^ -4^^5^y^^ imi4 ^ i ^myM^>T >lf^jX!rt-« 4^^K^4li SECOND PRESIDENT. 'feri£ia»^ )»» ;'^vT*'r+-*'*l?*-r*"*vrif**.i'*TT"+'T- .^g-liAi at S \9 ■■^*' V^ OHN ADAMS, the second _, Piesideiit and the first Vice- v>j' President of the United States, \vis> born in Braintree ( now Quincy ),Mass., and about ten miles from Boston, Oct. 19, " fi >r g. 1735 His great-grandfatlier, Henry ''' Adams, emigrated from England about 1640, with a family of eight sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) .Adams. His father was a farmer of limited means, to which he added the bus- iness of shoemaking. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical educa- ■ tion at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purjxjse he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had tliought seriously of the clerical profession but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'" of the operations of which he had been a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, jxissessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of s|>eech, and having quick percep- tive ixjwers. 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, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu- tions he offered on the subject became very jxjpular throughout the Province, 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 jxjpular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- lislature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congre&s, which ir.et in 1774. Here he distinguished himself by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- vocated the movement for independence against the majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies should assume liie duties of self-government. He was a prominent member of the committee of five apixjinted 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 excitetl feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated by the si)irit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in .Anierica; and greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. \ 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 historj' of America. I am a])t to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to .Almighty Ciod. It ought to be solemnized with jxjmp, shows. c^: ( '' (^ m ^^^ r^^K eV<>Il !] >: n ^'i>^ :2<€^^ /OJ^JV ABAMS. v> games, siMrts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations fU from one end of the continent to the other, from this W^ time forward for ever. You will think me transported «* with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of I the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to (^j 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 ajipointed 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 projxjsels. 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. While in England, still drooping and despond- ing, he received dispatches from his own government urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long re- garded him as a traitor. As England did not condescend to apixaint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. .Adams felt that he was accom- plishing but little, he sought permission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain at the second election of Washington as President, Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, though not without 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 areat ;a; V m French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point whicii he was at issue with the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jeflerson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people in tiieir struggle, for he had no confidence in their power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the class of atheist i)hilosophers wlio he claimed caused it. On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- iginated the alienation between these distinguished men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England and Jefferson led the other in sympathy with France. The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling had died away, and he had liegun to receive that just appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till after death. No one could look upon his venerable form, and think of what he had done and suffered, and how he had given up all the prime and strength of his life to the piihhc good, without the deepest emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his |)eculiar good fortune to witness the complete success of the institution which lie 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 ujxin the earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is well known, on that day two of these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from his l>ed. 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 — God bless you all." In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, "Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- signed his spirit into the hands of his God. The jjcrsonal appearance and manners of Mr. Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, as his ])ortrait manifests,w:is intellectual ard ex]ires- sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. He had neither the loftv dignity of Washington, nor the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked the manners and address of Jefferson i % (?. p|y\«))«^^fi- ^^^f^ — ^-^^mi^iini^^ — "^"^f^ -4^^^C(®>§ :« V H(3MAS JEFFERSON was born April 2, 1743, at Shad- pwell, Albermarle county, Va. His parents were Peter and Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and the latter born in Lon- don. To them were born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas was the elder. When 14 years of age his father died. He received a most liberal education, hav- ing been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he was earnestly devoted 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 haid study, allowing himself for ex- ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out of the city and back again. He thus attained very ^ high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- ■^^ phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and v^ Greek authors he read with facility. A inore finished /:_ scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and ^ ] there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a more pureiuinded, upright, gentlemanly young man. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time lie continued in the )ractice of his profession he rose ra[)idly 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 liim 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 accom[)lished young widow. Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, tliere was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, wliich commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected lor his new home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed n\K)n a number of important committees, and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John .Xdams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was apiKjinted to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal changes before it was sul)mitted 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. Wliat must have been the feelings of that A ca: f&) B m 28 THOMAS JEFFERSON. -^#^5f(®^X:^): t A S f 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, .vas also to publish her to tlie 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 innnortality. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- sion of 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. r, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- dent, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity. and George Clinton, Vice President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- tion was disturbed by an event wliich threatened the tranquility and peace of the Uniot; ; this was tiie 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 purixjse 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 f:ir more dangerous character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined to retir* from political life. For a period of nearly forty years, he had been continually before the jiub- fic, 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 tiie 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, l)eing the fiftieth anniver- )5€^^ 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, wiiich had been of several weeks duration, and had been continually increasing, compelled liim to decline the invitation. On the second of July, the disease under which he was laboring left liim, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, entertained no hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 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 lo breathe the airof the fiftieth anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding countrymen; for half a century they had labored together for the good of the country; and now hand in hand they depart. In their lives they had been united in the same great cause of liberty, and in tlieir 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 us 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 wriringsis discernable the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquity. k i 1 f> /^^c^:^-^ -c-^g^Mii^ 0^1^ I^^7^^)«^#« ^^^^^ FOURTH PRI'SIDENT. ^ ] V* t pn]ES n]7iDisoi] :->A^ •4y^fc* r i ■^' ^^^^^^2^^^2-t^^ /^^-i^£^-e^^>^-C^^^ AMKS MONROE, the fifth ^^.Presidcntof The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co.. Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of nativity. His ancestors had for many years resided in the prov- mce in which he was born. When, at 17 years of age, in the process 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 (ireat Britian, declared the separa- tion of the Colonies, and promul- gated the Declaration of Inde])en- '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 amoi;g 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 |)ouring in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- tending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 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 A ^: .i))«^l* 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 Jiad 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 ])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. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable ^ ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782, he was elected from King George county, a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards T employed with unremitting energy for the public good, ^ ^»^f^ — ^-^^n I) :< iiiii>ve^ 4^^ ■^2*^^^: o-v<-^ JAMES MONROE. ^4^^$ V ^ ^ he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the Uniied States. Decplyas Mr. Monroet'cll the iniperfoi tionsof thcold ('onfederacy, lie was opiiused to llie new Constitution, thinking, with many others of the Reimhlican party, that it gave loo nuicli jxawcr to the Central Government, and not enough to tlie individual States. Still he re- tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its ado|ition. In 17S9, he became a member of the United States Senate; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction be- tween the two great parlies wiiidi ilivided the nation, the Federal aiul llie Kcpiibliian, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ide.is 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 tlie Constitution as to give the Central Ciovernment as little power, and tlie State (iovernmentsas much iHjwer, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sympathized with F^ngland, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which wt)uld give as much jwwer to the Central Ciovernment as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and l<.ei>ul)licans 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 F'ederalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse alUirecian and.\ssyrian greatness, the com- bination of their antagonism was needed to create the light eipiilibriuni. .\nd yet each in his day was de- nounced as almost a tlenion. Washington was then President. F^ngl.ind ii.ul es- poused the cause of the Hourbons against the princi- ples of the F'rench Revolution. k\\ Kurope was drawn into the conllict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a i)roclamation of neutrality be- tween these contending powers. l'"rance had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. .Ml the despotisms of Europe were now comliinedto 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 h.izard, we shoidd help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed tlie Pres- ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could apnreci.ite such a character, developed his i aim, serene, almost divine greatness, by appointing tliat very lames Monroe, who was de- nouncing the ixilicy of the Ciovernment, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France, ^fr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention i 1 France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 5- ^^^^ ^J<-^[ Shortly after his return to this comitry, Mr. Mon- roe was elected C.overnor of Virginia, and held the ortice for three yeais. He was again sent to France to co-ojierate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the Province of Louisiana, which F" ranee had but shortly before ob- tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- cessful. For tlie comparatively small sum of fifteen millions of doll.irs, tlie entire territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana were added to tlie United States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. Yxowx F'rance Mr. Monroe went to F-ngland to ob- tain from that country some recognition of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious im[)ressments of our seamen. but F"ng- land was unrelenting. He again returned to F'.ng- land on the same mission, but could receive no redress. He returnetl to his home and was again chosen Ciovernor of \'irgiiiia. This he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State under M;idison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trying times, the duties of the \\'ar Department were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Cikui the return of peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the e.\- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. \\. the elec- tion held the previous autumn Mr. .Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and u|)on March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. .\mong the important measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the United States; the Missouri t'omiiromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'* This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1813. .-^t that time the United States had recognized the independ- ence of the .South American states, ami did not wish to have F-uropean powers longer attempting to sub- due iwrtions of the .American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we shouUl lonsider anyalteni])! on the part of I",uropean (wwers to extend their sys- tem to any portion t)f this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety." and "that we could not view any interposition for the purjiose of oppressing or controlling .American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestatimi by European liowers of an unfriendly disjiosition toward the United States." This doctrine immediately affected the course of foreign governments, and has become the approved sentiment of the United States. At the end of his fecond term Mr. Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830. when he went to New York to live with his son-in- law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. V A A ^>: r 1^ "rdM^Mh^ SJXTH PRESIDKNT. r^"^' ?m. 39 ^,v^//:\\>,.^3 I 30^]] QniI]6Y ^D^EQS. | i^.->^.'^ 'K w ■-^ ? OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the If) sixth President of the United 'So'Siates, was born in the rural J home of his honored fatlier. \i' Jo!in Adams, in Quincy, Mass., ,^ on tlie I ith cf July, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted uorth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant ab- sence of liis father. When but eight years of age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listen- nig to the booming of the great bat- tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on upon the smoke and flames billow- ing ui> from the conflagration of ("harlestown. When but eleven years old he took a tearful adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Europe, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a half in Paiis, where his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted the notice f)f these distinguished men, and he received from them flattering marks of attention. Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad, .'\gain John (^uinc)- accompanied his father. At Paris he applied himself with great diligence, for six months, to study; then accompained his father to Holland, where he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then the University at I.eyden. About a year from this time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fovirteen years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant lalwr .and of enobling culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned to Holland through Sweden, Depmark, Hamlnirg and Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed his studies, under n private tutor, at Hague. Thence, in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming accpiaintancc with the most distinguished men on the Continent; examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal themes which can engross the human mind. After a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, when he returned to .America. To a brilliant young man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, and who was familiar with the etiipielte 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 comjilete his education in an American college. He wished then to study law, that with an honoraljle profession, he might be able to obtain an independent support. Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, he stiulied law for three years. In |une, 1794, be- ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- pointed by Washington, resident minister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached London in October, where he was immediately admit- ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, assisting them in negotiating a commercial treatv with (ireat Brilian. After thus spending a fortr.iglit in [,ondon, he proceeded to the Hague. In July, 1797, he left the Hague logo to Portugal as minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but recpiesting him to remain in London until he should receive his instructions. \\'hile waiting he was married to an American lady to whom he had been i)reviously en- gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter of Mr. Joshua Johnson, .\merican 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. err X/ 1^;^. I^^\^>)«^# ^^?^»^ -^^n!l>^DIIr>=^ r 4>^j((®Xi^i! ®:^«^^<|« /OlfJV QUINCY ADAMS. 4^^((^V# f A % V ■•) He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- filled all the purix)ses of his mission, he solicited his recall. Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to Ihe Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- sulting our flag. There was no man in America more familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon these points, and no one more resolved to present a firm resistance. In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- idential chair, and he immediately nominated John Qtiincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked at Boston, in August, 1809. While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- dent. He devoted his attention to the language and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to the climate and astronomical observations ; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. All through life the Bible constituted an 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 apj)ointed Mr. -■Vdams Secretai^ 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 tlie 18th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof Mr. Mon- roe's administration, Mr. .\dams <-.ontinued Secretary of State. Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second term of office, new candidates began to be presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. .\dams brought forward his name. It «'as 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 .-Vdams, eighty-four; William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- seven. As there was no choice by the people, the (|uestion went to the House of Representatives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all the disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous and persistent assault ui)on 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. \\'hen 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 j Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- dent. The slavery question now began to assume I portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to j 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 I years, until his deatli, he occupied the {X)st as repre- I sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to ! do brave battle' for I'reedom, 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 j be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime in Us moral daring and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, with expulsion from the House, with assassination; but no threats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. It has been said of President Adams, that when his body was bent and his hair silvered i>y the lapse of fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before he slept, the prajer wliicli his nidther tauglit him in his infant years. On the 2istof February, 1848, he rose on the floor of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and said " This is the end of earth ;"then after a moment's pause he added, " I am eontenl" These were the last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." I vt A i>; V r i I 5 -K'^nii^Dar>M?^ — ^^^^^f^ ^ (^ NDREVV JACKSON, the th President of the /L nited States, was Ijoin in 'I Waxhaw settlement, N. (J., March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His |)arents were pcxar emigrants from Ireland, and took up their abode in Waxhaw set- tlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, his form un- gainly; and there was l)ut very little in his cliaracter, made visible, which was at- tractive. Wiien only thirteen years old he joined tiie volun- teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. .Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- ful gashes, — one on tiie hand and the other ujxjn the head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert with the same demand. He also refused, and re- ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite diiabled him, and which probably soon after caused his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their mother was successful ill obtaining their exchange. A m -^Sii^^jjKL ^ and took her sick boys home. After a long illness * Andrew recovered, and the death of liis mother soon left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, (" ^ gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish with the Sharj) Knife. In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband, (ireat was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled jjy the first husband. The marriage ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. During these years he worked hard at his profes- sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- ially disgraceful. In January, 1796, tiie Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven ( ounties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Rejiresentatives. Andrew Jack- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to IMiiledeljihia, where Congress then held its c >^ >^ 44 |gD^^> A y^j v> I ANDREW JACKSON. -4?^§5C<®V^Si. ^ sessions, — a distance of about eight Inindred miles. /j^ Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Deino- -•f. cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 'V Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. T Jackson took his seat. Gen. Washington, whose (hj second term of office was then expiiing, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve wlio'voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. \\ asliington's adminstration had been " wise, firm and patriotic." J Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States ,■4^ Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. ■'^1 Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme {'ourt ,^ of liis State, which position he lield fjr six years. Wlieu tlie war of 1812 witli Great Britran com- menced, Madison occui)ied 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 \.\\X)X\ him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson , ~\ offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly 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 Wilkinson. The ?^ expedition reached Natchez; and afteradela\ of sev- "O' era! weeks there, without accomplishing anything, N the men were ordered i)ack to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jackson had disphiyed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him 'the nickname of " Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewliip ("ol. Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering tiixm a bed of sulTering news came that the Indians, who had comliined imder Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, .\labama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bendsof theTallaooosa River, near the cen- ter of Alabama, almut fifty miles below Fort Strother. _ With an army of two tliousand men. Gen. Jackson f traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable brea.st- 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, .'^ome threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly ever)'one of the nine hundred war- rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. The ix)wer of the Creeks was Ijroken 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 ujXjn the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue Immediate! v he was apjxjinted major-general. Late in .\ugust, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing marcii. Gen. Jackson came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed a force ujxm the beach, an< hored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault. The battle was long and doubtful. .\t length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Crarrisoning Mobile; where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, .\nd the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won for Gen. [ackson an imperishable name. Here his troops, which numbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the British army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. The name of Gen. lackson soon began to be men- tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, he was defeated by Mr. .\dams. He was, however, successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins of the government, lie met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved witha devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most memorable in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. .\t tlie cxpiraliim of his two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Nlr. Jack- son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. Vv. 1 i r > y'^ ^t^^C^V!^ ^^ EIGHTH PRESFDEXT. K [=3 ^ 47 \ r.>j^:» ipifl'Il] Y^l] BUItEy. '{OW* =^v?)" ->A'^>:v?A^X:^-^^^f^ ARI'lN VAN BURKN, tlic ciLihth President of the ■ I'liited States, was born at Kinilerliook, N. V., Dec. 5, 17SJ. He died at the same plac e, July 24, 1S62. His body rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft tifteeii 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 i5uren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in lX)litical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His an- cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhoqk. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and e.\emplary piety. He was decidedly a precocious boy, develo[)ing un- usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies in his native village, and commenced the study of law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven years of study in a law-office were reipiired of him before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After .spending six years in an office in his native village, he went to the city of Xew York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- lage. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was iir cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elocpiently espoused the cause of State Rights; though at that time the Fed- eral party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing ruputation led him, after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, constantly gaining strength by contending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the bar of his .State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over- her loss. l'\)r twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record of those years is barren in items of public interest. In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous supjxirt to Mr. Madison's adniinstration. In 1815, he was ap- [lointed ,\ttorney-Cieneral, and the next year moved to .'\lbany, the capital of the State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had vV V^ A •■ — ' 1=1 •<— ' •f • t y -'eV MARTIN VAN BUREN. ^ /^ :^ > t 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 he invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue and some property interests in the welfare of the State. In 182 I he was elected a 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 ixssition as anactive and useful legislator. In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- termined opiX)ser of the Administration, adopting the "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. .\dams. Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen (iovernorof the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- garded throughout the United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious and cunning of jxyliticians. It was supixjsed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to organize a jwlitical army which would, secretly and stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these [wwers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which few thought then could be accomplished. When .\ndrew Jackson was elected President he apf)ointed 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 V i^ ^^^^ — ^tK^HO^: 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 iiead of that Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. He was elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the retiring President. "Leaving New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred upon him the power to appoint a successor." His administration was filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in- volve this country in war witli England, the agitation of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- = cial panic which spread over the country, all were *^ trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- tributed to the management of the Democratic party, and brought the President into such disfavor that he failed of re-election. With the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, Mr. Van Buren lived ([uietly 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 un([uestioned patriotism, and the distinguished [wsitions which he had occupied in the government of our country, se- cured to him not only the homage of his party, but the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald^ he still exerted a powerful influence w\iox\ 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 ^J experienced amid tlie stormy scenes of his active life. ^ W^y^. ^ ■-'- '^^^5C@>Nii c A ^ ^ /^;^;^e3^^^^i^'>^ ^-rm^^ i i. (i ILLIAM HENRY HARRl- bOV, the ninth President of the United States, was horn Tt I eikeles , \'a., Feb. 9, 1773. Hib father, Beiijaniin Harri- son was in comparatively op- ulent circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an mtimate friend of George Washington, \v as early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments of the liritish crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- rison and Jolin Hancock were both candidates for the office of speaker. Mr Harrison was subseiiuently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, ; William Henry, of course enjoyed in childhood all the advantages which wealth and intellectvial and cultivated society could give. Hav- ing received a thorough common-school education, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated with honor soon after the death of his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, signers of the Declaration of Independence. Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- dent Washington. He was then but ig years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to (ieneral Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This Territory *as then entitled to but one member in Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that lX)sition. In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory was divided by Congress into two jMrtions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory north-west of the C)hio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- jxiinted 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 these res|ionsible duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four times apjx)inted 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. Oneof these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly ojjposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About A (r) -^^^^ — ^^rK^^Dii: TT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. ^ the year 1806, two extraordinary mei:, twin brothers, ^ of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of f) these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching ^ Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or "The Prophet. Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagacity, far-reaching foiesiglu and indomit- able perseverance in any enterprise ni wliich he might engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, and had long regarded with dread and with hatred the encroachment of the whites uiion the hunting- grounds of his fathers. His l)rotlier, tlie Prophet, was anorator, wlio could sway the feelingsof the untutored Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath wliicli they dwelt. But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, in the superstitious minds of tlie 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 Cireat .Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. ^ October 28, 1812, his army began its march. When ./\ near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made j^ their appearance and inquired wliy Ciov. Harrison was 1=3 approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a )r5 short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. But Gov. Harrison was loo well acquainted with the Indian character to be deceived by sucli protes- tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- campment, he took every precaution against surprise. His troops were [wsted in a hollow s([uare, and slept upon their arms. 'I'he troops threw themselves upon the ground for rest; b\it every man had his accourtrements on, his loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- .^ tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It \? was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In ^ the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all tlie desperation which superstition and i)assion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left Hank of the little army. The savages had been amply provided with guns and ammunition by the English. Their war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the \ light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- .'ii ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubtir.g a K speedy and an entire victory. \\\\\. Gen. Harrison's ■i/ troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them ^ until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous ») charge with the Ijayonet, and swept every thing be- ^ fore them, and completely routing the foe. ) > ' ) A ^ (iov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British descending from theCan- adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madison commander-in- chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake Detroit, and to [irotect the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but (ieneral Harrison was found equal to the position, and nol)ly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- sponsibilities. He won the love of his soldiers by al'.vays 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 [jrisoners of war, supjied with him after the battle. The only fare he could give them was beef roasted before the fire, without bread or salt. In iS 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Representatives, to represent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with force of reason and power of elocjuence, which arrested the attention of all the members. In I Si 9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio; and in 1S24, as one of the presidential electors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the L'nited States Senate. In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him forward as a candidate for the Presidency against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re -nominated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimou.sly nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but his triumph was signal. 'I'he cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster at its head as Secretary of State, ivas one of the most brilliant with which anv President had ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a 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. A '>: A \' r C^i^/Z ^ rfrV<:ll[l>:l TENTH PRKSIDENT. ">SNi>i,- J DlII^ TYLE 55 V^ OHN TYLER, the tentli rresidentof tlie United States. He was born in Charles-city Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He WIS the favored child of af- fluence and high social po- sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered William and Mary C'ollege and grad- nated with much honor when but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted him- self witli great assiduity to the study of law, partly with his father and partly with Kdmund Randolph, one of the most distin- guished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, ne ft U commenced the practice of law. |» His success was rapid and aston- ishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the dock- I et of the court in which he was not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost vmanimonsly elected to a seat in the State Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote or his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and ably with the Democratic party, opiX)sing a national bank, intcnial improvements by the General Govern- ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con- struction of the Constitution, and the most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. NVith a reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of voles, Ciovernor of his native State. His administration was signally a suc- cessful one. His poi)ularity secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, thtn represented Virginia in tlie 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 ojiiwnenl, considering him the only man in Virginia of»sufficient po|)ularity 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 joineii the ranks of the oi)posi- tion. He oi)posed the tariff; he spoke against and voted against the bank as unconstitutional; he stren- uously op])osed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- eral Governnient, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's vii'w of nvillification ; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the princi])les of the Democratic party. •Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record in |)erfect accordance with the princi]iles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of his profession. There was a split in the Democratic A ^^^^'-' — ^-^^il!i:^ ^-. _>;?i^'Mi^rr_ ^^^i^^Mi iiK/'®^«^#— -:^^ — 6v<>nD^nnf>T^ rr -«^^(@M^ JOJIN TYLER. -^r^ S«??^>o^ 4^^(<®y^<:(^'^ ifr/^ !>j«r ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. -i^^^vS 59 ^ <5t -s^ ,^^8 ^ ^1 AMES K. Pdl.K, the eleventh j.j|President of the United StatL-s, was born in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par- ents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 17,35. Ill the year 1006, with iiis wife and children, and soon after fol- lowed by most of the members of the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- grated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich valley of the Duck River. Here in the midst of the wilderness, in a region which was sul)se()uently called Mau- ry Co., they reared their log huts, and established their homes. In the hard toil of a new farm in the wil- f" derness, James K. Polk spent the early years of his childhood and youth. His father, adding the nur- suit of a surveyor to that of a fanner, gradually increased in wealth until he became one of the leading men of the region. I lis mother was a superior woman, of strong loniiiKin sense and earnest piety. Very early in life, James develo[)ed 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 i)unct- uality and industry, and had ins])ircd him with lofty principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for commercial i)ursuits. This was to James a bitter disap|)ointinent. He had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. \V'ith ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. H'ere he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing himself to he absent from n recitation or a religious service. He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in mathematics and the classics, lie was llicii tuciity- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity wiili wliii h he had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the office of Felix (Irundy, to slii■■;. 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 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 1 839, 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 [)oint, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr Polk per- formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1S39. In accordance with .Soutlicni 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, bur was defeated. On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- ated President of the United States. The verdict of the country in favor of the annexationof Texas, exerted its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, Almonte, immediately demanded his passiwrts and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message. President Polk urged that Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- ceived into the Union on the same footing with the other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took |)lace, 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 was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. ' To the victors belong the six)ils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace ujxjn the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territor)' eipial to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right : there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquility and hap|>iness were before him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge— was then swee|)iiig up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the isth of June, 1S49, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. ^ /S >: r i\^))^^^ ^^^^ -^m'^Mtlll^(m>>:^r- TIVELFTH PRESIDENT. ■>i'^i TAYI,OX^ I ^.^.\ ■v A^VA_.v.\ -v -v.-i-v v^ji -v-v; . V. v.\.\ :jj. ., ACHARY TAYLOR, iwcllih 4) I'rtsideiit of the United States, Jj)* was born on tlie 24tli 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 Zaehary was an infant, his father withliis wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, wliere 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 S^ could enjoy luit few social and educational advan- ^ tages. When si.x years of age he attended a common V ) school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter tlie 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 which were stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Kng- (g\ land, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been I 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- ^K ness by Gen. Harrison, on liis march to Tippecanoe. (® It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, ^ led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken ^^V«/)^#- ^^^- ^-^^DE company of inlantry nmnbermn fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autunni df iSij, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible prei)aration to meet the antici- pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. 'Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down; the savages disaiipeared, the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can conceive the scenes which ensued. 'The savages suc- ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-iiouses- Until si.x o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. 'The savages then, baffled at every point, and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 'Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the rank of major by brevet. Until the close of the war, Major'Taylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the wilderness, tt) Fort Crawford, on Fo.x River, which empties into Green Hay. Here there was but little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. 'Tliere were no books, no society, no in- _:y\.-y'^\n<_ t i s^^ ZACHAR V I i ^ V > o> 1 tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and m employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acc4uaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- tire l>eyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs l)y 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 sucli wearisome employment amidst the everglades of tlie peninsula. Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own retp.iest, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the South- west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and tieorgia. Establishing his headi|uarters at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which lie purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed u|)on him. In 1846, den. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio (rrande, the latter river being tlie boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon tlie war with Me.xico was Ijrought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Raima, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. His careless habits of dress and liis unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, \.\\e sohrii/uet of "Old Rough and Ready.' The titiings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread tlie wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- ful [jopularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- lettered, honest soldier as tiieir candidate for the Presidency, (ien. Taylor was astonished at the an- nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- claring that he was not at all (]ualified 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 l)een long years in the public service found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name I 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 elo(iuent speaker nor a fine [^ writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- v/-^ pared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The jwpularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — (jen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial ixjsitioii, 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, 1S50. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I liave endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- ^ pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the ^* c-oe G sk (juence. The frontiers and small military posts aad been his home. Hence he was (piiie ignorant f 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 somethingworse), (^ whom he would not, to use his oft rejieated piirase, j 'touch with a pair of tongs.' t "Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- ^'^ worth's spelling-book, on the jxirt of one wearing a '^- sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- saving contempt for learning of every kind." ....^y^/^^^,^^ j^S.1^^^ I ^' MILLflRn FILLfflnHE. ^ | -^@^ t 1 1 @^-^ ILL\Rn FILLMORE, thir- •rfi, "^ j?f%#ll tecnth I'rcsideiit of the United A ^ f'Jt§l\ ^ "^titL-., was born at Sumnicr j Hill Cayuga Co., X. V ., on ^^^2o the 7th of laiiiiarv, iSoo. His ^-^ f ither was a farmer, and ow- in^ to misfortune, in humble cii- Luuibtmces. Of his mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she possessed an intellect of very high order, united with much personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- lX)sition, graceful manners and ex- (juisite sensibilities. .'^he died in 1 83 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 consecpience of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- vantages for education in his early years. The com- mon schools, which he occasionally attended were very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid the foundations of an ufiright character. When fourteen years of age, his father sent him some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. Neav the mill there was a small villiage, where some enterprising man had commenced the collection of a village library. This proved an inestimable blessing to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate; and the selections which he made were continually more elevating and instructive. He read history, biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- kindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, educated man. The young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal ajjpearance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied, that he had no means of his own, r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to take him into his own office, and to loan him such money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- lege. But many a boy loiters through university hails and then enters a law office, who is by no means as I c^: -4>^^ ^^^ T^C^^ MTLLARD FTLLMORE. 4^^K^V\^^ I I V I -^ well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- tense mental culture. In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 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 industry, 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 degree the respect of his associates. In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in the United States Congress He entered that troubled arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our national history. The great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits, was then raging. His term of two years closed ; and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- utation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- rience as a representative gave him strength and confidence. The first term of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, he was elected Comptroller of the State. «^ A Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But it was necessary to associate with him on the same ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the namesof Zachary 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. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend ^ with, since the opiX)sition 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. Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition was sent out. On the 4th of ^Larch, 1853, Mr. Fill- more, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were en- deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. r S-t^-Sl ■A<- •^A;9 =«J*^ I '^/^ly/^^^M^ m ■^^i<99~ ^-x^ TZ'Svk^' :K^>tiii^.nii>> FOUR TKKNTU PRESIDENT 7' >? V ^^^ J^ , , -*r ,. . . JymC*'"^' •-•5:;' flu I?* 9 ""'' * RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the ■ L nited States, was born in Hillsboroui;h, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a RevoUitionary soldier, who, with liis own strong arm, hewed out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated mind, and an uncompromis- ing Democrat. The mother of Franklin Pierce was all that a son could desire, — an intelligent, pru- dent, affectionate, Christian wom- an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old and young. The boys on the play ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked ujxjn him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body, in mind, in affections, a finely-developed toy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was one of the most jwpular young men in the college. The purity of his moral character, the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and ==.-. "««■<>? ^; genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- nating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four 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 duty, and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom he was associatad. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced his administration. He was the youngest memberin the Senate. In the year 1834. he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with wiiich her husband was honoied. Of the A c^: r i 4^^f FRANKLIN PIERCE. three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his (^ . residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but the offer was declined^ in consequence of numerous professional engagements at home, and the precariuos state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the same time declined the nomination for governor by the Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an imjxjrtant 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 (jues- 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 I 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they continued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown for Gen. I'ierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig candidate, (ien. Pierce was chosen with great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their -i7> electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce (® was therefore inaugurated President of the United ^ States on the 4th of March, 1S53. ) i^' V I 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 jwint. It became evident that there was an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slav.e 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. 'I'he 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 ajv 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 i)arties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slaver)' 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- v* people were often gladened by his material bounty. -^ f c ^: c \e?l. ■'HB '^^/^n^^ (^^'^^'^co^^if^'PZ'^^^^Pi^ j'/FTEENTH PRESIDENT. '.I ."i' ." i'.; v.^'.^ '^' it.; i',s "RiTCfM-aamMo m AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- teenth President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Allegha- nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on tlie 23d of April, 1791. The place wliere the humble cabin of his father stood was called Stony Hatter. It was a wild and ro- mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- tains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland ; a poor man, who had emigrated in 1783, with little property save his own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- cluded home, where James was i)orn, he remained for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual advantages. When James was eight years of age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where ' his son was placed at school, and commenced a 1 course of study in English, Latin and Creek. His ^§? progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he W. entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- X^ veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among •' the first scholars in the institution. His application ^ to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- ^^^^^^ — ^tK^hh ablcd him to master the most abstruse subjects will: facility. In the year I S09, he graduated with the highest honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- crative practice. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. During the vacations of Congress, he occasionall/ tried some important case. In 1S31, he retired altogether from the toils of his iirofession, having .t'- ([uired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, uiwn his elevation to the Presidency, appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, which gave satisfaction to all jxirties. l"pon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advo<:ated the meas- ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- 9 c^: 4 (^ '^M'^ £X. -cs^^^ M A 1=1 (^ sals against France, to enforce the payment of our claims against that country ; and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those wiio were not the sup- porters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against (ien. Jackson for removing the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- cated that they should be respectfully received; and that the reply should be returned, that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with slavery under a foreign government as in any of the States where it now exists." U[X)n Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of Slate, and as such, took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Orande into that territory was a declaration of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our (lovernment |)ursuedin that movement. Mr. Buchanan identified liimself thoroughly with the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050, which included the fugitive-slave law, Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- striction and final aliolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- ceived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- wildered. He could not, with his long-avowed prin- g\®)>€^f^ j::^-X : > 1 i i .■♦♦■■. ■- ::< > < ABRAHAM > m>^1 5 i8< HRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth President of the 5I^United States, was liorn in lardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, About tlie year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham Lincohi left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wildsof Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young man, while working one day in a field, was stealtiiily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled with the most prominent in the annals of our world. Of- course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the [worest of the poor. His home was a wretched log -cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either 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 buill a log- cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of ])oor Kentucky emi- grants, who had also < ome from Virginia. Their second child was .'Vljraliam Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. Tlie mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. "All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- ful son "I owe to my angel-mother. When he was eight years of age, his father sold his cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the sciibe of the uncduc ated community around bin). He could not have had a better school than tliis to teacli him to jjut thoughts into words. He also becAme an eager reader. Lhe books he could obtain were few ; i)ut these he read and re-read until they were almost committed to memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. 'I'hrre were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister .Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and soon died. Tlie family was gradually scattered. Mr. Thomas Lincoln sold out his scpiatter's claim in lSjo, and emigrated to Macon C"o., 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 jwwer. He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and became strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in God's word, "Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy Ciod in vain ;" and a profane expression he was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer among the farmers. Then lie went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large fiat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated iheni dowt^ the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven- Co < ABRAHAM LINCOLN. *Mi ^ ■O ture Ills 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 (i)j years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but T was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the ai)i)ointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-oftice was his hat. .\11 tlie letters he received he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his business. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected. Mr. Stuart, of Si)ringfield, 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 (piestion. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he look an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opjwsition 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 (piestion, and he took the broad ground of the Declaration of Independence, that all men are created etpial. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far liigher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and strangers who crowded tlie city amounted to twenty- five thousand. .\^n immense building called "The Wigwam," was reared to accommodate tlie Conven- tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most prominent. It was generally supjwsed he would be the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: and as little did he dream that he was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of !the whole civilized world, and which would give him ..;i, aplaceinthe affections of his countrymen, second "i^ 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 poured upon this good ^ and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this higii position. In February, i86i, .Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stopi)ing in all the large cities on his way making speeches. The whole journey was frouglit 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, uixjn his arrival to" get uj) a row," and in the confusion to make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from HarrisL'urg, through Baltimore, at an une.xpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- cation on the part ot the Secessionists with 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 an.xiety 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 opi)onents before the convention he gave imix)rtant iwsitions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the resiwnsibilities so great, as those which fell to the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and feeling liis 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 i)ersonal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of himself. Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left Springfield, in i86r, however, plans had been made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim to one of them, .\pril 14, 1865, lie, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It was announced that they would l.e ])resent. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- ing, witn his ciiaracteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth entered the box where the President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the next morning at seven o'clock. Never before, in the history of liie world was a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was in tears. His was a life which will filly become a model. His name as the savior of his country will live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- men being unable to decide which is the greater. V I V ! ■^^nnr-^nni^^^^ — ^^^"^^ 4^Nf® (.5.; ^^?tjU.-iy-' ^i^^^s'e^ (^ 'States. The early life of Andrew Johnson contains but the record of poverty, destitu- tion and friendlessness. He n lb born December 29, HI Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class of the "poor whites " of the Soutli, were in such circumstances, that they could not confer even the slight- est advantages of education ufwu their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while heiorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the labor of his mother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was ap- prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- ally, and reading to the boys at work tiiere. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British states- men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary native ability, became much interested in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on- ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- sessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- ganized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in political affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, to which he belonged. In 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 opposition to those of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he was elected a member of Congress, and by successive elections, held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible [XDsi- tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abil- S^ • t <^^^^^- Q^N^-^I ]<> Z-O- -^^^ :<|^' ANDREW JOHNSON. ":2*>^iiS^' (h 2 ^ y ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was fleeted United States Senator. Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- promise measures, the two essential features of which were, that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the free States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'" said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of i860, he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, became President. In a speech two days later he said, " The American people must be taught, if they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished ; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * Tlie people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- ^• acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly T defied it, in everything [Mssible, to the utmost. In .g) the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the princi[)al 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 ujwn 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 ix)litics until 1875. O" J^"- 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 I 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- Jf eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, (^ with every demonstration of respect. ^ i 1, '^y^a,'-'^ A f r^ % I YSSES S. GRANT, the ^) eighteenth President of the ■United States, was born on the 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in a iuuiihle home, at Point Pleasant, on the banks of the Ohio. Shortly after his father moved to George- town, Brown Co., O. In this re- mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-school edu- cation. At the age of seven- teen, in the year 1S39, he entered the Military Academy at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating Indians. The war with .Mexico came. Lieut, (irant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first battle was at Palo .iMto. There was no chance here for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at Resacade la Palma, his second battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that he performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging ujMn one side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- pultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capl. Grant re- turned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The discovery of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. Grant resigned his commission and returned to the States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- lena, 111. This was in the year r86o. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — ■'Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though I have served him through one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid thedebt. I am still ready to discharge my obligations. 1 shall therefore buckle on my sword and see Uncle Sam through this war too." He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, the capital of the State, where their services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the' volunteer organization that was being formed in the State in l>ehnlf of the Government. On the 15th of ];^>A^ Si^^jf^ A ^ Mt- "i^fe-'i^r ■^5-7" <^iin^iin^> "T^^r -:2S^*^ UL YSSES S. GRA NT. : V (^ m s. i^wj2u^^>A, : v u - >^ ^ ■isr NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 91 ^ vf.;.' :■' ;.' :■.':*.•:■,• : v ; .' .'-i' .">>'^t^'a:.ij'« .- RUTHERi:ORD B. HAYES, m "'i^?^i'£gi'ifca'..")'.."i'.;i'.^Vi'.."i'M' 1' .'I' .'i' ■' 1' ;ixrv.n':a'i'a»'i'Vi^u^'..^'V.'>''..'i'.'i'Vi'>"..'t''.-'» '.'*''.' t 1 UT '1 the rHERFORl) B. HAYES, "ihe 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 farljackas 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chief- tains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace and Rol)ert Bruce. Both families l)elonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfor- tune overtaking the family, Cleorge Hayes left Scot- land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son George was born in Windsor, and remained tlicre during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, ni:ir- ried Sarah Lee, arid lived from the time of his mar- riage until his death in Simshury, Conn. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724. and was a manufac- turer of 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- born. He was married, in September, 1S13, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- grated tiiither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industrious, frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to undertake. He was a member of the Church, active in all the benevolent enterjjrises of the town, and con- ducted his business on Christian principles. After the close of the war of 1812, for reasons ine.xplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in tliat 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, 1S22, 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 su])port 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 erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was ^"iSf^ — feA<-iinsiiii;>'-9 — ^^*©^ 9 I (q- ^v^iiiistinf>^ RUTHERFORD B. HA YES. -#^(<^Vi^: :^ ^ ^) subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of him, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't wonder if he would really come to something yet." "You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal iiredictions of his speedy death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. The boy was seven years old before he went to school. His education, however, was not neglected. He probably learned as much from his mother and sister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being - liis 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 healtli had im- proved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he projxjsed 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 liis graduation he began the study of law in the office of Thon^as Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter tlie T.aw School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- mained two years. In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was admitted to tlie bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice a's an attorney-at-law with Ralph I'. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- fession. In 1849 he moved to 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 ])owerful influence upon his subse- (|uent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy \Vare Webb, daughter of Dr. James VVebl), of Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved tlian was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- hood. Tlie Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high char- acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the i|ualities so long hidden by his baslifulness and modesty. In 1S56 he was nominated tu the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- ceiit the nomination. Two years later, the office of city solicitor becoming vacant, the Cu_\' Council elected him for tlie unexpired term. In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he wa;: 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, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Sui)sequently, 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 sei vices in the battles of ^Vinchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General, "forgallant and distil guislu'd Fcrvices during the campaigns of 1864, in ^Vest Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under liim, 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, " 1 shall never come to Washington until I can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1S66. In 1S67, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. .Mien G. Thurman, a jiopular 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 contjest_was chosen President, and was in augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party, but his administration was an average one = f V t »e c; A ^: 1 ^"iD !1 5^ Illln>^^ s^C^J^ gs/^®»«^^ T2^^i^ ^-V^nP^IlDr^ ':i^^K TWENTIETH PRESIDENT. '1 % 9/^^^ ^^^//^\^^^ ■^Z^*S*-=:^ \ '^'^^A ^ ^ ^A^ ^ V^ i »^<^^i»C^^^;;^ JAMES A. CJARFIE ^n::'<\^jiKir e-s^;:;?*?::;?*^;:;?!?^::;,-"*^;:;?* AilES A (iARFIELD, twen- tieth President of the United States, was born Nov. 19, 1S31, in the woods of Orange, C'uyahoga Co., O His par- ents were Abrani and Eliza (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, liut had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- ment. The house in which James A. was lorn was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. It was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. The household comprised the father and mother and their four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Tliomas al)out 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. The early educational advantages young (iarfield enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- penter work, cho[)ped wood, or did anytliing that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the little family to- gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they ever forget him. Wiien in the liigliest seats of honor, the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. Tlie poorest laborer was sure of the sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, jjlain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. 'Ihis was his first visit to the city. After making many applications for work, and trying to get aboard a lake vessel, and imt meeting with success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on tiie Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re- mained at this work but a short time when he went home, and attended the seminar;- at Chester for about three years, wiien he entered Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in the meantime, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of which church he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon " exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- ors of his class. He afterwards returned lo Hiram College as its President. .\s above slated, he early united with the Christian or Diciples Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion : < Si/ ^^e$^r> .:si{^%!^ u^-J^i <^Illir<:^:Dtls> -:-4^ 96 JAMES A. GARFIELD. -^^&sr '^ 2 " 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 Ciuistians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever sliowed 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 comnmnions 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 jiillar and an evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- larian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity.'" Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, Now 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 S[)eeches in 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to figlit 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 acMon, was placed in command of four regiments of infantr)- and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native State the officer (Humphrey M?.rshall) reputed to be the ablest of those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him Brigadier-(ieneral, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its operations around Corinth and its march through Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the General Coutt-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He was tlien 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 01 the Major-General. Without an effort on liis 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 W liittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- tered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re- elections until he was elected President in 1880. Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : "Since tlie year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunel of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish mstruction, the argu- ment on one side stated, in almost every instance belter than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield." \}\x>w Jan. 14, 1880, (ien. Garfield was elected to the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of tiie same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention. He was elected in the following November, and on March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- ministration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and every day it grew in favo; with the peojjle, and by the first of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- liminary work of his administration and was prepar- ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams College. While on his way and at the deiwt, in com- pany with Secretary Blaine, 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 inilicting no further injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was " the shot that was heard round the world " Never ^' before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- $■ curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people ^ for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty days, all during the hot months of July and August, he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained master of himself till the last, and liy his magnificent bearing was teaching the country and the world the noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 19, 1S83, at Elberon, N. J , on the very bank of the ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The world wept at his death, as it never had done on the death of any other man who had ever lived uiK)n it. The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- ■ cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. ^ A :-<>: V r y ;<**%. -•'^V C/.^ TWENTY.FIRST PRESIDENT. ■'**^r'^ yio) ^l :^ (^ ■) HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first President of the .'United States, was born in Franklin County, Vermont, on J> thefifthof October, 1830, andis the oldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. William Arthur, a Baptist clergy man, who emigrated to this country from the county Antrim, Ireland, in his 18th year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and successful ministr\\ Young Arthur was educated at Union College, Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. Af- ter his graduation he taught school \h in Vermont for two years, and at the expiration of that time came to fNew York, with $500 in his pocket, and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver as student. After I being admitted to the bar he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing in the West, and for three months they roamed about in the Western States in search of an eligible site, but in the end returned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- ful career almost from the start. General Arthur soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in t852 that Jon- athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the People, and they won their case, which then went to the Supreme Court of the United States. Charles O'Conor here esjxjused the cause of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward the emancipation of the black race. Another great service was rendered by General Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies quickly i i>; rp 3 v^yr^ -"^i^^d CHESTER A. ARTHUR. f :^ > t 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. General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer- in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- tor General, and soon afterward became (Quartermas- ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered great service to the Government during the war. .\1 the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed tlie practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District .\ttorney of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able lawyers, and possessed a splendid local rejjutation, if not. indeed one of national e-xtent. He always took a leading part in State and city politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest pohtical convention that ever assembled on the continent. It was composed of the leading jMliticians of the Re- publican jjarty, 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 (len. Garfield re- ceived the nomination for President and (len. 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 civiHzcd na- tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- able patience that he manifested during those hours and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- fering man has often been called upon to endure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his credit that his every action displayed only an earnest desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in deed or look of this man, even though the most honored ix)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 res\x)nsibilities of the high office, and he took the oath in New York, Sept. 20, 1881. The [xasition 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 }X)licy he would pursue, and who he would se- lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many imixDrtant measures were to be immediately decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he did not fail to realize under what circumstances he liecame President, and knew the feelings of many on this point, llnder 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 lie 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 duty to the whole Nation, even to the sacrifice of his warmest personal friends. With the good of the people at heart, and guided by the wisdom already displayed, he will surprise his opponents, gratify his friends, and bless the .American Republic, during tlie years he occupies the Presidential chair. t \^ &. r r/ g)$$^;4|^ 'M.m % w^>^^ — ^^^^ ^^mj^^ ^M^ ®)$«^^ -:2^ v Cjv c>iin>: n Il^><7^TH — 5iis5^^ ^^\&^ii I ^ E3 S V 1-a ^ ? .>^^^*c — Q-^^-iii n r^ niiv^M? — ^^cs^ M:-/^l^^^ ■^■w.r'CSr ■7<^.U >: D ^y>r-r^ :s^^^ -4^^5f^'® t vt V :) c C<; V ^se'i;^^ -^:Dll^DDr>^ .^3li«f?Sffl. ^9 I im-r^^^^ ^4^^^: — cr-T<^tii]^ni]^> T^rr -I^JC^^H Vtoj V ?• A :^^ V s (i) '^ E=I 11 M -^^^"^—^^^MM^^fi^^ s^^^ri >)AlS ^' tirv ^Dn:-^Diiv>v rrr 4^^C@V;^ e^ 1 V A >» i 3 .^itn'-e.^ Q^.yiiai^. ^ '^^ t :(f^ ■rrv 4^iin^ni]>> -Ziti^^ GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. mm.. STEPHEN T. MiiSON. ? -'«xXi7iS-^'" 1 I=X ^ ^ ■J TEPHEN T. MASON, the W first ( 'lovcrnorof Michiijan, was ^* a sou of Gen. John T. Mason, 5 of Kentucky, but was born in = Virginia, in 18 12. At the age '^^'^ of 19 he was apixjinted Secre- tary of Michigan Territory, and served in that capacity during the administration of Gov. George B. Porter. Upon the death of Gov. Porter, which occurred on the 6th of July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act- ing Governor. In October, 1835, he was elected Governor under the State organization, and immediately en- tered uix)n the performance of the ' duties of the otifice, 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 jxjsition, and served with credit to himself and to the advantage of the State. He died Jan. 4, 1843. The principal event during Crovernor ^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 jxjint of Lake Michigan, extending through Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, the parties to which were the original 13 States, and the territory northwest of the Ohio ; and, by the suc- cession of parties under statutory amendments to the ordinance and laws of Congress — the United .States on the one part, and each Territory northwest of the Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the -^m;f^ u^ other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior grant, or assignation of boundary. Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance had been superseded by the Constitution of the United States, and that Congress had a right to regu- late the boundary. It was also claimed that the Constitution of the Slate 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 atoliiersshe ap- (leared to regard the (question unsettled, liy the fact that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re- gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 18 [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 1 818. In 1820, the (juestion in dispute underwent a rigid e.xaniination by the Committee on Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously urged by her delegation, and as ably opjwsed by Mr. Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The result was that the committee decided unanimously in favor of Michigan; but, in the hurry of business, no action was taken by Congress, and the (juestion remained open till Michigan organized her State gov- ernment. The Territory in dispute is about five miles in width at the west end, and about eight miles in width at the east end, and extends along the whole north- ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and tliat claimed by Ohio was known as the " Harris line," C<-i t -L<;i|i|;^:t|t|;>A^> ^^^^^ 'ml -^ />• IO« -i^ SrEP^E.V T. MASOy. ->^.rii^ I V s ?\ fioin the n.imes of ihe sunt\x»ts. The leniton- was valu.ihle tor its rich agriculiund lands ; but the chief value consisted in the tact that the h-ubor on the Mauiuee Ri\-er, wheit iww stands the ilourishing city of Toledo, was included within its limits The town originally Ixjre the name of Swan Creek, afterwaids rv>n l_iwrenc«, then Vestula. and then Toledo. In Februan, 1^55. the Legislature of Ohio p^issed an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over the territory in question; erected townshifs at>d directed them to hv>ld electioni in April ftdlowing. It also direct^ lk)ven>or Lucus to apjxiint three com- missioners to survey aiwl re-mark the Harris line ; and named the first of April as the day to comraeiKe the survey, Acring «.n)venK>r M xson. however, anticipated this action on the jxin of the Ohio L^slature, sent a special message to the Legislati\-e Council, appris- ing it of t.K»"emor Lucas' tnessage. and advised imme- diate action by that body to anticipate and counteract the pioceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the 1 2th of February, the council jvasssed an act making it a crimmal offence, (Hinishable by a heax"y fine, or im- prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any otncLil functions, or accept any office within the juris- diction v»f Michigan, under or by vinure of any au- thority iK>t derived from the Territoiy. or the United States- On the oth of March, Governor Mason wrote General Bn>wn, then in command of the Michigan militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was made on the pan of Ohio to carry out the provisions ivf that act of the Legislature. On the ^tstof March, ^.'k>^■e^K>^ Lucus, with his commissionet^ arrived at Perrj-sburgh, on their way to oonuaence re-surveying the Harris lit>e. He was accom^unied by General Bell and staff, vemor Mason, with General Brown aiMl staff, had raised a force Sec to t^oo ^ strong, atjd were in possession of Toledo. General "-'turn's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of ^lontoe. Inspector; Maior J. J. UUman, of Coi>- y stantine. Quartermaster; Wfllian\ E. Bioadman. of '^ Detroit, and -\li*eus Felch.of Monroe, Aids-de- ^ camp. When lK>remor Lucas observed the deter- ^^ nuned tearing of the Michigan brare*, and took rwte ^-v^^^v^: ^ ^^^^ — ^-^^dd; ol" their number, he found it convenient to content himself for a time with " watching over the border." Sever.1l days were {vissed in this exhilararing employ- ment, and just as Cn>vemor Lucas had made up his mind to dp something rash, two commissioners ar- rived from W.ishington on a mission of peace. Thev ren>onstr»ted with Gov. Lucus. axnl reminded him of the consequences to himself and his State if he per- sisted in his attempt to gain possession ot' the disputed territory by force. .\tter several conferences with both go>-emors, the commissioners submitted proposi- tions for their consideration. tkivenwr Lucas at once accepted the propositions, and disbanded his tbrces, Govenwr Mason, on the other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and declined to conipromise the rights of his j*ople by a surrender of possession and jurisdiction. AMien Gov- ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however. Governor Masoii partially followed suit, but still held himself in readiness to uteet any emergency that might arise. tVovernor Lucus now supjx»sed that his way was dear, and that he could Ix^-mark the Harris line with- out being molested, and ordered the commissioners to proceed with their work. In the meantime, Govemv>r Mason kept a watch- ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent scouts through the woods to watch their movements, and report when of>erations were commetKed. ^^'hen the sur>-eying party got »-irhin 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 m arresdng a portion of the party. The rest, including the commissiotterss took to their heels, athi were scon be)X)nd the dis- \ puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol- -j towing day in a highly demoralized conditioit, and / reported they had been attacked by an overwhelm- ing force c^ Michigan malitia, under commaitd of General Brown. Thb sommarT t»eakiDg up of the surreying party produced the most tremeitdous excitement throughout Ohia Go^■emo^ Lucas called an extra sessitmof the (' Legislature. But linle remains ro be said in reference to the ' war.' The qvKslion continued for some time . to a^tate the minds of the opposing parties; aixl the actionof Congress was impadently awaited. Michigan , was admitted into the Union on the condition that she give to Ohio the disputed lerritory. and accep* in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. " *v- A y '^-^z/-z>^^'-'^^^yc:> T^-T<^DIl^DD^>r^ 5«!€^^k: 4^^(<^\^ SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN. 109 William 05oodbi^idgb. w I ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, ^..jx^econd Governor of Michigan, J was horn at Norwich, Conn., Aug. 20, 1780, and died at Detroit Oct. 20, 1861. He Era i\ wab of a family of three brothers ' and two sisters. His father, Dudley VVoodbridge, removed to Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas. Lauman, from which this sketch is largely com piled, mentions noth- ing concerning his early education beyond the fact that it was such as was afforded by the average school of the time, e.\cept a year with the French colonists at Galliixslis, where he acquired a knowledge of the French language. It should be borne in mind, however, that fhome 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 (S^ 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 Trumbell, a distinguished author and judge ; and author of the peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes ■ ticrelations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2,19, i860. Our written biographies necessarily speak more fully of men, because of their active participation in public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled the influence of good women upon the history of the world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. How much success and renown in life many men owe to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en- joyed the best means of early education that the country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled her to improve her advantages. During her life, side by side with the highest type of domestic and social graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that formed the crown of a faultless character. She was a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine verses, some of which are preserved in a printed memorial essay written upon the occasion of her death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the reputation and add to the well being of her husband in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave her the highest satisfaction " She was an invalid during the latter portion of her life, but was patient and cheerful to the end. In 1807, Mr. \V. was chosen a representative to the General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until his removal from the State. He also held, by ai> pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in the Legislature, and in : 81 2 drew up a declaration and resolutions, which passed the two houses unamiiiously V6; A c>: r^ ^s/^®)$(^^ ■^■■^cz '<^Mmh> WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, t >:> V 5. A i^ and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest and most emphatic terms, the war measures of Presi- dent Madison. During the period from 1804 to 1814 the two law students, Woudbridge and Cass, had be- come widely separated. The latter was Governor of the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a Secretary of the Territorry. This latter jwsition was, in 18 1 4, without solicitation on his part, tendered to Mr. W. He accepted the iX)sition with some hesita- tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. The office of Secretary involved also tlie duties of collectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof of his duties, also including those of Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for about two years out of the eight years that he held the office of Secretary I'nder the administration of "Gov- ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time after their numbers entitled them to a more popular representative system, they were allowed no delegate in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of the people, by corresjxjndence and also by a visit to the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand for representation by a delegate, that an act was passed in Congress in 1 8 1 9 authorizing one to be chosen. Under this act Mr. \V. was elected by the concurrence of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure the passage of a liill recognizing and confirming the old French land titles in the Territory according to the terms of the treaty of peace with (jreat Britain at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the construction of a Crovernment road through the "black swamps" from tlie Miami River to Detroit, thus open- ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Mich- igan. He was influential in securing the passage of bills for the construction of Government roads from Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and for the improvement of l,a Plaisance Bay. The ex- pedition for the exploration of the country around Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis- sissippi, projected by (Governor Cass, was set on foot by means of representations made to the head of the department by Mr. W. While in Congress he stren- uously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip of territory now forming the northern boundary of Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the ad- mission of the latter into the Union. He served but one term as delegate to Congress, de- clining further service on account of personal and family considerations. Mr. \V. continued to discharge the duties of Secretary of the Territory' up to the time its Government passed into the "second grade." In 1824, he was appointed one of a board of commissioners for adjusting private land claims in the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of his profession, having the best law library in the Ter- ritory. In 1828, ujxin the recommendation of the Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the President, J. (^. Adams, to succeed Hon. James With- erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven- tionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory. This court was apparently a continuation of the Terri- torial Court, under the "first grade" or "(lovernor 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 apixsintment as Judge ex- piring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is supjx)sed on jxjlitical grounds, much to the disapix)int- 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 (\)nstitution. In 1837 he was elected amember of the i:tate 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 tlie State, and the development of its jioliti- cal system. Since the organization of the State Gov- ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and hence no review of Judge W's career as Governor and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Gov- ernor in 1S39, under a popular impression that the aff\iirs of the State had not been prudently adminis- tered by the Democrats. He sers'ed as Governor but little more than a year, when he was elected to the Senate of the United States. His term in the Senate practically closed his ]X)lit- ical life, although he was strongly urged by many prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice President in r848. Soon after his api»intment as Judge in 1828, Gov- ernor W. took up his residence on a tract of land which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a short distance below what was then the corporate lim- its of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder of his life. Both in his public papers and private communications. Governor AV. shows himself a mas- ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra- tion, logical in arrangement, hapj)y in the choice and treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres- sion. Judge W. was aCongregationalist. His opinions on all subjects were decided ; he was earnest and energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times ex- hibited a vein of fine humor that was the more at- tractive because not too often allowed to come to the surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but the home of his adopti)n and for friends and family. *^ .s>. i r ^^^^ ■^=^Dfl5c?Dllv>^^ Si-f^^^ ¥ VE^ :J GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. \\x<. in 1831, and held the office until the year I835. Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member of the first constitutional convention, which assembled and framed the constitution u]X)n which Michigan was admitted into the Union. He took an important and prominent part in the proceedings of that body, and showed himself to be a man of far more than ordinary ability. Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union, Mr. Barry was chosen State Senator, and so favorably were his associates impressed with his abilities at the first session of the Legislature that they looked to him as a party leader, and that he should head the State ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re- ceived the nomination for Governor at the hands of his party assembled in convention. He was elected, and so [wpular was his administration that, in 1842, he was again elected. During these years Michigan was embarrassed by great financial diffi- culties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judg- ment that the State was finally placed upon a solid financial basis. During the first year of Gov. Barr)''s first term, the University at .Ann Arl)or was opened for the reception (r- 1^ ■^^n !i :^" iiiii-i>A^ — s»^§^ ^^'^y-,^ of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and ^ general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842, i the number of pupils reported as attending the public ' schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, ^ '^ State land office was established at Marshall, whicli was invested with the charge and disposition of all the lands belonging to the State, In 1844, the lax- able property of the State was found to be over twenty-eight millions of dollars, the lax being at the rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the income from the railroads was nearly three hundred thousand dollars. At this time the University of Michigan had become so prosperous that its income was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ; and the amount of money which the State was able to loan the several progressing railroads was one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were made to increase the efficiency of the common schools with good results In 1845, when Gov. Barry's sec- ond term expired, the population of the State was more than three hundred thousand. The constitution of the State forbade more than two consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the position again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind in the history of the State. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- ative. During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor- mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board of education consisting of six persons. A new con- stitution for the government of the State was also adopted and the " Great Railway Conspiracy Case " was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts which had been committed upon the property of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line of their road, and finally tiie burning of the depot at Detroit, in 1850. At a setting of the grand jur)' of Wayne County, April 24, 1 85 1, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail- road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in- cluding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A. Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan- iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were represented by six members of the State bar, led by William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants 249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury for the prosecution; William H. Seward for the defense. The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence f s 9 ;i:A^)JeS»«l- .^"sj^S*? ©T^^P J S 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 tlian so many sacrifices to justice. The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock 1'. .M., Sept. 25, 1851. On the 26th the prisoners were vS l)ut 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, icn years; Aaron Mount, eight years; .\ndrew J. Freeland, eight years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, eight years; Lyman Cliamplin, five years; Willard W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five years; FLrastus Smith, five years. In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in the cultivation of tlie sugar beet, and visited Euro])e 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 tjie trusts ^^ bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private ^^ nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been »^ one of the most efficient and popular Governors the ^ Slate has ever had. = ■<^• Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. *L/ His opinions, wliich he reached by the most thorough *t 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 lie was not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char- acterized liis oratory, which is described as argument- ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo-^f' quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner r rather awkward. .•\lthough 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 historj'. No man owed less to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi- tion. He was a true statesman, and gained pul>lii es- ^ - teem by his solid worth. His political connections were always with the Democratic party, and his oiiin- ions were usually extreme. '_ Mr. Barry retired to private life after tlie beginning K; of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car- ^ ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He X died Jan. 14, 1S70, his wife's death having occurred a year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children. •'. r 4^^C(®>Nv/ ^4 ^ <>.\ ^i>-r- GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. ''i^....^ ^>.,^ ^M*. ^W^ v../-- --'. — ■ ^ ■. ^^^\^^^:^^ LPHEUS FELCH, the third Ciovernor of Michigan, was born in Limerick, Maine, Sep- tember 28, 1806. His grand- father, Abijah Felch, was a sol- '■-- dier in the Revolution ; and when a young man, having with others obtained a grant of land be- tween the Great and Little Ossipee Rivers, in Maine, moved to thatre- Dn 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 Phillips FJxter Academy, and, subse(]uently, entered Howdoin College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at once began the sttidy of law and was admitted to jiractice at Bangor, Me., in 1S30. 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 disposed of his library and started to seek a new home. His intention was to join liis friend. Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the disease was too great to permit a journey down the river. He therefore determined to come to Michi- gan. He first began to practice in this State at Mon- roe, where he continued until 1843, when he removed to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legisla- ture in 1835, and continued a member of that body during the years 1836 and 1837. While he held this office, the general banking law of the State was enact- ed, and went into operation. After mature delibera- tion, he became convinced that the proposed system of banking could not prove beneficial to the public interests ; and that, instead of relieving the people from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were laboring, it would result in still further embarrass- ment. He, therefore, opposed the bill, and }X)inted out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, were sure to follow its passage. The public mind, however, was so favorably impressed by the measure that no other member, in either brancli of the Legisla- ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with .him in opjiosition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was appointed one of the Hank Commissioners of the State, and held that office for moie than a year. I )ur- ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. Almost every village had its bank. The country was flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex- aminations of the Hank Commissioners brought to liylil frauds at every point, wliicli were fearlessly re- ^) <> ^< VJ ^^^^^^ ^y^m"MM^^>^ ^'^^S^ ;€" :j^k 6V4>llD:>:DIlf>7^^ — -5i^€^ ALPHEUS FELCH. ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim- inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing «OT» of many of their institutions. The duties of the of- J fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch re- (^ signed. The chartered right of almost every l)ank had, in tlie meantime, been declared forfeited and tlie law repealed. It was subsequently decided to be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the .State. In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed to the office of Auditor General of the State; but after holding the office only a few weeks, was com- missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig- nation of Judge Fletcher. In January, 1843, he was elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan, ) and entered upon his duties at the commencement of ^ the next year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator ^ in Congress for six years; and at once retired from « the office of Governor, by resignation, which took ^ effect March 4, 1847, when liis 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 (lovernor Felch's administration the two railroads belonging to the State were sold to private corporations,— the Central for $2,000,000, and the Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State amounted in 1846 to $4,647,608. The total capacity of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving em- ployment to 18,000 seamen. In 1847, there were 39 counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; and 275 of these townships were supplied with good libra- ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of the Commissioners to adjust and settk- the Spanish (!) i^^^©v^ ^ ^^v®^^tD- ^^€^ — ^-^^nn^nni^ and Mexican land claims in California, under the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress passed for that purpose. He went to California in May, 1853, and was made President of the Commis- sion. The duties of this office were of the most im- portant and delicate character. The interest of the new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, both the native Mexican population and the recent American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to the lands of the Missions,— the most valuable of the State,— wereinvolved in the adjudicationsof this Com- mission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought to a close by the final disjiosition of all the claims which were presented. The record of their proceed- ings,— the testimony whicli was given in each case, and the decision of the Commissioners thereon,— consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited in the Department of the Interior at Washington. In June of that year, Governor Felch returned to Ann Arbor, where he has since l>een engaged piinci- pally in legal business. Since his return he has been nominated fortlovernor and also for U. S. Sen- ^ ator, 4nd twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. Hut the Democratic parly, to which he lias always been attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec- tion. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Europe, in 1875 has since led a life of retirement :it liis home in Ann Arbor. In 1S77 the University of Michigan conferred upon him the degree of LI,. I). For many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan University, and in the spring of 1879 was appointed Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Hank Com- missioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor General of the State, the oldest survivingGovernorof the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United States .Senator from the State of ^Ii(ili^an. A r I m ^v^^®))(^<|*' :2^ ^ CTv ^^gn^ D P^>rr^^ >5C#sr GO VERNORS. irl- -^^ ♦■s;s^*-g;S-*^;s*^;g^ IJLMAM l3 IILIAM L. GREENLY^ iovernor of Michigan for the )ear 1847, ^^^^ born at Hamil- ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. I S, I S 1 3. He graduated at Un- ion College, Schenectady, in 1831, studied law and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1834. In 1836, having removed to Michi- gan, he settled in Adrian, where he has since resided. The year following his arrival in Michigan he was elected State Senator and served in that capacity until 1839. In 1845 he was elected Lieut, (jov- ernor and became acting Governor by the resignation of Gov. Felch, wlio was elected to the United States Senate. The war with Mexico was brought to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's administration. We regret to say that there are only few records extant of the action of Michigan troops y in the Mexican war. That many went there and '^ fought well are points conceded ; but their names and 'Vs^ nativity are hidden away in United States archives and where it is almost impossible to find them. The soldiers of this State deserve much of the credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf. Tlie two former of these companies, recruited in this State, were reduced to one-third their original num- ber. In May, iS46,the Governor of Michigan was noti- lied liy 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, r i of infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear- ing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette, Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the re- mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three, St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne County an additional company. Of these alone the veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into ser- vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the Kirst 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 S#\®)5«5^- ■^4>i?;s ;^VC^nni?^DD^>r < i ^ K V (c> ^^yy^^^^ -^^^ — ^-K^nn-^nnf^A:^ r t I C^^^^^Cc^^^^f-f^f'^t^^^^*^ GOVERNORS. Wy^^'^:^ .dmtr/>^\> :^^ t HE HON. EPAPHRODI- US RANSOM, the Seventh Governor of Michigan, was a native of Massachusetts. In ■~^..,^-^jp7^2 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 Kalamazoo. Mr. Ransom served with marked ability for a number of years in the State Legislature, and in 1837 he was appointed As- sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 ^^ was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re- tained until 1845, when he resigned. Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in the building of plank roads in the western portion of the State, and in this business lost the greater portion of the property which he had accumulated by years of toil and industry. Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of Michigan in the fall of 1S47, and served during one term, performing the duties of the office in a truly statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in which position he displayed the same ability that shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor. He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer- sity several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy in its management. Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres- ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and where he died before the expiration of his term of office. We sum up the events and affairs of the State un- der Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of these institutes were liberally endowed with lands, and each of them placed in charge of a board of five trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On the first of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was com- pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis- patch transmitted on that day. The followmg figures show the progress in agriculture : The land reported 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 pounds; maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cat- tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills amounted to 730. 1S47, an act was passed removing the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tempo- rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im- mediately erected, at a cost of $12,450. A ¥^ (■ (^ ? -A,§))^^l-^- ^:n[i>>^t^ 4^^^(^ i^S/®>)«^r -^^^i^ crv<^D D ^ n n Jt^TTT :2>^t c |; 'v ?• A 1=3 s ^: ^ ? r'l*^ ■«;AA@ — s!©«^ f f ^ ^^^^(^^^-^r:? (£>)g^^" GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. ^^^^^^^®\$^i 129 (h ^> ^BEirr McClelland, g-^ : 5 oBEKT McClelland, ^jvtiovernor of Michigan from Jan. I, 1852, to March 8, 1853, was born at ( rreencastle, Frank- ;(|^ hn Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1S07. Among his ancestors were several officers of rank in tlie Revohition- ary war, and some of his family con- nections were distinguished in the war of i8i2, and that with Mexico. His father was an eminent physician and surgeon who studied under I >r. lienj Rush, of Philadelphia, and practiced his profession successfully until six months before his death, at i the age of 84 years. .Ml hough Mr. McClelland's family liad been in good circum- stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown uiwn his own resources. After taking the usual pre- liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn., from which he graduated among the first in (^ his class, in 1829. He then resumed teaching, and having completed the course of study for the legal profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg, Penn., in 1831. Soon afterward he removed to the city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a year. In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe ex- amination, he became a member of the bar of Michi- gan, and engaged in practice witli bright prospect of success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked among its ablest debaters. He was apix)inted the first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason, and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but declined both of these offices in order to attend to his professional duties. In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished as the head of several imiwrtant committees. Speaker //•(' lempore, and as an active, zealous and efiicient member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm- ing majority, and at the same time the State of Michi- gan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry of " Woodbridge and reform " against the Democratic party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood amongthe acknowledged leaders of the latter organization ; was elected a member of the State House of Representa- tives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost authority and prestige. This party soon came again into [xjwer in the State, and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr. McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his eleclion as Speaker of the House of Representatives A V rn) S) m: u:^.^ ^. — ^«^ ^€^<|«^ -a^c ^ 6"^v C>nn:t:n[iv:>r r^^ -4^^«sVM ROBERT McClelland in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti- tuted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob M. Howard had been elected against Hon Alpheus '€ Felch by a strong majority ; but, in 1 843, so thoroughly ' liad the Democratic party recovered from its defeat (^ of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate forCon- gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent posi- tion in Congress among the veterans of that body During his first term he was placed on Committee on Commerce, and organized and carried through what were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued confidence of his constituency was manifested in his election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this session he had acquired a National reputation, and so favorably was he known as a pavlimentarian 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- Si/ tions. While acting in this capacity, what was known as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his sjjc- cial charge, and his management of the same was such as to command uuiversat 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 proper manner This he re- garded as the citizens'constitutional right which should not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe- diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid- dings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District of Columbia Mr McClelland was one of the few Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn- sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot Proviso," with a view to prevent further extension of slavery in new 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 Teral National conventions and in the Baltimore con- vention, which nominated Oen. Cass for President, K.^ in 1848, doing valiant service that year for the elec- (^ tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving ^t Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClellind returned to the ^S practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a \~^ convention of the State of Michigan was called to ^ revise the State constitution. He was elected a >J ^) 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 Stateconvention which adopted resolutions in supix)rt of Henry Clay's famous compromise measures, of which Mr McClel- land was a strong advocate He was a member of the Democratic National convention in 1852, and in that year in company with Gen Cass and Governor Felcli he made a thorough canvass of the State. He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com- promise measures, and took an active part in the canvass which resulted in the election of Gen Pierce to the Presidency In 185 [, the new Stats constitution took effect and it was necessary that a Governov should be elected for one yeai 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 foi 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 parley spirit ran high. There was really no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, r853, 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 thecabir.et 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 the tribes nor corruption among agents, and he left the department in jjerfect order and system In 1867, Michigan again calle 1 a con- vention to revise the State constitution Mr. McClel- land was a member and liere 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 jjleasant humor, made him an able and effective advocate. In speaking before the people on political subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In 1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his extensive personal accpiaintance with European di))- lomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than most travelers Mr. McClelland married, in 1S37, Miss Sarah E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had six children, two of whom now survive. V, si s:^- r ■J g|KV®>5«^^ ^^i^^^y-j^^ ^<^n^M<^>^^ — ss«?:?y^ -*^t^^^ -^-z^-e^-^^. m ^ T T r^^'^ GO VERNORS OF MICHTGAN. >^ X ~\ t ^-sr ANDREW PARSOXS. -k^ NDREW PARSONS, Gover- ^) nor of Michigan from Marcli '" 8, 1853 to Jan. 3, [855, was born in the town of Hoosick, County of Rensselaer, and ^*^ State of New York, on the 2 2d day of July, 1817, and died June 6, 1855, at the early age of 38 >ears. He was the son of John Parsons, born at Newbury port, .Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the bonof Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary soldier, who was the son of Phineas Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, a descendant of Walter Parsons, born in Ireland in 1290. Of this name and family, some one hundred and thirty years ago. Bishop Oilson remarked in his edi- tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity fif 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 Bridgewater, England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the Romish faith. He established an English C'ollege at Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, iiorn in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham; Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was another noted member of the family. In 1634, Thomas Parsons was knighted by Charles i. Joseph and Benjamin, brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England, ^^l^\^^m^ v^ and accompanied their father and others to New England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salis- bury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in 1730, ordained at Rye, N. H.,Nov. 3, 1736, married Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Boston, Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in the S3rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Maty Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set- tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous race of the name are descended, including two Presi- dents of the United States. The Parsons have be- come very numerous and are found throughout New England, and many of the descedants are scattered in all parts of the United States, and especially in the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of 17 years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann .^rbor, where for a few months he taught school which he was compelled to abandon from ill healtii He was one of the large number of men of sterling worth, who came from the Ivast to Michigan when it was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom, enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the proud- est States of the Union. These brave men came to Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong and willing hands. They gloriously 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. 9 V) 11 r-'f'sp^fzl. Wk^^^i^^^- 134 ANDREW PARSONS ^^^^^f^\^^ xV In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River 'A Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river, ^ from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following T 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"asseCounty,then with Clinton County, andan almost unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized township. In 1837 'his 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 1S44. In 1846, he was elected to the State Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848, and elected Regent of the University in 1851, and ) Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor, > in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, ,f^ overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the res[X)nsibilities of his office and cares of his business, retired to his farm, where he died soon after. He was a fluent and i)ersuasive speaker and well calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He was always true to his trust, and the whole world could not persuade nor drive him to do what he con- ceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most power- ful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him, to induce him to call an extra session of the Legisla- ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State for 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 i)laces the resolutions were of a demanding nature, while in others they were threatening beyond measure. Fearing that all these influences might fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten- dered him if he would gratify tlie 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 by laudations, liberal ofl"ers, or i f by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man could dispute, showing the circumstances were not "extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session. This brought down the wrath of various parties upon his Tiead, but they were soon forced to acknowledge the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance : "though not always coinciding with his views 1 never doubted his Iionesty of purpose. He at all times sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests ofhisoath." The following eulogium from a [xjlitcalop- [xment 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 iiabits, and entirely blameless in every public and private relation of life. As a ixilitician he was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex- ecutive ofiicer 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 r854, during the administration of Governor I'aisons, 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 e.xcitement pre- vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether slavery should exist there. For the ])urposeof permit- ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which limited slavery to the south of 36" 30') was re- repealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas. Phis was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who were opiX)sed to this repeal measure were in short called "anti-Nebraska" men. The epithets, "Ne- braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were teniiKsrally em- ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery parties, pending the desolution of the old Democratic and Whig parties and the organization of the new Democratic and Republican parties of the present. *C A >. r> I ^ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 137 J INSLEY S. BINGHAiM, Governor of Michigan from 1855 'o 1859, and United States Senator, was born in G^^^^p^^f^ST Camilliis, Onondaga County, feM^^ N. v., Dec. 16, ,808. His father was a farmer, and liis own early life was consequently de- voted to agricultural pursuits, but notwithstanding the disadvan- tages related to the acquisition of knowledge in the life of a farmer he managed to secure a good aca- demic education in his native State and studied law in the office of Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 1833, he married an estimable lady who had recently arrived from Scot- land, and obeying the impulse of a naturally enterprising disposition, he emigrated to Michigan and purchased a new farm in company ' with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on the border of civilization, buried in the primeval for- est, our late student commenced the arduous task of preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put- ting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land VS' 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 Probate Judge in the county. In the year 1836, when Michigan became a State, he was elected to the first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and Speaker of the House of Representatives three years. V In 1 846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Re[> resentative to Congress, and was the only practical farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed to the introduction of " Wood's Patent (\ist Iron Plow" which he completely prevented. He was re- elected to Congress in 1848, during which time he strongly opposed the e.xtension of slavery in the territory of the United States and was committed to and voted for the Wilmot Proviso. In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in 1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his administration, and among other profits of his zeal in their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing. In 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- :< (: i^'\^^))«^#« ^^mr- — --^<^flii:^Dll>> .4=^ 4^^^^f®X^ >vi-^ > i«S ■r<*l^llr>T- ■.\3Z^ri MIXGHAJi. or 6 Ac ^— ^X''-.:;c-. i to . _ of ife-- -■UllLllUll^ •i'sm snle hatve Ik . i i OU>'Bi^i piiCMsaoec^ ' ^~°*-C. **eBtaadof E*aariB»: ^ kas bee* aBikr cfe I >^ ■^5>5f?a*^ ^^"^Ue^ ^t^^J^-^t^t^. p 1 V (^ t ^^(^^ zi^j^^ ^VC-:llD^:iin^t>T^^^ :=^^ "f^^K^V^ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. V^ / OSES WISNER. Governor of \Michigan from 185910 r86i, *was born in Springport, Cayu- I ga Co., N Y., June ^^, 1815. ^_, His early education was only ^"^ what could lie obtained at a common school. Agricultural labor md frugality of his parents gave him I physical constitution of >nnis- - ual strength and endurance, which was e\er preserved by temperate hab- In 1837 he emigrated to Michi- vi^ gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer County It was new land and he at ■*-^ once set to work to clear it and plant crops. He labored diligently at his task for two years, when he gave up the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac, Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and Rufus Hosmer In 1841 he was admitted to the bar and established himself in his new vocation at the village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting .\ttorney for that county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well and gave promise of that eminence he afterward at- tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became a member of a firm and entered fully ujxjn the practice. In politics he was like liis talented brother, a Whig of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti- slaver) bias. His practice becoming extensive, he took little part in politics until after the election of Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1S52, when he took an active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book learning than upon iiis native good sense. Liberal and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of liis client, and no facts escaped his attention or his memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an ad- vocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the merits of his subject his eloipience was at once grace- ful and powerful His fancies supplied the most original, tiie most [winted illustrations, and his logic became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be- stowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a popular orator were of a high order. On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He actively participated in organizing and consolidating the eleiments opposed to it in that State, and was a member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, 1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven- tion held in the United States. At this meeting the name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of tiie new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs, Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others op- posed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its expulsion from the Territories and the District of Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to accept the nomination for Attorney General of the I f I D)«^^-* -^«^ -a-^ <-I H^ ,A. ^ 142 ■^zJ^ko'^:^' MOSES IVISNF.R. I ^ 3 V ^ V f 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 his views he was bold and radical. He believed from the beginning that tiie political jxjwer of the slave- holders would have to be overthrown before quiet could be secured to the country. In the Presidential canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Re- publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, and as such received a verj- handsome support. In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the State by the Republican convention that met at De- troit, and at the subsequent November election was chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of the election he had addressed the people of almost every county and his majority was greater even than that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, 1S59, to Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature was an able and statesman-like production, and was read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake to all the interests of the State and set forth an en- lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid settlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel- opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re- sources. It was a document that reflected the highest credit upon the author. His term having expired Jan. i, 1861, he returned to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his profession. There were those in the State who counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con- ference at Washington, but Mr. VV. was opposed to all such temiwrizing expedients. His counsel was to send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. After Congress had met and passed the necessary' legislation he resoKed to take part in the war. In the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland County, where he resided. His regiment, the 2 2d«* Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to march in September, a regiment whose solid quali- ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. Before parting with his family he made his will. His regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at v^ Camp Wallace. He had ix the breaking out of the war turned his attention to military studies and be- came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline. His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci- pline was rigid. He iwssessed 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 l)rospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, so different from the one he had been leading, and ills incessant labors, coupled with that impatience which was so natural and so general among the vol- imteers in the early part of the war, soon made their influence felt uiwn his health. He was seized with typhoid fever and removed to a private house near Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the liand of friendshiiJ 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 griet was the prospect of not heingable to come == to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry." He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could find the enemy it would cover itself with glory, — a distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col. W. was no more. The malady baffled all medical treat- ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest by the side of the brave (ien. 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 f^ Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to T mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the ^,. tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- erous and brave, and like thousands of others he sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his countr)'. ( :^n(ii->A^9 — ^>^^f^ ^^m (yLCcu<^ GO VKRNORS OF MICHIGAN. '45 ^ V VL. US TIN m.AIK, Crovernor of Michigan from Jan. 2, S61, to Jan. 4, ii'^f'5, and k.own as the War Governor, is and illustration of the benifi- cent influence of republican in- vKs L- %-- i^'"^ stitutions, having inherited neith- f^l er fortune nor fame. He was born j' .f^V^ in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp- kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, i8i8. His ancestors came from Scot- land in the time of (leorge I, and for many generations followed the '^ pursuit of agriculture. His father, I 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 s[)ent on that spot. He married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him in the soil of the old homestead. Tiic first 17 years of Mr. Blair's life were si)ent there, rendering his father what aid he could upon the farm. He then spent a year and a half in ("azenovia Seminary ])re- paring for college; entered Hamilton College, in Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of I )r. . Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he .-' graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col- y lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet 1^ & Davis, Oswego, N Y., and was admitted to practice in 1841, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat- ing in Jackson. During a temiwrary residence in Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton County. At the close of the official term he returned lo Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously es]X3used the cause of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen- eral statutes ; also made an able support in favor of abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec- tive franchise, and at the same session was active in securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848 Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil movement, and was a delegate to their convention which nominated Van Buren for President that year. Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson, in 1854, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the movement, and acted as a member of the Committee on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson C'ounty in 1852 ; was chosen State Senator two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Re- publican administration of 1855, and holding the |)ositioii of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated .Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Blair was elected Governor of Michigan in i860, and re- elected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging the nrdnons dutio'; nf the office during that most mo- A c^: (o) ^=^^^ ■M}W^M<^ Ci. -^^^^p^- ^^^^DP'^niif^ rr 4»^^ AUSTIN BLAIR. mcntous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov. ) A "^ Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive lX)licy and the administrative ability which charac- terized his gubernatorial career. Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a brighter example been l:iid 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 ](oorest citizen of the State, were animated with a ])atriotic ardor at once magniticiently subhme and wisely directed. Very early in r86i 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 sup]iort the principles of the Republic. After a review of tiie conditions of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the relations between the free and slave States of the ^ Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State S of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in- v^ ) 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, wliere the names of the States are unknown, the flag of tiie 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 (lovern- ment, we are deeply interested. The people of Mich- igan are loyal to that (rovernment — faithful to its con- stitution and its laws. LInder it they have had peace and prosperity ; and under it they mean to abide to the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo- rious hopes of the future. But they will rally around , „ the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity i^ and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para- (m graph being: ^ " I recommend you at an eariy day to make niani- li/VD)«^ •? W- W^ ;V'^ ^ V J ENRY HOWLANDCRAPO, Governor of Michigan from 1865 to 1869, was born May 24, 1S04, at Dartmouth, Bris- tol Co., Mass., and died at Flint, Mich., July 22, He was the eldest son of Jesse and Phoebe (Howland) Crajx). His father was of French descent and was very poor, sustaining his ,v B //cfamily by the cultivation of a farm in ^^ Dartmouth township, which yielded nothing beyond a mere livelihood. His early life waS consequently one of toil and devoid of advantages for ] intellectual culture, but his desire for an education seemed to know no bounds. The in- cessant toil for a mere subsistence uix)n a compara- tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing ^ for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for l] them in an education. His struggles to secure this end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would have discouraged any but the most courageous and persevering. He became an ardent student and worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry- ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having 'S^ money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to procure one in his neighliorhood, he set out to compile one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of the Knglish language, he c()|)ied into a book every ,/ word whose meaning he did not comiirehend, and '^ u|x>p meeting the same word again in the newsi)apers \^ and books, which came into his hands, from the >l context, would then record the definition. Whenever unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word in which he had become interested he would walk from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose alone, and after referring to the books at the library and satisfynig himself thoroughly as to its definition, would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. Under such difficulties and in this manner he com- piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript which is believed to be still in existence. Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained jwsses- sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself diligently to its study became familiar with this art, which he soon had an opixirtunity to practice. The services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was called ujjon, l)ut had no compass and no money with which to purchase one. A compass, however, he must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop near at hand, uix)n the forge, with such tools as he could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner, he constructed the compass and commenced life as a surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him- self for teaching, and took charge of the village school at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un- der the pressure of law, a high school was to be opened, he passed a successful e.xamination for its principalship and received the appointment. To do this was no small task. The law reepiired a rigid examination in various subjects, which necessitated days and nights of study. One evening, after con- cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed u. D^^^" -isi^^^ ^^limillli> ^X-- m ^^ -^ <-^Iin»:DIl^>r 4^^f®V|^; '50 HENRY HOWLAND CRAPO. a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that lie was (iiialified, lie walked back to his home the same night, highly elated in bcinii, |)ossessed of the acciuireuieiits and reciiiircments of a master of the high schoo\\ which was based the order for the est.iblishment of the free Public Libraiy of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crape was chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if not in the world. The Boston Free Library was es- tablislud, however, soon afterwards. While a resident in New Bedl'i>rd, he was much interesteil in horticul- ture, and to obtain the lanil necessary forcarr)'ingout his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and swampy l.ind adjoining his garden. Here he started .1 nursery, which he filled with almost every descriinion ot fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, . Mowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took great pride. He was a regidarcontributorto the New Rngland Horticultural journal, a (Xjsition he filled as long as he lived in M.issachusetts. .\s an indica- tion of the wide reput.ition he acipiired in that field of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the President of tlie National Horticultural Society at its meeting in Phihulclphia, in iS'x). During his resi- dence in New Bedl'oril, .Mr. Cra|X) was also engaged in the whaling business. .\ fine banpie built at Dart- mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the "H. H. Crai>i" in comjilinient 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 Comity Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of the Bedford Connnercial Insurance Company in New Bedford; and while an officer of the munici|)al gov- ^ ernmeni hecompiled and publisheil, between the years i.Sjfiaiul iS.)3, five numbers of the New Bedfi>rd Directory, the first work of the kind ever i>ublisheil there. Mr. C". removed to Michigan in 185(1, having been induced to do so bv investments made principallv in f(^ pine lands, first in 1857 and subsc<)nently in 1856. \^ He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en- ) 1=2 k) gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber at Flint, l-'entonville. Holly and Detroit, becoming one of the largest aiul most successful business men of the State. He was mainly instrimiental in the construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was President of that corporation until its consolidation yfc with the Flint i\: Pere Manpielte R. R. Company. He was elected .Mayor of that city after he had been a resident of the place only five cr six years. In 1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 1864 he received the nomination on the Republican ticket forCiovernor of the State, and was elected by a large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding the office two terms, and retiring in Jaiuiarv, 1869, having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties. While serving his last term he was attacked with a disease which terminated his life within one year afterwards. During much of this time he was an in- tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his attention to publit- matters. .\ few weeks previous to his death a successful surgical operation was i)er- formed which seemed rapidly tq 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 .;.;. 'S69. In the early part of his life. Gov. Crajxi affiliated with the Whig (larty in [wlitics, but became an active member of the Republican party after its organization. He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called the Disci[iles'j Church, and took great interest in its welfare and [irosperity. Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary .\. Slocum, of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon alter he had attained his majority, and before his struggles with fortime had been rewarded with any great meas- ure of success. But his w ife was a woman of great strength of character and |K)ssessed of courage, hope- fulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and encouraged her husband in the various imrsuits of his early years. For several years alter his marriage he was engaged in teaching si hool, his wife living with her parents at the time, at whose home his two older children were born. While thus situated he was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see his familv, returning on Sunday in order to be reaily for scluKil Monday morning. .\s the walk lor a ginnl 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 dutv. His wife was none the less consci- entious in her sphere, and with added resiKinsibilities and increasing reipiirc-menls she labored faithfully in the perfoMnance of all her duties. They had leu children, one son and nine daughters. His son, Hon. Win. W. CraiKi, of New Bedford, is now an honored Representative to Congress from the First Congressional District of Massachusetts. A >: jfM ^^^^^«^V-^ ty^ c^^^cj.-^^?^ »/®)«^*^ »«** US V '^ GO VI'.RNCRS OF MICHIGAN. •Zi^i. 153 j^cytp-u^iiri"^''^ • L^r'^S,S3^%/ ■k^c J-* '•■^ MEI^BT F, IBAILBWIKo ?>'' V , ei.« -otJiae/siS-"^ ^% ^ ^^T/r^Tf^vi KNRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- J".'] !w/ 4 4) ernoi- of Michii^an fn r ^'i?^4, 1869, to Jan. i, 187^, ._ .. lineil descendant of Nathan- iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- inghamshire, England, who set- tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639. Hib father was John Baldwin, a graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege He died at North Provi- dence, R. I., in 1826. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Moses . Baldwin, a graduate of Princeton College, in 1757, and the first who received collegiate hon- ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died at Parma, Mass., in 1813, where for more than 50 years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian C'hurch. On his mother's .side (iovernor B. is descended from Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Ro.\- liury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard College, who died at Brimfieid, Mass., in 1796, where tor 21 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist Church. The subject of this sketch was born at Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New England common-school education until the age of 12 years, when, both his parents having died, he be- came a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He re- mained there, employing his leisuic hours in study, until 20 years of age. At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on his own account. He made a visit to the West, in 1837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile house which has been successfully conducted until the present time. Although he successfully conducted ^1 ,;;j55^*»^E*-S,<^3§)e^# r<^:nD>>A- c^ ^Si^^ (Oj <>Mmh>rr (O 1=2 I rSN 154 HENRY P. BALDWIN. -^^&isr -^^m^^yiM; h&^ success that has attended his efforts in all relations of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- tinguished him itrior to this term as Governor was manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the State, and while his influence appears in all things with which he has liad to do, it is more noticeable in the most prominent position to which he was called. With rare exceptions the important commendations of Governor 15. received the sanction of the Legislat- ure. During his administration marked improve- ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- tory institutions of the State. The State Public School for dependent children was founded and a permanent commission for the supervision of the several State institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of Correction, and the establishment of the .State Board of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his messa;.;e of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection was made upon his recommendation, and the contract for the entire work let under this administration. Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under whose faithful supervision the building was erected in a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State. He advised and earnestly urged at different times such amendments of the constitution as would j)er- mit a more equitable compensation to State officers and judges. The law of 1869, and prior also, permitting municipalities to vote aid toward the construc- tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu- tional by the .Supreme Court. Many of the munici- palities having in the meantime issued and sold their bonds in good faith. Governor B. felt that the honor and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the T-egislature to projiose the submission to the peojile a constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment of such bonds as were alre.idy in the hands of Awi?- //i/r holders. In his special message he says : "The credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan, and the people can not afford, and I trust will not consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- diation of eitlier legal or moral obligations." A spe- cial session was called in March, 1872, principally for the division of the State into congressional districts. A number of other important suggestions were made, however, and as an evidence of the Governor's la- borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition ^j\m^^ of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- ^^ mitted by him showing.in detail, estimatesof receipts, (^ expenditures and appropriations for tlie years 1872 to V 1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- 1 istration were the devastating fires which swept over ^ many [xirtions of the Northwest in the fall of 1871. .\ large part of the city of Chicago having been re- duced to ashes. Governor B. [)roniptly issued a proc- lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had tliis been issued when several counties in his State were laid waste by the same destroying element. .\ second call was made asking assistance for the suf- fering people of Michigan. The contributions for these objects were prompt and most lilieral, more than $700,000 having been received in money and supplies for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were these contributions during the short period of about 3 months, that the (Governor issued a proclamation r exjjressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further y'y aid was unnecessary. Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own country and has also madu several visits to Europe and other [wrtions of the Old World. He was a pas- senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and y^ lionded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- ^ count of the transaction. The following estimate of Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading newsjjaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message of Governor B,, will be read with interest. It is a characteristic document and possesses the lucid statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which have been marked features of all preceding documents from the same source. Governor B. retired to private life after four years of unusually successful adminis- tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the State. For many years eminent and capable men have filled the executive chair of this State, but in painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical ^ capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un- usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State (y administration has fully kept pace with the needs of ^ the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned t^: the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day J [wssesses to such remarkable degree." '^ ^ t ^.D y? JW-tf^^y ^^^®)$€^ri* •rnrd-^. GOVB'.RNORS OF MICHIGAN. J s V J mm J, BAaiEy, "saii^ ;l OHN JUDSON BAGLEY, 'rl^Gcjvernor of Michigan from fi873 to 1877, was born in Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., 'l 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- jxjrt, N. Y., until he was eight years old, at which time his father moved to Constantine, Mich., and he at- tended the common schools of that village. His early experience was like that of many country boys whose parents removed from Eastern States to the newer portion of the West. His father being in very i)Oor circum- ] stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work as soon as he was able to do so. Leaving school when 13 years of age he entered a country store in Constan- tine as clerk. His father tlien re- moved toOwosso, Mich., and he again engaged as clerk in a store. From early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of such books, papers and periodicals as came within his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and remained in this ]X)sition for about five years. In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become '^f'C'^@'^\iC one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- surance corporations. He was President of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur- ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- holder and director in various other corporations. Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover- nor Crajjo one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv- ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and for many years was Chairman of the Republican .State Central committee. Governor Bagley was quite lil)eral in his religious views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new tliought,from whatever source it may come, but was not bound by any religious creed or formula. He held in respect all religious opinions, believing that noone can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de- nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. 16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary' of Michigan, who took an active part in the early educational mat- ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex- cellent system of education. It was principally "J 4,..^^. ^^i^f^- iXr JOHJV J. BAO-LEY. rr 4^^5«®V.#; Vj A >C§ V > through his exertions that the State University was founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children. As Governor his administration was charac- terized by several imiwrtant features, chief among which were his efforts to improve and make popular the educational agencies of the Slate by increasing the faculty of the University for more thorough in- struction in technical studies, by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College uiwn 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- able footing. It was \.\\x)n the suggestion of Gov. B. in the earlier part of his administration that the law creating the State Board of Health, and also the law creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the Slate, were passed, both of which have proved of great benefit to the Slate. 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 rejiresented 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 jxiwer, as every noble mind is ambitious, because these give opiwrtunity. How- ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to the fact that the more we have the more is recjuired of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He had great hopes for his Stale and his country. He had his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and cultured brain, the will and the jxjwer to do, he asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered the conflict eagerly aneemed to have the iwwer of getting at the kernel of the nut in the least possible time. In reading he would spend scarcely more time with a volume than most persons would devote to a chapter. .After what seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value the took 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 liis elegant home w.is a study and a pleasure to his many friends, who always found there a hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would sfiend davs doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christma-- eve he gathered his children about him and, taking the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, closing the entertainment with "The Night Before Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol." \£ ¥ c< 4 fF ft f -^m^ ©V<^I ^>r 'Z^'^xsi"^' (h i ^ GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. i6i b^ CHARLES M. t'^^^^^^J HARLES ^[. CROSWELL, ^1. Governor of Michigan from Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, 1881, was borti at Newburg, Orange County, N. Y., Oct. 2,1, 1825. He is the only son of John and Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His father, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction, was a paper-maker, and carried on business in New York City. His ancestors on his mother's side were of Knicker- bocker descent. The Croswell family may be found connected with prominent events, in New York and Connecticut, in the early exis- tence of the Republic. Harry Cros- well, during the administration of Jl] President Jefferson, published a pa- per called the Balance, and was prosecuted for libeling the President under the obnoxious Sedition I,aw. 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. Another member of tlie family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- ous editor of the Albany Argus; also. Rev. William (."roswell, noted as a divine and poet. When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, , liis father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson River, at Newburg ; and, within three months i)reced- ' ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, — j thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the y family, without fortune or means. Upon the death CROSWELL. ^» ST' v^ of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare lime to reading and the actiuirement of knowledge. In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap- pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du ties of this office he performed four years, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected in 1852. In 1854, hetook part in the first movements for the formation of the Republican party, and was a member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he formed a law partnershii) 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 ciiosen to represent Lenawee County in the State Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, and again in 1866, during each term filling the posi- tions above mentioned, .■\niong various rejwrts made by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the death penalty, and another against a proj)osition to pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, which then commanded a very large premium, may be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. In I S63, from his seat in the State Senate, he de- livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama- <^ m $«^<#«- <>n n :^ n Viy>^ — ^^^^^r CHARLES M. CRO SWELL. -4^^(®V|@) (^ r^> <7S •v. :^J V ? tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, and of his general policy in the prosecution of the war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- ates, was afterwards pul>lished. In 1867, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and chosen its presiding officer. Tliis 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 cliosen an Elector on the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was elected a Representative to the State Legislature from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of "the House of Representatives. At the close of the session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, and tlie fairness of his rulings were freely and form- ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- sented with a superb collection of their portraits handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years. Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi- gan; in which position, his propositions for the amel- ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the reformation of the criminal classes, signalize tlie be- nevolence of his nature, and the practical cliaracter of his mind. In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party in .August of the same year, he was put in nomination by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At the election in November following, he was chosen to the high position for which he had been nominated, by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. His inaugural message was received with general favor; and his career as Governor was marked with the same qualities of head and heart that have ever distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear, and strong, without 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 for years a member and Secretarj' 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 exemplar)- as in his public career he has been suc- cessful and useful. In Februarv, 1852, he was mar- ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, ( ' a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She ^ suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh- ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in ( business difficulties, for which his unfailing pru- dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov- ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of like political faith with himself, but with those who differ from him in this regard. y During Gov. Croswell's administration the public ^^ debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring f the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap- propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elec- tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum forthe Insane at Pontiac were opened, ^ ^ and the new capital at Lansing was com])leted and [ occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre- t<:. side at the dedication of this building The great riot m at Jackson occured during his administration, and it n& was only bv his promptness that great distruction of @\ both life and properly ' .- ; u vented at tha". time. ^ |;'5A^^ ^^mr- -f^^^Jf@>Nf^^l A V GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. :-^; V ^ Sfe.- V^ DAVID H. JEROME, Gover- 'kiior of from Jan. i, 1881, to I in. I, 1S83, w.Ts born at De- troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1829. ' His parents emigrated to Michigan from Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, locatmg at Detroit. His father died March 30, 1831, leaving nine children. He had been twice married, and four of the children living at the time of his death were grown up sons, the off- spring of his first union. Of the five children by his second marriage, David H. was the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his widow riioved back to New York and settled in Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the Oovernor formed those habits of industry and ster- ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the district school, and in the acquisition of the funda- mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity and an application which won for him the admiration of his teachers, and always placed him at the head of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 years of age David received his mother's permission to attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following winter performed the same service for James Ogden, also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of continuing her son in school. While attending said academy one of his associate students was Sena- tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He completed his education in tiie fall of his i6th year, and the following winter assisted liis 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 beingClerkin St. Clair Coun- ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining as such during i848-'49, and receiving much praise from his employers and the people in general for the ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He spent his summer vacation at ileriial work on board the lake vessels. In 1849- '50, he abandoned office work, and for the proper development of his physical system spent several months liauling logs. In the spring of 1850, his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer "Chautauqua," and "Yoiuig Dave" became her mas- ter. A {xjrtion 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 tliat time tliere was a serious obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which I i •f^• 11 $«^#»- ^^^ — ^-A<-^ii n ;<^iin^>^-^^ — ^^^^^ ^fr-^^ft ^€^^ £>A VI D H. JEROME. r^ V>-.VAy.- I vessels could cany only about 10,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels from one lake to the other, and put his plan into operation. Through the influence of practical men, — among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 bushels of grain. During the season, the two brothers succeeded in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the spring of 185 i, he was clerk and acting master of the steamers "Frankhn Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo. In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed e.xtraordinary success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re- mained there during the summer, and located the Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, but when the water supply began to fail with the dry season, sold out his interest. He left in 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, ana 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 young man, of strong Democratic principles. The ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was elected bv a handsome majority. When the Repub- lican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com- missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held meetings al various points. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril- liant record. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was twice renominated and elected both times by in- creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak- ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair- man of the Committee on State 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 ap]X)inced 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 ap]X)inted a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners. In I876 he was Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement of all existing difficulties. The commission went to Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, a distance of 600 nriles 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 opjwnent was Freder- ick M. HoUoway, of Hillsdale ("oimty, who was sup- ported by the Democratic and Greenback parties. The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, and when the polls were closed on the evening of election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to occupy the highest position within their gift. V^^ § A W^^ -^^m % niif^A^ — ^^§s^ 7 i-\> Ml; ,>^r!st^ •'Ttr- J ^^m^ GOVERXORS OF MICHIGAN JOSIAH W. BEG0LEV 169 ^ ■\^ ^ / OSIAH \V. BE(i()LK, the resent {1883), Ciovernoi of Michigan was born in Living- ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20, ' 1815. His ancestors were of French descent, and settled at an early period in tlie State of Maiyland. Hisgrandfather,Capt. Bolles, of that State, was an offi- cer in the American army during the waroftiie Revolution. .\l)0ut le beginning of the present cent- ury both his grand|)arents, having )ecome dissatisfied with the insli- ?^ tution of slavery, although slave- holders themselves, emigrated to .ivnigston County, N. Y., then a new countr\', taking with them a number of their former slaves, who volunteered to accompany them. His father was an officer in the .\nierican army, and served during the war of iSi 2. Mr. B. received his early education in a log school- house, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill .Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a family of ten children, whose parents were in moder- ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early taught hal)its of industry, and when 21 years of age, being ambitious to better his condition in life, he re- solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was then called. In .August, 1S36, he left the parental roof to seek a home in tiie Territory of Michigan then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in (lenesee County, and aided with his own hands in building some of the early residences in what is now known as the city of Flint. There were but four or five houses where this flourishing city now stands when he selected it as his home. In the spring of 1S39 he married Miss Harriet .\. 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- jjctence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced woik on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse- verance and energy, he soon established a good home, and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a well improved farm of five hundred acres. Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a member of the Republican party at its organization. He served his to.vnsmen in various offices, and was in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office he held for eight years. .\t the lireaking 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 suiiplies for the army, and in looking after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The deathof his eldest son near .Atlanta, Ga., by aConfed- rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. When a few years Liter he was a member in Congress i |)-\®>)?^#« ^^j^^¥^ ^^^^MM^'i>^^ ^^^'^^ 4^^f®>(|[^ >iS^S^iKr V<^I h>r rJ^^ ^ ■^ o» y^ o 170 JOSIAH W. BEGOLE. Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and who should fare equally with him who came in at the eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House on account of the large appropriation that would be required to pay the same. In 1870, Gov. Regole was nominated by acclama- tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a large majority. In that i)ody he served on the Com- mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public- spirited view of the importance of a new capitol building worthy of the State, and was an active mem- ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the same He was a delegate to the National Republi- can Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and _ was the chosen member of that delegation to go to \ Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator ** Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that convention that, by the express wish of his many friends, he was induced to offer himself a can- didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con- gress, in which he was successful, after competing for the nomination with several of the most worthy, able and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis- trict, and was elected by a very large majority. In Congress, he was a member of the Committee on Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap- ix)inted by that committee to draft the most impor- tant report made by that committee, and uix)n the only subject recommended by the President in his message, which he did and the report was printed in records of Congress ; he took an efficient though an unobtrusive part in all its j)roceedings. He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of silver, and other financial measures, many of which, though defeated then, have since become the settled (^ policy of the country. Owing to the position which Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a "Greenbacker." In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269, the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome, receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit that has already won him many friends, and bids fair to make his administration both successful and pop- ular. The very best indications of what a man is, is what his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol- lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re- publican paper m Gov. Begole's own county, and it, too, written during the heat of a political campaign, which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster- ling worth : "So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to his character that can be alleged against him. He has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his pur- pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- terest political enemies. He has a warm, generous nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- icant of a man's character than words There are many scores of men in all parts of the State where Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to step outside of party lines to show that they do not forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo- crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so good a man as Mr. Begole." This sketch would be imiierfect without referring to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties by fire and destroying the results and accumulations of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were quarrehng over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole wrote to an agent in the "]bumt district " a letter, from which we make an extract of but a single sentence: "Until the differences between the two committees are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I have money." This displays his true character. I () ^ c< Ht>A >-^^"^srv^ '^^Nf@>:(^)* ;i^)W^®))^t|« ■:23€^^^ ^V^:I]II^P^^>T 4^^e(®V(|i=; J I V t^-N>5- »3^ Uf ®1 ai^-iui/EIDMB ^^^^^^^^^ ■'=^-^<^D!i:^Dtli>^ ^^j^^fg^ \^ (V ^!^M -:^^^^ c?^?lllj>:llll^>r- -^zJ^siiiAsr >:> (1) c^: 't/ (^ t i|^->^#— ■^^^^^^nnr^^nni^ .-^Au:i- ^?T^ V r^^icliiit.y'^^^^^ ^r->. <' -mO c II, /jt 7 / ^^/®))«^^ -^^^ — T^-T<-:ni]^oor>r6 — --^^^ 4J^f^V^ ISABELLA COUNTY. 1^ tr-^ .>^ 4-3- JU h. .OKNELIUS BENNETT, Judge of Probate of Isa- bella County, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 15, 1839, in the township of Deerfield, Livingston Co , '•■\^ - ''■•' Mich. His parents, Michael i-:® » . and Bridget (Flynn) Bennett, were na- •^v=^ *.y'_)" tives of the County of Kings, Ireland, «^^|.iQ-» where they grew to mature years and ^jm.^j.-.~h-> iiiarried. Shortly after that event, in 1827, they came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming. The family remained in the Keystone State four years and came thence in 1837 to Michigan, where they settled on a homestead claim of 80 acres in Northfield Township, Washtenaw County. At that time the townships of that county north of range 84 east were connected with Ann Arbor for municipal purposes. The first settler had made a permanent location in 1824, and during the eight years ensuing the population grew until the number was sufficiently large to warrant an independent local organization. The movement to effect this was in- itiated in the fall of 1832. The enabling act was passed during the Legislative session of the winter following, and the first town meeting was held in April, 1833, two years after Michael Bennett began the work of a pioneer land-holder in the township. His name is associated with the first religious en- terprise in Northfield, and the first Church therein and its organization were due to his efforts, associated with several other settlers in the township, of similar religious connections. The record published in the "History of Washtenaw County" in 1881 states that, "in 1831-32 a few enterprising men who had left their homes in the ' Green Isle' settled in the town. Father Kelley came the same year and, with the assistance of his few Church people and Isaac Dickee, erected a log church on section 29. They were John Keenan, William Prindle, William Stubs, John McKernan, Philip McKernan, John Sullivan, Michael Portal, John Mclntyre, Michael Bennett, Peter Smith, Michael Neligan, Patrick Walsh, Mi- chael Walsh, Patrick Donavin and Bryan Galligan." In 1837 the primitive structure gave place to a com- modious frame building, which was for ten years the only church edifice in the township. Mr. Bennett, senior, sold his property and removed to Livingston ("ounty in 1837. He bought a half section in the township of Deerfield, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. The mother died Sept 27, 1873 ; the demise of the father took place in 1876. Their family included six chil- dren, — throe sons and three daughters. Two of the latter, Bridget and Catherine, are deceased. Mary is the wife of John Downey, a farmer on section 35, 9 (^ V^N/^®)$f^#«- TZi^^^ •7<>llD^Dny>r- TT- rsi^^isr 4^^f ^ rra ^ I s 1^ ISABELLA COUNTY. Isabella Township. James and Frank are farmers in Deerfield, Livingston County. Mr. Bennett, of this sketch, secured a good com- mon-school education in his native place and alter- nated his periods of study with assisting on his fath- er's farm. In 1856 he commenced attending school at Ann Arbor, where he pursued his studies one and a half years, after which he spent one winter in teaching. In the spring of 1858 he responded to an inward impulse, of which he had been a long time conscious, to see more of the world than that circum- scribed by the boundaries of the Peninsular State with which he had grown familiar, and he proceeded to Leavenworth, Kansas, then on the western frontier and the center of interest from the recent contests be- tween the border-ruffians and the Free-Soil element. That section of the United States was still, in a sense, debatable ground, and a sufficient intensity of the spirit that ruled the year 1855 was yet in existence to engage the interest of young men of ambitious minds, to whom the daring and mystery seemed full of glory. It is probable that to the period of this country's history just preceding the civil war, the successful men of the present generation owe more than to any other. The shadows of coming events hung over the times, heavy with portent, and within the next decade the tree of American independence and enterprise burst into bloom. It was simply a verification of the sententious truism, that circum- stances make men, and also the concomitant fact that men make history. The agents of the United States were stationed at the frontier posts to protect the interests of the Gov- ernment there and in the unsettled territory beyond, and young Bennett joined a construction train, or- ganized under the authority of Captain Russell and Major Waddeil, Government agents, which was to proceed to (then) Sonora Territory to build forts in advance of emigration, for the United States soldiers necessary for the protection of Immigrant settlers from the Indians. The train started Sept. 4, 1858, and consisted of 54 wagons, each drawn by six yokes of oxen, and accompanied by a force of about 70 men. The wagons contained army supplies, besides immense quantities of axes, nails, saws and tools for use in the projected fort-building. It also in- cluded a herd of 280 oxen, technically called a " co- vey yard," for relief. The contract guaranteed monthly to every man for three years, and the orders were to operate until the supplies (which included the oxen) were exhausted. On arriving at Fort Bridger, within 100 miles of Salt Lake City, it was ascertained that the Mormons had taken into their own hands the reins of the local government of the Territory over which they were to pass, had forbidden any approach to Salt Lake City, and destroyed the forage of Carson Val- ley, upon which the maintenance of the teams de- pended. The quartermaster took charge of the immense herd of upwards of a thousand oxen, and the expedition came practically to an end. Mr. Bennett, with 17 others, turned their faces homeward. He arrived at Leavenworth in Decem- ber, 1858, and in March, 1859, he again set out for Denver, Col., in charge of the first general sup- ply train that entered that place. It consisted of 28 wagons, each drawn by eight oxen, and bearing army supplies, also shovels, axes, picks, and sheet-iron for mining purposes. The site of the now prosperous city was reached in May, 1859. The route was made under the difficulties peculiar to the state of civilization, or ratlier want of it, of that period, and the perplexities of the situation, coupled with its re- sponsibilities as chief of the expedition, quite satisfied Mr. Bennett of the real value of a life of adventure in an unsettled territory, subject to the incidents of frontier life under the influences of the incongruous type of humanity which has made that time a marked era in American history. Jealousies arose, mu- tinies were instigated, and he found that the necessity for prompt and decided action, which was constantly arising, had little in it of glory or satisfaction. Thr actual dignity and character of affairs are aptly rer resented by the fact that, on one occasion, when the culmination of a conspiracy came to his knowledge, he rushed upon the scene and terminated proceed- ings, quelling the leader by the vigorous application of a red-hot frying-pan square in the face. It was rather an inglorious conquest, but the victory that perched uixin his banners was no less effectual, and its retrospective comfort no less complete, than though it had been achieved through the instrumentality of the knife or the revolver, then the predominaring authority in the settlement of the question as to who should be greatest. Mr, Bennett spent about a year in Colorado, inter- '^ A r (g;>)^'^^ ■xsr IS A BELL A COUNTY. ■>iSNSxi'- 4^^c(fvii 183 (h C-^' V ested in mining, which he pursued at three different points within 40 miles of Denver, his headquarters. His experiences there were after the order of those immortalized by the graphic pens of Bret Harte and John Hay. Mining claims, legitimate or otherwise, engendered contests, and Mr. Bennett and his part- ner, in one instance, became involved in a controversy which they attempted to adjust under the local regu- lations known as miners' trials. From incidents of much less romantic hue, gifted pens have woven webs of dramatic interest that have sent their author's ■F.mes dovvn to the generations to come with death- less fame. riie confrere of Mr. Bennett was a man in whom the exigencies of frontier life had developed the principles of self-defense, and he held himself in readiness to adjust his affairs according to his own ideas of right and justice, and in keeping with the methods adopted by the element with which circum- stances compelled him to deal. In the case referred to, a difference of understanding had arisen, and the species of administration of justice had been ap- pealed to which was then the only approach to the methods of arbitration that were practiced within the borders of civilization. Mr. Bennett, his asso- ciate and the contestant, sat on a log, in preliminary council, surrounded by a crowd of miners, who con- stituted the court. The third party in the case lost self-control and indulged in a few sentences of disa- greeable signification, which were so pointed as to demand immediate attention. In an instant a gleam of light from the polished barrel of a revolver flashed athwart the vision of the assemblage. Mr. Bennett arrested the arm that controlled the weapon and dis- possessed its holder. A storm of hot words ensued. As night came on, it was argued that the " shoot- ist"and the other individual most intimately con- cerned should retire beyond the encampment and talk over affairs. The plan was put into execution, but the pair had hardly passed beyond the light of the camp-fires when the report of a pistol awoke the echoes of the night. A scene of wild excitement fol- lowed. The would-be murderer had been attacked with an opportune " fit," in which his revolver shared to such an extent as to inflict a serious wound upon his companion. He lay on the ground, writhing in the contortions of epilcpsy(.'), his throat swollen and throbbing, and sheets of foam issuing from his livid lips. As the crowd surrounded his victim, he brought the fit to a termination and fled to his cabin, whither Mr. Bennett followed him. Instant flight was determined upon, and Mr. Ben- nett returned to learn the next act in the play, as the first in no sense outlined what was to follow. He found a crowd of men, anxious to furnish substantial proof of their estimate of procedures, who had de- cided that a murderer, either in fact or intent, needed be hung. When it was ascertained that he was be- yond their reach, their hunger for some retributive act had reached a climax and a victim must be forth- coming. The individual who had precipitated mat- ters not being at hand, it was decided to hang Mr. Bennett. The suddenness of the emergency brought his predominating trait of character to the front. In imperturbable coolness he stood among the undis- ciplined, clamorous rabble, and by his fearless bear- ing and deliberately chosen arguments, couched in unimpassioned language, he quelled their turbulence and disarmed their malicious intent. On leaving Denver, Mr. Bennett returned to Liv- ingston County, where he attended school, pursuing his studies two years at the seminary at Howell. He passed the summers of 1863-4 in the law office of S. F. Hubbell, of Howell, where he read for the profes- sion under that gentleman's instructions. He then consummated the required period of study in the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the degree of B. LL., March 25, 1865. In May, of the same year, he came to Mt. Pleasant, believing that this section afforded a field for the exercise of his profes- sional qualifications and an opening to a successful business career. He opened an office immediately upon his arrival, as an attorney. In November, 1869, his connection with the official affairs of Isabella County began. The death of James P. Welper, County Clerk and Register of Deeds, created a vacancy, to which Mr. Bennett succeeded by appointment. The two positions were held by one incumbent until 1872, when they became distinct. Mr. Bennett discharged the duties of County Clerk three years, being elected to the office in 1870. He officiated as Register of Deeds five years, receiving one election and one re-election, and serving one year as apix)intee. He held the office of Justice of the Peace from 1866 to 1882, and was also elected ft. V- < t 3 (^ 1 % ISABELLA COUNTY. in 1866 to the oflfice of Circuit Court Commis- sioner, which he held two years. In 1880 he was elected to the position he now holds, of Probate Judge. He was nominated on the Democratic ticket, and scored a gratifying triumph, as the county had at that time a conceded Republican majority of 400 votes. He received a majority of 179 votes. In 187s, Mr. Bennett, associated with John Hicks, of St. John's, Mich., and three other capitalists of Clinton County, established the privatebanking-house of Hicks, Bennett & Co. Their office is established in the Opera Block, now owned by the banking firm, and built by Albert B. Upton. The law business of Mr. Bennett has gradually merged into real-estate transactions, in which he has extensive connections. In 1882 he built the Bennett House, which occupies a prominent position at Mt. Pleasant, and is one of the finest and most attractive buildings in the village. It is constructed of brick, is three stories above the basement, and fitted with the best modern appliances. Bennett's Addition to Mt. Pleasant includes 40 acres, which he platted in 1882. Mr. Bennett was married, Dec. 20, 1865, to Mary, daughter of Nelson and Catherine (Tice) Mosher. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of this county, and her father was a prominent figure in its official history. She died. May 30, 1872, at the age of 29 years, leaving one child, Frank, born Sept. 28, 1868. The second marriage of Mr. Bennett occurred Dec. 15, 187s, to Anna Palmer. She was born in Iosco, Livingston County, May 12, 1852, and is the daughter of Darwin and Elizabeth (Tice) Palmer. Mary, first child by this marriage, was born March 20, 1877, and died May 28, 1883, of diphtheria. Nellie was born Feb. 16, 1879. The life of every man is a part of the history of his time. The swift succession of generations, afford- ing room for others to come, bears an impressive meaning and places upon the leaders of events a weighty responsibility. The gravest question of the period is, whether the existence and achievements of the men of to-day shall be engulfed in the rushing tide and consigned to oblivion. The relations of in- dividuals to the present and future impose upon them peculiar obligations. He who recognizes an opportu- nity and possesses the courage and hardiliood to grasp and mold it to his advantage, is the marked man of the period. His im[X)rtance is in no sense measured .^i. ■^m^. by the prejudice or rivalry of others, but his identity becomes a part of the time and place where he lived. These considerations must impress themselves upon those who weigh with impartiality the career of Judge Bennett. In his portrait and that of Mrs. Bennett, which are the first presented in the biographical por- tion of this work, the people of Isabella County will experience a lively gratification. The subjects are open to no fulsome flattery. They represent a class whose lives are a benefit to the public weal and which reflect honor upon their deeds and motives. eorge W. Baker, farmer, section 15, Fre- mont Township, was born Feb. 15, 185 1, '^"^^ in Defiance Co., Ohio. His parents were ^yF* Josiah Baker, born Aug. 10, 1820, and Rachel A. Baker, born Aug. 7, 1827, and died Dec. 27, 1863. The father is still living and resides in Fremont Township. George W. was reared on the farm, and remained on the old homestead, assisting his father in the maintenanceof the family and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 18 years. On arriving at this age he engagedin a stone quarry, and, alternating this with the brick-making business, was thus employed for several years. He then worked on a farm in the neighborhood and followed that oc- cupation for a period of two years, when, in Novem- ber, 1870, he came to this county. He located 80 acres of land on section 15, Fre'mont Township; sub- sequently purchased 40 acres more on section 22 ; disposed of it and purchased another 40 acres on section 15, and still more recently purchased 80 acres additional on the same section. His landed possessions in Fremont Township amount to 200 acres, and of that amount he has improved and has in a good state of cultivation 185 acres, and has erected thereon a good residence and barn. When Mr. Baker first located in this county his finar.cial condition compelled him to devote his win- ters to labor in the woods, and he only could spend his summers on the farm, on section 15. The fine condition of the farm at the present time is indica- tive of what energetic effort will accomplish, and truly places Mr. Baker among the progressive farmers of his township. \^- A C-<>. tr <:iiii^nni> T-^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ""^a^^&v Cx" I A V ^ A i8s Politically, he is a Democrat, and has held the office of School Inspector, and also School Director of his district. Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Hattie D. Terrill, Feb. 7, 1875. She was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, in 1854, and was a daughter of Joseph and C. A. Terrill, natives of Lorain Co., Ohio. Her father was a farmer by occupation, a soldier in the late civil war, and died in a rebel prison. Mrs. Baker died in Isabella County, March 24, 1876. She was a true and loving wife, a kind neighbor and a generous friend, and left a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. -^ &r- j-Sharles J. Ayling, farmer, section 7, Lin- coln Township, was born in Warren Co., Pa., Jan. i, 1839. His parents were John- and Sarah (Trussler) Ayling, natives of England, where his father followed the occu- pation of farmer. The latter emigrated to this country after marriage, locating in Freehold, Pa. Charles J. remained on the parental homestead, assisted his father in the maintenance of the family and developed into manhood. He received the advantages afforded by the common schools of his native county, and improved his leisure time in the perfection of the same. July 5, 1863, he was married, in Sugar ('.rove Township, Warren Co., Pa., to Miss Emma Woodin, a native of the same county and State, where she was born Aug. 3, 1842. Her parents were Thomas and Caroline (Grosvener) Woodin, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, and of New England parentage. They came to this State in 1862 and were among the earliest settlers of Lincoln Township, and are both residents on section 18 of that township. Emma lived with her parents in her native county until her marriage, assisting her mother in her house- hold labors and attending the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. A. are the parents of five children, namely: Luella May, born July 16, 1865, in Warren Co., Pa. She is now engaged in teaching in the public schools of this county, and has justly obtained the credit of a thoroughly competent teacher. Thad W. was born Dec. 6, 1868; Josephine, Nov. 16, 1870; Lee M., March 14, 1875; and Florence G., Oct. 25, 1879. The first year after nianiage, Mr. and Mrs. A. lived on the old homestead in \Varren Co., Pa., and then moved to Lottsville, same county, where they lived one year. In the fall of 1865, they caiue to this State and for one year lived with the father of Mrs. A. During this year, 1865, they purchased 40 acres of land on section 7, Lincoln Townshij;, this county, anfl in the fall of 1866 moved on the same, where Mr.' A. entered on the laborious though in many respects' 'pleasant task of improving it. Mr. A. has added 40 acres to his original purchase, and of his 80-acre farm has 70 acres in a good state of cultivation. He has recently erected a large stock and grain barn on his farm, at a cost of $1,000. When Mr. Ayling first settled on his land, it was in a wild state of nature, and only through the per- sistent effort of earnest determination has he suc- ceeded in placing it in the cultivated condition in which it is found to-day. Politically, Mr. A. is a supporter of and believer in the National Greenback party. He has held the office of Road Commissioner seven years. Township Treasurer, and other minor offices. f|]<. crome Bachelder, farmer, section ii,Fre- 'J^ iMut Township, was born Nov. 29, 1828, - 11 (Jenesee Co., N. Y. His father, Aaron Ikulielder, was born Dec. 2, 1797, in Vermont; came to New York State at the age of 14; in July, 1853, he located on 80 acres of land in Clinton Co., Mich., where he died, August, 1866; he was a farmer. His mother, Rhoda, iiec Northway, was born Aug. 8, 1803, in New Hampshire, and died Jan. 31, 1839, in Genesee Co., N. Y. They had five children, of wliom two sons only are now living. One of the latter, named at the head of this sketch, at 17 years of age gave his fiither $50 for the rest of his time, and commenced to work for himself. From December, 1852, to August, 1862, he was a resident of Greenbiish, Clinton Co., Mich.; since which time he has been a citizen of tliis county, locating first upon a ([uarter-section of land, where he still resides. He has sold 40 acres of his original purchase, and of the remainder he now has 90 acres in a good state of f 0) :< ML t^ -^^i^K — 6v<^^i]n>:iinf> 1 86 m I :-- -- '^,f improvement. Being one of the first settlers here, he ^ cut the first road in the township. He is a RepuliH- ^^ can on political questions, has been Highway Com- f missioner. Justice of the Peace and Treasurer, each A), two terms, and belongs to Mt. Pleasant Lodge, No. 305, F. & A. M. In February, 1856, he married Mary H. Fox, a daughter of Chauncy D. and Rosanna (Lenox) Fox, and who was born Feb. 25, 183S. Her father was a native of Connecticut, and her mother of -Masschu- setts: they both died in Shiawassee Co., Mich., the latter March 5, 1848, and the former in July, 1872. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bachelder are as fol- lows: Floyd J., born Nov. 19, 1856; Clarence A. and Clara R. (twins). March 28, i860; Lizzie J., Sept. 8, 1861 ; Willie C, Oct. 6, 1863; Hattie M.,Nov. i, 1864; Nellie M., March 3, 1872; Loa and Lua (twins), Nov. 25, 1873 ; Sarah C, Oct 30, 1875 ; Anna G., Oct. 26, 1880. ^feil^phraim A. Salisbury, farmer on section 33, Chippewa Township, is a son of Asil and Amanda (Letson) Salisbury, the for- mer a native of Vermont and the latter of Erie Co., N. Y. The parents first settled in the latter county, afterwards removing to Wy- oming Co., N. Y. In the spring of 1866 they came to Michigan and located in Chi|)pewa township, this county, where he died, Feb. 23, 1880. The mother is still a resident of Chippewa. The following eight children were reared by the parents : William H., Ephraim A., Paulina J., Eunice, James, Rosanna, Mary A. and Warren. The subject of this biographical sketch, the second son, was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Aug. 27, 1843, and was quite young when his parents removed to Wyo- ming County. He commenced to make his own way in life at the early age of 12, and was variously employed until October, 1861, when he enlisted in the looth N. Y. Vol. Inf. He served in that regi- i ment with credit three years and then re-enlisted in ^ the Fifth U. S. Infantry, in Hancock's Corps. After ^j one year more he was honorably discharged, at New ^ York city, March 21, 1866. He fought bravely in ij) a number of engagements, among which might be *^ mentioned, particularly, Fair Oaks, Williamsburg and ^^^ ■7^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^^^((fvK' %s (q> the seven days' fight before Richmond. At Harri- son's landing he was stricken with the dread disease, typhoid fever, and in consequence was sent to hos- pital at Bedlow's Island, New York Harbor, where he remained two months. Recovering, he was assigned to detached duty at Alexandria until the close of his first term of service. After his final discharge he returned to New York, and soon after, in the spring of 1866, came to Isa- bella County and bought 80 acres of wild land on section 32, Chippewa Township. He erected a log house, which he occupied until 187 i, when he added to his farm 80 acres on section TyT,. Removing to that section, he has since lived there. In 1880 he built a fine dwelling, which will long stand as a monument to his industry and perseverance. He has on his farm three barns, and keeps 20 cattle, 100 sheep and four horses. He owns 200 acres of land, of which 130 are in a state of scientific cultivation. He was married in Chippewa Township, Nov. 11, 1866, to Miss Sarah L., daughter of Elbert and Lucy A. (Gibbs) Smith, natives of New York and Michigan. The parents first settled in Eaton Co., Mich., where the mother died Aug. i, i860. The father came in 1866 to Isabella County and settled in Chippewa Township, where he lived most of the time until 1882. He then returned to Eaton County, his present home. Mrs. Salisbury was born in Eaton Township, Eaton County, March 13, 1849. ^^"^ ^"*i her husband have had seven children, four of whom survive, — Edgar L., Elbert B., Raymond and an infant. The deceased are Mary L., Edith L. and Roy, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. S. has held the offices of Supervisor three years. Township Treasurer two years and has been elected to various other local offices. Politically, he is a Republican. |£ oren O. Burnham, farmer on section 24, Vernon Township, the sixthchildof a family of nine, was born in Lyme Township, Jeffer- son Co., N. Y., May 18, 1847, and lived on his father's farm until called to the defense of his country. He enlisted July 18, 1863, '" ^o. A, 20th N' Y. Vol. Cav., and served under Gens. Butler, Ord W <.i||j^||li;>vp. .>7vff«^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. >^i^SKt■'■'^ 187 I t V and McKinzie. He fought in a number of skirmishes, but escaped unhurt. He, however, suffered for a time paralysis in the lower limbs, the result of an attack of diphtheria ; and was in consequence obliged to use crutches for some time. He was honorably discharged Aug. 11, 1S65. Returning to his home in New York, he came with his parents the same fall to Michigan. He stopped for a while in Shiawassee County, attending for two terms the union school at Corunna. He remained with his parents until 1868, when he came to Isabella and settled in Vernon Township. He has added to his original purchase 120 acres and has a fine orchard of three acres. In the spring of i88r he erected a model stock and grain barn, which was destroyed by fire April 27, 1884. He is expecting to replace it this season (18S4). His parents afterwards came to this county and are now residents of the same townshij). He was married Aug. 31, 1869, in Wayne Co., Mich., to Miss Lydia M. Potter, who was born in that county May 9, 185 i. Five children have been born of this marriage: Henry Ward, Oct. 4, 1870; Edith J., Dec. i, 1872 ; Alton C, March 23, 1875 ; Emerson, July 17, 1880; Clark Y., July 22, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. B. attend the Baptist Church. He is politically a Republican, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of High- ways. illiam Whitehead, farmer, owns the east half of tiie southeast (piarter of section 30, 'p Union Townsliip. He is a son of Richard and Mary (Fuller) Whitehead, and was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng., May 13, 18 16. He was reared on a farm, and has followed agricul- ture and masonry ever since. Coming to this country in 185 1, he owned different farms in Wayne Co., N. Y., where he also followed his trade, until January, 1869. He then came to Union Townshi|), this county, having bought 80 acres of timbered land in October previous. He has cleared 40 acres. Mr. W. is now suffering from im- paired health. He was first married in Spaulding, Lincolnshire, England, May 17, 1841, to Elizabeth Bartec, a native of England. Of this marriage nine children were born, seven of whom are living, — Mary A., Jane, Charles R., George W., Matilda, Franklin B. and Stella. The deceased were infants. Losing his wife by death in the Slate of New York, Oct. 7, 1861, he again married, at Rose Valley, Wayne Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1865, Mrs. Ann Reed, widow of John Reed, who was killed at the first battle of Bull Run. Carrie A., William and Josejih are the names of the three children born of Mr. W.'s second marriage. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. |i|^lzy Dush, farmer, section 2, Fremont Town ship, is a son of. William and Hannah wjw- (Todd) Dush, natives of Licking Co., Ohio. ^S. The former, by vocation a farmer, moved from Ohio to Michigan in 1867, settling on 40 acres of section ro, Fremont Township, this county. He died in Licking Co., Ohio, in 1882, and his wife in Defiance County, that State, in 1853. Mr. Elzy Dush was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Dec. 15, 1835; remained at home with his parents until he was of age, when he commenced to work by the month as a farm laborer. In 1857 he came to Branch County, this State, remaining two years ; then spent four years in Ohio. During the latter period he enlisted in Co. E, i4lh Ohio Vol. Inf., was at- tached to the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain and of the Rich- mond campaign. He was wounded in the arm at the battle of Jonesboro, and was finally discharged, with honor, at Cleveland, Ohio, in July, 1865. After a short visit home he went to Hillsdale County, this State, where he remained two years. He then came to Isabella county and located on section 3, Fremont Township, but afterward settled upon section 2, taking possession of 81 acres, where he has since been engaged in establishing the appointments of a comfortable home. In political affairs Mr. Dush is a decided Repub- lican. He has been Justice of the Peace and High- way Commissioner two terms each. In 1866 Mr. Dush married Miss Lucinda, daughter of Hiram and Catharine Beard, natives of the Key- stone State. She was born Feb. 28, 1847, in Adams Co., Pa. Mr. D. is the father of nine children, as i V© *0' J?^))f^#^ -^^^^Do^niir^v?- •^4^^^((^^ Z^d^^^:^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ras^ii^ 1 ^ follows : Harriet (by a former marriage), born Jan. '^n 19, 1862; Alice, Dec. 8, 1867 ; William, Jan. 3, 1869; .,';, Martha, July 8, 187 1 ; Olive, Sept. 6, 1874; Oscar, I Sept. 14, 1877 ; Claude, Oct. 14, 1880, and died Dec. ^. 23, 1883; Minnie and Mina, born Aug. 17, 1882. iFFal^ illiam R. Crowley, farmer and carpenter, illi^JI^ residing on section 27, Union Townsliip, jJ^^ni one mile south of the corporation limits of vl^^ Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Lyman and Clarissa •4v2/' (Crook) Crowley, and was born in Wales \J Township, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1828. He followed farming and carpentry in the Empire State until February, 1865, when he came toMt. Pleasant, this county. His family came in August. He fol- lowed carpentry for' a time, and the same year of his arrival he bought 80 acres where he now lives. He has since added 40 acres on section 22, and has al- together 90 acres under cultivation. He has a fine orchard and creditable residence and farm buildings. He still follows his trade a portion of each year. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and, taking quite a deep interest in school matters, has held several offices in his district. He was married in Colden, Erie Co., N. Y., May 20, i860, to Miss Sarah Sharp, daughter of John and Susan (Markwell) Sharp. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp came from England to this country about 1843 or '4, and settled in New York, where they lived a number of years, farming. They moved thence to Burlington, Iowa, where he died Dec. 13, 1877, and she in November, 1863. Their daughter, Mrs. Crowley, was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., Aug. 26, 1840, and is the mother of three children : Etta A., born in South Wales, Erie Co., N. Y., Feb. 16, 1863; Nellie B., born on the farm in this county, Dec. 19, 1869; and William W., born in this county, Sept. 18, 1874. fames D. Allen, farmer and stock-raiser on section 12, Vernon Township, was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., June 28, 1857 ; and is a son of David P. and Clarissa A. (Timothy) Allen, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont. The father was a farmer and drover, doing for a time a very extensive stock business. One season. however, owing to a decline in values of fatted stock, he lost a fortune. After this event he devoted his attention exclusively to farming. He came to Michigan in 1865, settling in Clare County, of which he was the first permanent settler. He raised the first wheat in that county. In October, 1880, ,he came to this county, and has since resided with his son. He is now 74 years old. His wife is yet liv- ing in Clare County, aged 67. Their son, James D. Allen, was the youngest of ten children, and was eight years old when the family settled in Clare County, He went later to Ransom- ville, N. Y., where he attended school for a time. Returning, he worked with his father on the farm. Coming to this county in 1880, he bought 80 acres where he now lives. All his land is improved. He has an orchard, three acres in extent, and a barn 40 X 82 feet in dimensions, for stock, grain, hay, etc., which add much to his place. He butchers cattle, on a large scale, for lumber camps in this and adjoin- ing counties. He was married July 29, 18S0, to Miss Hattie A., daughter of William and Lydia M. Finessey, natives of New York and Michigan and of English descent. She was born at Greenville, Mich., June 20,1865, and is the mother of one son, Helon P., born Sept. 4, 1 88 1. Politically Mr. Allen is a Republican. C^: 1 •fs- Isharles A. Richardson, farmer, section 18, Lincoln Township, is a son of Charles G. and Caroline B. Richardson, natives of Maine. His father was born in 1820 and his mother in 1829. They emigrated in 1852 or '3 to Lorain Co., Ohio; two years afterward to Wood County, that State, near the village of Millgrove, Perry Township; also to Sandusky County, where he was chiefly engaged in a saw-mill; in 1865 they came, with their two sons and four daughters, and settled on section 19, Fremont Township, this county, on a tract of 80 acres of primitive forest, and pro- ceeded to clear a farm and establish the essentials of a permanent home; but, finally, in i88i, they again ^ moved, to the village of Dushville, where Mr. R. is now engaged in general merchandising. He has been Supervisor of his township four terms, and for some time has now been Justice of the Peace. 1 M. -(^»?«f:»>Nv© ^. ^.MJl. ? I t ISABELLA COUNTY. M-^'^ -*4^^f^ 3 y ^ Mr. Charles A. Richardson, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Franklin Co., Maine, Jan. 15, 1849; spent most of his youth lumbering in the winter and helping his parents on the farm during the summer seasons. When 23 years of age he mar- ried Miss Grace McLeod, who was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Aug. 12, 1847, a daughter of Samuel and Grace (Craig) McLeod, who came to Isabella County in 1862, setlling on a quarter of section 18, Lincoln Township, among the first settlers in that part of the county. They were natives of Scotland, and emi- grated to America in 1840. He was born Feb. 6, 1814, in the city of Edinburgh, and was killed Jan. 3, 1864, by the falling of a tree in the lumber woods. Mrs. McLeod was born July i6, 1816, in Penning- ham Parish, Scotland, and died Dec. ig, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of six children, one of whom is not living. The record is: Nellie G., born June 14, 1873; Harry A. and Clara A. (twins), Feb. 23, 1875; Harry A. died Sept. 24, following; Charles E., born May 20, 1876; Rudy R., born July 6, 1878; and Roy A., born March 26, 1879. Mr. Richardson has always been counted a Demo- crat, on political issues, and has held the office of Scliool Director for five years. Mrs. R. was a pio- neer school-teacher in this county, teaching the first school in Fremont Township, in what was known as the "Caldwell District." ^^^^B. Dibble, farmer, section 2,ii Union Town- _ i|, ship, owning 40 acres on that section and hiiV"^ 120 on 34, is the son of John C. and Eliza 'Kf, (Burdick) Dibble, and was born in Maryland ^ Township, Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1832. \ When he was quite young his parents re- moved to Monroe County, same State, where they lived until he was twenty years old, on a farm. At this age he left home, and coming to Dearborn Town- ship, Wayne County, this State, he was for 15 years foreman of a force of track- repairers. He was married at the village of Dearborn, Jan. 28, i85S,to Miss Abbie Kilbourn, who was born May 26, 1832, the daughter of Heber and Elizabeth Kilbourn. In 1861 Mr. D. came to Union Township, this County, and entered 160 acres of land where he now lives. Unionai that timecontained but 13 voters. His farm was then covered with dense timber, and there were no roads. He has now 90 acres chopped, and 75 under cultivation, with two nice orchards, sev- eral acres in extent. When he came here, he was transported by cars to St. John's, and traveled from that place to this by ox team. The remainder of Mr. D.'s family came to Union Township three years later. Mrs. D.'s family came to Chippewa Township, this county, several years previous. Mr. D. and wife have had six children, five of whom are living. The two eldest were born in Dearborn Township, Wayne County, and the others in this County. Laura J., the wife of Arthur Jones, a farm- er of Union Township, was born Oct. 26, 1858; George H. was born Dec. 27, i860, and died April 27, 1875 ; Frank B. was born Oct. i, 1862 ; Cairie E., June 10, 1864; Daniel L., .'\pril 16, 1866; Burt C. , March 27, 1868. The position of Mr. Dibble among the pioneers of Isabella County is such that his portrait is an espe- cially valuable addition to the collection presented in this volume. -^ A A £>- i A *->* ®^i§^§^ ■er^^tl!l^llll^1>^ ohn Rendell, farmer on section 10, Rolland, is a son of Job and Elizabeth (Sims) Ren- /j^' dell, natives of England. The father was dff^ born in 1804, the motlVer 10 years later. They ^r followed farming, and emigrated to Canada in \ 1850, locating in Lennox Co., Ont., on 100 acres, which is their present home. Their family includes four sons and four daughters, all living. The subject of this biography was born Aug. 3, 1844, in Dorsetshire, Eng., and came to Canada with his parents when he was but five years of age. Re- maining at home till 19, he then worked on a farm for five years. In 1869 he came to this State and settled in Ionia County, where he lived a year and a half. He came in 1871 to Isabella County and loca- ted on 80 acres on section 10, Rolland. He has ' since added 80 acres, and of his whole farm 90 acres are improved. He is a progressive farmer and a pop- ' ular citizen. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary C. McCabe, , who was born July 30, 1850, the daughter of Elias and Maria J. (Sharp) McCabe. Mr. McCabe was ■ ^^^rm^^ V T7 -v^.l \y>T "^i^&^^isr -4^^<<®V^ ^ s .:3 ) ISABELLA COUNTY. born in Canada in 1818, and Mrs. McCabe was born in the same country in 1820. They yet Hve in the Dominion. They have eight sons and three daugh- ters, all living but one. Mr. and Mrs. Rendell have had six children, whose record is as follows : Martha L., born June 26, 187 i ; Libbie I., July 8, 1873 ; Ter- esa M., Oct. 10, 1875; Phebe, March 12, 1877; Emma A., April 8, 1879, and Effie I., May 30, 1883. Politically, Mr. R. is an active supporter of the Republican party. He has been Moderator of his school district two terms, and in 1881 was elected Highway Commissioner. He and wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. eorge McDonald, proprietor of a livery stal)le on East Broadway, corner of Franklin Street, Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Charles and Sarah (Barnes) McDonald, and was born in Lockport, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1856. He was reared by his grandparents on a farm eight miles from T,ockport. In 1865 his parents came to St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich., and the following spring he came to the same place, his grandparents having died. His father was for several years a merchant at St John's, and was then in the livery business. Wiien 15, George went into the woods near Bay City as lumber- man. In July, 1877, he came to Mt. Pleasant and bought a farm of 55 acres on section 3, Union, where he lived two years and cleared 20 acres, besides making other usual imjirovcments. Coming then to Mt. Pleasant, he worked with his father during the winter of 1879-80. He next opened a saloon op- posite the Bamber House, and a short time later he opened a Inlliard saloon in Carr & Granger's old stand. In the fall of 1882 he built on his present saloon site. After one week, he was burned out, at a loss of $700, but he speedily rebuilt and in 11 days was once more doing business. In the spring of 1 88 1 he built a large brick livery barn 38 x no feet in size, two stories in height, the upper story being his residence. He keeps a livery, board, feed and sale stable, and has a profitable business. His livery stock varies from 12 to 15 horses. He owns also two dwelling houses and two lots in Hopkins' Addition, and a vacant lot in the same vicinity. ^" -an^^jR: ^A<^ He was married in Mt. Pleasant, Jan. i, 1879, to Miss Catherine Prothero, a native of Wisconsin. They have two children, Edith E. and George, both born at Mt. Pleasant. avid Morse, retired farmer, resident at Mt. ||, Pleasant, was born July 2, 1821, in Genesee Co., N. Y. He was reared as a farmer, l^** and is the son of Simeon and Catherine (Nor- ton) Morse. He made profitable use of his op- Ijortunities, and at the period of his legal man- hood he was the possessor of 50 acres of land, which he afterwards increased to 100 acres. In the fall of 1853 Mr. Morse removed to Grand Rapids and became a salesman in the hardware store of Foster & Perry. After filling that position three months he opened a similar establishment at Ionia, in company with Loomis Mann. This relation existed about six months, and was terminated by /\ Mr. Mann's becoming sole proprietor by purchase. == Mr. Morse removed to Lyons, Ionia County, and ^» opened a store for the sale of groceries, which he = conducted about 18 months, and changed business -rx- into that of the sale of hardware. He sold the lat- a 9 Pleasant in the spring of 1866, where he spent ^y t months working at the trade of a builder. He f ter in 1859, and built a fine house, barn, etc., in Lyons. Jan. i, 1864, he enlisted in Battery G., First Mich. Light Artillery, Capt. Burdick, and served until the close of the war. He joined his command at Matagorda Island, on the coast of Texas, where they were held in reserve some time. On leaving the military service he returned to Lyons and em- barked in the commission business. He came to Mt some montns working had previously obtained a claim of 320 acres in Chip- pewa Township, section 17, and, during the time named, he had 13 acres of timber chopped off and the land otherwise improved. He rented the Pres- ■ ton (now Bamber) House and managed it about two years, after which he built a house on his place and took possession of it, remaining until the spring of ; 1883. He placed 75 acres under improvement, •^:- which constitutes a good working farm. He was Jus- 6)'. tice of the Peace in Chippewa Township four years. ^ The first marriage of Mr. Morse occurred Jan. i, @j 1845, in Sheldon, Wyoming Co., N. Y., when Rosa- ^ \(r \;y^ — ^^^^^ -^^m m -^^V<^lltl>:illl>>-r- ISABELLA COUIVTY. ">(vi "^ Margaret A. (Fladiing) Hook, natives of ||p Germany, who came to this country in Sep- ^ tember, 1846, settling in Ohio, and came I thence to Isabella County. He died Feb. 2, 1855, and she Jan. 28, i860. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany Aug. 31, 1829, and was 17 years old when the fam- ily came to America. The father was a mason in the old country, and his work took him to various places away from home. At the age of 13 young Hook took up the same trade, and traveled with his father to different places, being thus engaged until they emigrated. In this country he followed his trade but a short time, and the same season that he came to Ohio he was, after three months' work in the mines, bound out for three years to the shoemaker's trade. He served his time and worked four years f i c A '>: r^ Z >:p||.>A:4i ^^if 4^^^^^faX^ -^^^^ T^mmhW ^ /^ / ISABELLA COUNT v. more for the same man, having the principal charge of the business, and becoming a man of standing in the community. Directly after his ap- prenticeship he attended for a time an English school, he having received a good education in the schools of Germany. In 185 1-2 he made a tour of Ohio and Indiana, visiting many of the important cities and working at his trade. He then returned to Crawford Co., Ohio, and in the spring of 1853 he came to this county and took up 120 acres under the Graduation Act, afterwards homesteading 40 acres more. Here he has since resided, except one year when he worked at his trade at Alma, Gratiot County. He has disposed of all but 80 acres, 50 of which are under cultivation. He was married at Alma, July 11, i860, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Henry and Susannah (Bigley) Wolfe, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe settled first in Ohio and went thence to Monroe Co., Mich.; and in 1854 settled in Gratiot County, where he died, in Arcada Township, Feb. 8, 1862. She survives and is a resident of Pme River Township. Mrs. Hook was born in Jefferson Co., Pa., Nov. 10, 1841. She and her husband have had two sons: Willie H. A. (died at the age of 14) and George W. T. J. Mr. Hook is a Freemason and an Odd-Fellow. Politically he is Republican. J arks H. Hillyard, physician and surgeon, resident at Dushvitle, was born in St. -'' Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 22, 1840. 9A\ His parents were Jesse and Lovina (Fur- geson) Hillyard, natives of the State of N. Y. His father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1847 moved from New York to Illinois, where he fol- lowed his chosen vocation for three years, and in 1850 came to Hillsdale County, this State, where they are at present living, at the venerable ages of 70 and 63 years respectively. Marks H. Hillyard, the subject of this biograph- ical notice, was reared on the farm, assisted in the maintenance of the family and received only such education as he acquired by the improvement of his leisure moments in study and attending the district school. He thus labored and studied until I c A ■:C-, ^S^^^ j;^^^ ^ —rrr ISABELLA COUNTY. glass or other necessity in the construction of a com- fortable residence. They cleared all this farm, and made a nice home. Mr. Hursh had frequently to carry his provisions from Saginaw, at one time thus i transporting IOC pounds. At the time of his death "^ (Thanksgiving day, 1877), Mr. H. was keeping the Hursh House at Loomis. He kept hotel there for four years, and was previously for a number of years extensively engaged in lumbering. About 187 1, he bought a house and two lots on Church Street, Mt. Pleasant, which Mrs. H. now makes her home. She also has a claim to a quanti- ' ty of land in this county, at present the subject of . litigation. 'yxsstnM^r g^4— «-^.a<3OT»v. ^^jrohn Howlader, senior member of the firm WM t of Rowlader & Winter, grocers at Blanch- ^Q^^ ard, this county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Dec. 12, 1828. When two years of age his parents emigrated with him to the New World and located in Herkimer Co., N. Y. They remained there for six years and then moved to Steuben County, same State. In that county, on a farm, John was reared and educated, — -remaining under the parental roof-tree, assisting his father and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 18 years. On arriving at the age stated, Mr. Rowlader went to Yates County, his native State, and worked two years for farmers by the names of Green and Abbott. He then went to Dansville, Livingston County, and apprenticed himself to a Mr. Zachariah Dildine, to learn the blacksmith trade. He served his apprenticeship four years, and then worked as a "jour" in various localities for a period, when he came to this State and established a general blacksmith shop at Woodland Center, Barry County. The date of his settlement in the place last named was 1850, and the year following he purchased a farm in Woodland Township, same county, and after mar- riage moved upon it and followed his trade, together with the occupation of a farmer. His brother was a partner with him in the business and the connection lasted for 13 years. In 1861 he sold his interest in the farm to his brother and purchased another farm, which he cultivated until Aug. 6, 1862. On that date he enlisted in Co. A, 21st Mich. Vol. Inf., to serve in the late civil war, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Gens. Rosecrans, Buell and Sheridan. He participated in the battles of Perryville and Stone River and other minor skirmishes in which his company were en- gaged. At the battle of Stone River, Jan. i, 1863, he was captured and after four weeks was taken to Libby prison, where he was confined for about 15 days, when he was paroled. Shortly afterward he was taken with small-pox and was discharged May 6, 1863. After he was discharged from his country's service he came home, and, after recovery, ran a blacksmith shop in Barry County for two years. He then en- tered on the occupation of a farmer again and suc- cessfully cultivated his farm for a period, when he sold it and purchased a saw-mill. He ran the mill for nine years, then sold it and moved to Seville Township, Gratiot County. From there he came to Lincoln Township, this county, and purchased 120 acres of land on section 19 and 80 acres on section 15. This was in 1873, and he has subsequently given the farm on section 19, 120 acres, to his two daughters. He improved 70 acres of the 80-acre farm on section 15 and recently sold it for $4,000. He invested $3,000, together with $1,000 invested by his son-in-law, in the business in which they are at present engaged. They are meeting with success in the enterprise and have an increasing and profit- able trade. Mr. Rowlader was united in marriage, March 23, 1852, at Carlton Center, Barry Co., this State, with Miss Mary Ann, daughter of William G. and Eliza (Robinson) Wooley, natives of New Jersey, and of Scotch and German extraction. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to this State June 18, 1837, settling with his family in Bowne and Cal- edonia Townships, Kent Co. He was the first white man to settle in those townships, and was one of the first white settlers in that county. From Kent County he went, in Feb., 1843, to Carlton Center, Barry Co., and was one of the pioneer settlers of that township and county. Mary Ann was the eldest of nine children, and was born in Enfield Center, Tomi)kins Co., N. Y., March 21, 1832. When one year old she was taken by her parents to Ovid Township, Seneca County, same e A "O • I ; r js,^. — ^-^m ^ w^y^-^ — s^^gj!^ w m ^V4^I1I1^I1D>> /^ ^^^m^"^ A :>5 > ■:^ I ISABELLA COUJMTY. 197 State, where they lived until the daughter was five years old and then came with them to this State. This was three months after the admission of Michigan as a State, and Mrs. Rowlader has resided within its boundaries ever since. She was educated in the common schools and in the school of "industry,"' which necessity required to be taught at home, and at 14 years of age entered on the occupation of a domestic. She followed that vocation for some time, improving her leisure time in study. At the age of 18 years she had acquired a good common-school education, passed examination and entered on the profession of a teacher. She successfully followed her profession, teaching in the common schools of Barry County until her marriage to Mr. Rowlader, as stated. The husband and wife are the parents of five children, three of whom, Margaret J., Ada E. and Zana E., are living; and Jessie C. and Emma L. are deceased. The father and mother are both mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have been faithful and energetic workers in the same for 20 years. Mr. R. politically is a Republican. He is also a member of the blue lodge. No. 304, F. & A. M., at Woodland, Barry County, and of the Royal Arch Chapter at Hastings, same county. iS^Lvphraim F. McQueen, senior member of ^*>- stationery, the firm of McC^ueen & Ralpli, dealers in drugs, patent medicines, paints, oils, J, toilet articles etc., Mt. Pleasant^ I was born Sept. 30, 1852, in Bridgeton, N. J. J His parents, John and Caroline (Lee) McQueen, removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich., when he was three years old, where they are still residents. His father is a painter by profession and is still pursuing tliat business in Hillsdale. Mr. McQueen attended school until he was 13 years old, when he entered the drug-store of A. C. Allen to learn the details of the business. After serving his time he served as a clerk some time in Ludington and Jonesville, coming from the latter place to Mt. Pleasant in March, 1882. He soon after formed his present business association with Frank W. Ralph , and opened the store in which they have since transacted business, with satisfactory (i^ results. They have a judiciously selected stock, suited to their patronage. They own the building in which they are located. Mr. McQueen was elected Village Assessor in March, 1884. He is a member of the Masonic Order and belongs to the blue lodge and Royal Arch Chapter at Mt. Pleasant, and the Council at Jonesville. He was married in Hillsdale, in December, 1874, to Sarah E., daughter of William and Eliza Nowlin. She was born Oct. 29, 1853, in Pulaski, Jackson Co., Mich. |ftr|ffl.'lbert W. Hance, tanner, section 25, Lin- p^^^ s» coin Township, is a son of Adam and Mary '^If^ (Morrison) Hance, whose biography may be iji^ found in this work, and was born in Benning- I ton Township, Morrow Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, 1841. Mr. Hance was the oldest of six children and re- mained on the parental homestead, in Ohio, assisting ^ in the maintenance of the family and in the cultiva- d tion of the farm, and attending the common schools ^, of the county, until the removal of the family to this a State, in 1865. He accompanied his parents to this s^ State at the date named and, with the father, entered «! on the task of improving their wild land, which in ( >) the future was destined to become the property of our subject. They fought against deprivation and want, and, urged on by faith in the future develop- ment of the county and a determination to succeed, they spent no time in idleness but constantly labored to accomplish their aim. Mr. Hance was united in marriage with Miss (?^ Adda, daughter of Philander and Eliza (Deals) y Hams, May 20, 1873. Her parents are natives of Pennsylvania, are of Scotch extraction, and reside in Coe Township, this county, where the father is en- gaged in the occupation of farming. .\dda was horn June 18, 1856, in Coe Township. She remained at home, assisting her mother in household duties and attending school at the log school-house in her native county until the date of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hance are the parents of two chil- dren, born and named as follows : Luna Bell, Sept. 29, 1874; and Dew F., May 6, 1883. The young couple lived for two years with Mr. H.'s father after their marriage, on the old homestead, and then set- :^\^i^^^ :sim^ ^^-^^11!] ^DD^^-^-^^ ^^^^f^ ^^^^(^^(^ I I it«fe|*»- ■^^^ja/'C:^" -7<:^IlD/;^|]|lv^^ 4>tS y^ ISABELLA COUNTY. tied on his present farm of 200 acres, on section 25, Lincoln Township. He has 40 acres of his place improved, and has recently erected a residence thereon at a cost of $1,000, exclusive of his own labor in the construction of the same. Mr. Haiice, |>olitically, is a believer in and sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party, lie has held the offices of his school district, and is a respected and esteemed citizen of the townshij). I': atrick C. Sullivan, of the linn of Manners & Sullivan, blacksmiths at Mt. Pleasant, is 'AW''^ a son of Patrick and Mary (Kelley) SuUi- JS van, and was born in the township of Lowe, ''^ Ottawa Co., Pr. of Quebec, Aug. 28, 1855. His parents are still residing in Lowe, on a farm. Mr. Sullivan learned his trade in Ottawa, Can., which he has followed since he was 19 years of age. He remained in Ottawa less than two years, and went thence to Bay City, Mich., where he engaged in the service of dates & Fay, oi)erating in the winter season in the lumber woods and during the summer in their mill shops. He went in 1880 to East Saginaw, where he remained until August, when he came to Mt. Pleasant and conducted a blacksmith shop about six months in company with Patrick Mason, after which he associated Wm H. Manners with himself in the same business. This relation is still e.\isting, and they are engaged in general black- smithing and in the manufacture of all kinds of lumber tools. They also do horseshoeing and repair- ing. Mr. Sullivan owns his shop and residence and grounds on Pine Street. He was married Nov. 22, 1883, at Mt. Pleasant, to Libbie M. Carroll, a native of Cannda, born Aug. 1859. S*HJMl*«=r- Bra C. Sti'inger, farmer on section 30, Union, owns 40 acres on either side of the ipiarter-line road, the southwest quarter of the northwest ipiarter, and the northwest (|uarter of the southwest >|uarter; and also lo acres in Deerfield Township. He is a son of Aaron and Mary (Hunt) Stringer, and was born in Welland Co., Can., April 28, 1833. He was reared on a farm, and also worked some at carpentry, which he learned of his father. In 1859 he came to Port Huron, St. Clair County, tliis State, and worked in the lumber woods nine months. Then he came to Saginaw, where he was similarly engaged for two years. Next he spent a few months at Port Huron, and then was variously employed at Saginaw until the fall of 1862, when he came to this county. He has here followed lumber- ing a number of winters, being first in the employ- ment of John M. Hursh. In 1863 he bought So acres, including the south 40 of his present farm. Li June, 1865, he bought the north 40 of his present place, also 100 acres in Deer- field Township, 60 acres on section 25, and 40 on section 26. On his home farm 45 acres are in culti- vation, and on the other tracts 17 acres are improved. He has built appropriate farm buildings, and a nice residence. He is a member of the L O. O. F. He was married in Union Township, March 8, 1864, to Miss Harriet E. Hursh, born in Palmyra, N. Y., March 3, 1839, the daughter of John M. and Elizabeth Hursh. The four children born of this marriage are as follows: Nellie, Jan. 24, 1865 ; Alice E., born May 7, 1867 ; Maud, Sept. 3, 1868, and Earl ("., Feb. 20, 1876. The first named was born in Ml. Pleasant; the other three on the farm. l®Jll' ensselaer G. Whitney, of the firm of i&diJ^ WIntney Hros., liverymen at Ml. Pleasant, ^(^ " was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, n^ 1850. He is a son of Benjamin and Caroline E. (Hall) Whitney. His father was a native of Vermont and a blacksmith ; he died in Ontario County, aged 72 years. His mother was born in Ontario County, and is still living, near Salt River. Mr. Whitney was brought up on a farm, and, on reaching his majority, joined his brothers, William T. and Chades C. Whitney, at Mt. Pleasant. He [lassed three years laboring as a builder, and in 1879 was elected Constable. While discharging the duties (' (•<': V ^■'^f \^:i Jf-t^jT^-"^^^ ^ . ^jL-€^^^t.X>^'Xy^l'^i_^ ^ — — = I t -^Ni^^^ <^l K>r ISABELLA COUNTY. "Z^j^Qf- -^|^^J((® 1^) /^ -^ I of the post (which he held one year) he was also en- gaged in draying. On the expiration of his term of office he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and has been the incumbent of the office ever since. In 1883, associated with his brother, George G. Whitney, he opened the livery stable which they are still managing. Their business is conducted in connection with the Bennett House, and they keep ten horses and livery accommodations in proportion to their patronage. They run an omnibus line for the benefit of the Ben- nett House, and to accommodate the public. They are also engaged to some extent in traffic in real estate, buy and sell buildings, lots, etc., and now own three houses and five lots. Mr. Whitney is a mem- ber of the Order of Masonry. He was first married Sept. 2, 1868, in Shorts ville, Ontario Co., N. Y., to Sarah L. Beaden. His second marriage, with Mary R. Schuyler, occurred at Mt. Pleasant, in September, 1876. She is a native of Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y. fohn T. Landon, a prominent farmer and ^ lumberman, residing on section 28, Chip- pewa Township, is a son of Jesse and Sally (Trickey) Landon, natives of Canada, where y^ they resided most of their lives. They first i| settled in Lansdowne, C. W., afterwards re- moving to Pittsburg, C. W., whence after a few years they returned to Lansdowne. The father was by occupation a farmer, but meeting with serious mis- fortunes he lost all he possessed. His wife died in Lansdowne, about 1850, and he died at the same place, in the spring of 1861. Four children born to them grew to be adults, namely : Alfred, Sophronia, John T. and Rosanna. The subject of this biography, the second son, began life in Lansdowne, April 26, 1840. He was about nine years of age when his mother died, and his father being in somewhat limited circumstances he went to live with a young preacher named James Peck. Here he found a good home for one year. The following two years he worked by the month for $3 and board. He was employed by various indi- viduals until 21 years old, receiving sometimes as much as $10 per month. During many of these years his work brought him in contact with men who drank and had other bad habits, but young Landon stoutly resisted all temptation. To this earl virtue his present standing and success are di- rectly attributable. When young, he was often held fast by thoughtless and evil men who tried to pour whisky down his throat, and who used every means, foul as well as fair, to shake his resolution ; but he bravely answered No, and was victorious. When a little over 21, that is, Nov. 29, 1S61, he was united in marriage at Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., with Miss Martha, daughter of Samuel H. and Rhoda (Ferguson) Andress, natives of Can- ada. Mr. and Mrs. Andress lived in the Dominion until 1862, when they came to Clinton Co., Mich. They lived then successively three months in Clin- ton County, two years in Canada, four years at St. John's, Clinton County, and two years in Gratiot County. They then lived for six years in Chippewa Township, this county, four years on a farm in Den- ver Township, and finally settled in Chippewa Town- ship, where they still reside. Their daughter, Mrs. Landon, was born in Jefferson Co., Can., June 17, 1840. After marriage, Mr. L. resided in Canada until the following summer, and in July, 1862, came to Clin- ton County, this State. Sept. i, following, he came to this county and sought employment, which he readily obtained for one year, at $15 per month and board for himself and wife. He then bought 40 acres on section 30, Chippewa, going in debt for nearly all the purchase price. One year later, during which time he worked out by the month, he moved on his land. He continued to work for others, clear- ing his own land as fast as he could. Being fond of hunting, he passed part of his time in hunting and trapping. Three years later he bought another 40 acres, and in two years more he sold his whole 80 and bought 160 acres, where he has since resided. Shortly after locating the last time he took a contract of lumbering, which proved very disastrous, and he found his affairs badly involved; but by untiripg en- ergy and perseverance he has surmounted all diffi- culties, and now " in the sunshine of prosperity he can smile at the trials of the past." He has bought from time to time various tracts of land and now owns, in Chippewa Township, Isabella County : 1575^ acres on section 28, 80 on section 29, 40 on V^ I <^ V (h ^/^*)5«^<#- ISABELLA COUNTY. «i^^^ A 5$ ^ I 1^ section i8, i6o on section 15, 160 on section 11 and 40 on section 10; and in Greendale Township, Mid- land County: 120 acres on section 18, and 27 on section 21 ; — in all, 9243^ acres, besides five village lots in Mt. Pleasant and 40 acres in Gladwin County. In the year 1873 he built the fine brick residence he now occupies, and which was the first brick struct- ure in Isabella County. In 1883 he erected two new bams, and he now has on his place seven barns and two sheds, the latter 66 feet in length. He keeps 100 sheep, 40 cattle, 17 hogs and 6 horses. Mr. Landon has been President of the Isabella County Agricultural Society for four years, and to him belongs the credit of making that useful organi- zation what it is. He cleared the land, arranged necessary details and advanced the means to put it in running order. He has often been urged to ac- cept offices as the gift of his fellow citizens, but has invariably declined, except in the case of several school offices. Politically, Mr. Landon acts on all occasions with the Republican party. He and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. We are certain that the citizens of Isabella County will look for Mr. Landon's portrait in this Album, and we therefore give it, on a preceding page. ~«^<4c|^>,.. eorge Sandbrook, farmer, section 30, Fre- mont, is a son of William and Ann (Bea- ven) Sandbrook, natives of England and members of the farming community : father died in 1881 and mother in 1878. George was born March 7, 1842, in Merthyr, England; at the age of 12 he began to work on the farm ; in 1867 he emigrated to the United States, landing a tCastle Garden, New York city, and working as a hired gar- dener until the following April ; next he resided a year I'n Wayne Co., Mich., working on a farm ; in 1869-70 he cut wood for Charles Lamb in Clinton County; he then bought 120 acres of primitive land where he now resides, but did not then settle upon it. The following winter he spent at St. John's; in the spring he did some chopping on his land; dur- ing the summer he was at work in Wayne and Oak- land Counties, and then came again to Isabella County and worked in the lumber woods for M. Stinchfield. He has since cleared about 40 acres of his land, built a good barn in the summer of i and made other improvements. He has been an officer of his school district two terms, and in regard to political questions takes Republican views. In the month of June, 1871, Mr. Sandbrook mar- ried Miss Carrie F. Bezner, who was born in 1B45. Her parents dying when she was an infant, she was brought up in the family of a man named Shaw, in Wayne Co., Mich. She died May 9, 1880, leaving two sons, namely: William M., born in October, 1872; and Thomas, in June, 1874. iherman D. Eldred, farmer, section Rolland Township, is the son of Judson n -I K ''^ and Mary (Dopp) Eldred, natives of New ^ 'nV York State, the former born in New Lisbon, ^ May 20, 1 81 9, and the latter in Geneseo, March (^ 24, 1828. The former came to Michigan when ^ a young man, residing at first for a while at Hillsdale, \^ and in the spring of 1866 he settled upon a one- ^ eighth-section of land in Rolland Township, this r ;) county. In 1870 he moved to Broomfield Township, and in 1881 he sold and went to Missouri; in a short time he sold out there and returned to Broomfield Township. They are both yet living on the farm he last purchased. Of their 14 children, 6 are deceased. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 15, 1852, in Branch Co., Mich. When 20 years of age he engaged as clerk for T. C. Gardner, general n-;erchant, at Millbrook ; also worked some at carpentering. In 1877 Mr. E. came to the farm he now owns, the tract comprising 320 acres; 140 acres of this are now under cultivation. He has good improvements, and one of the best barns in the township, built in 1882. At present Mr. Eldred is Supervisor of the township of Rolland and he has been Highway Commissioner one term. Is a member of the Masonic Order, and in politics is a supporter of the Republican party. March 24, 1874, Mr. Eldred was married to Miss Jennie, daughter of Cliamplin H. and Rachel (Slater) Roberts. She was born Oct. 5, 1856, in Susquehanna _ c ^ '®))€^rt- .^^^s: ©VC?llB>:tlI]^>r- 4^^c^vi ISABELLA COUNTY. 203 '^ V J ^ % Co., Pa. Her father was born in 1835, and her mother, now deceased, was born in 1836. .-.'J* Mr- and Mrs. E. are the parents of three children, y namely: .\lice E., borji June 19, 1875; Florence M., (^ Sept. 8, 1879; and Mary B., May 15, 1882. ["ohn Maxwell, merchant at Mt. Pleasant, \i was born March 15, 1837, in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents, Daniel and Helen (Agnew) Maxwell, were natives of the same country, where they passed their entire lives. His father was born in Stirling, and was a maltster by calling. His mother was born in the South of Scotland. When Mr. Maxwell was 1 1 years old he entered into an apprenticeship to learn the trade of a watch- maker. He served five years under his indentures and pursued the business some years longer. He came to the United States in the fall of 1857 and went to West Unity, Ohio, where he opened a shop and continued in business five years. In the spring of 1863 he came to Isabella County and entered a homestead claim of 160 acres of land on section 29, in Lincoln Township, where he resided until tlie spring of 1870. His farm is valuable, with about 70 acres under cultivation. He officiated as Supervisor of Lincoln two terms and held other minor offices. In the fall of 1869 he was elected Sheriff of Isabella County on the Republican ticket. He held the jw- sition a year and on his resignation appointed County Treasurer, to fill the vacancy created by the death of the incumbent. Nelson Mosher. He held the position seven successive years, being thrice re-elected. He established his [iresent business April r, 1880, in company with J. E. Fessenden. A year later, the connection was terminated by Mr. Maxwell buying the interest of his partner, since which time he has operated alone. He carries a well-assorted stock, suited to his trade, and estimated at $10,000 in value, including dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, crock- ery, ready-made clothing, hats, caps, etc. His es- tablishment is one of the leading business houses of Mt. Pleasant, and his trade is prosperous and satis- factory. His farm is managed by his son. Mr. Maxwell was the first President of the village of Mt. Pleasant, which iX)sition he filled two terms. He has officiated several terms as member of the Town Council, and is at present one of the School Board. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, belonging to the Royal Arch Chapter and to the lower body. Lodge No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant. He is a charter member of the lodges at that place and at Salt River, and assisted in the organization of both. Mr. Maxwell was married at West Unity, Ohio, to Mary C. Goll. Two children, John and Ellen, were born of their union. The mother died, and Mr. Maxwell was a second time married in 1879, to M. E. Slater, of Isabella County. Mr. and Mrs. Max- well are members of the M. E. Church. ■onrad Buhrer, farmer, section 12, Rol- ipTTs^ land Township, is a son of Jacob and Bar- ,,fe^ bara (Bolle) Buhrer, natives of Switzerland. fjl? His father was born in 1786 and died in 1847, and his mother was born in 1803 and died in 1875, in Adrian, this State. The subject of this sketch was born June 21, 1839, in Switzerland : landed at New York city May 3, 1861, where he remained a short time; next, was three months at Toledo, Ohio, then at Adrian, Mich., awhile, working on a farm, and Toledo again, work- nine months in a sash factory. At this time he con- cluded that patriotism required him to uphold the Union Government by risking his life ujwn the field of battle, or, what is worse, in the military camp. Accord- ingly, he enlisted in Co. K, 37th Ohio Inf., which served under Gen. Sherman. He was engaged in the battles at Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Big Shanty and Marietta, and was wounded at Atlanta, Aug. 24, 1864, in consequence of which he was in the hospital 30 days, at home in Toledo on furlough, and then till the close of the war at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was honorably discharged June 5, 1865. He then worked one year at Toledo, two years at Adrian, Mich., and then he bought 40 acres in Fulton Co., O. On this he lived till Oct. 15, 1879, when he came to his present home in this county. With regard to national questions, Mr. B. is a Republican. In 1868 he married Miss Frany, a daughter of n I .\t. \ '? & ISABELLA COUNTY. ;0 i 1 {) ^ Jacob and Mary (Dinger) Master, natives of Ger- m many, who live on a farm in Henrj' Co., Ohio. Mrs. ^^ B. was born July lo, 1850. The children of Mr. and I Mrs. B. are: Minnie, born Oct. 20, 1869; Jacob B., (hj April 8, 1871 ; Mary, June 15, 1873; Lydia, Oct. 12, 1874; Edward, April 19, 1876; William, May 31, 1878; and Alphena, Dec. 20, 1882. - —¥% ewett E. Chatterton, general merchant at 'l Mt. Pleasant, and member of the lumber firm of Walker & Chatterton, was born Dec. 7, 1840, in Mt. Holly, Rutland Co., Vt. He is a son of Daniel and Betsey (Jewett) Chat- terton, who removed to Michigan in 1852. They settled on 160 acres of land in Meridian Township, Ingham County, four miles east of Lan- sing. Their family includes four children : George A. Chatterton, an insurance agent at Hubbardston, Ionia Co., Mich. ; Mason D. Chatterton, an attorney at Mason, Mich., and Probate Judge of Ingham County ; Sarah E., the wife of Augustus Sturges, and residing on a celebrated piece of property near the city of Richmond, Va., known as the Hopewell Farm. Daniel Chatterton was born in 1807, in Mt. Holly, Rutland Co., Vt., and died in Meridian, Ingham Co., Mich., in i866. Betsey (Jewett) Chatterton was born in 1804, in Littleton, Mass., and died in the same place where the demise of her husband occur- red, in 1877. Her parents were natives of Massa- chusetts, of English descent. The paternal grand- parents of the subject of this sketch were born in Connecticut, and were of English ancestry. Mr. Chatterton attended the common schools of Ingham County until he was 17 years old. He then became a student in Lansing, and after tivo years of study he entered the Agricultural College near that city, where he was a student three years, after which The went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and pursued a course of commercial study at Eastman's Business "^ College, where he was graduated in 1863. Mean- M/ while he engaged in teaching, and taught six winter i^ terms from 1859 to 1865. f® In the year last named he went to Hubbardston, ^ Ionia County, and in company with his brother <^ George, he established a mercantile business. The relation existed four years, and after his brother's withdrawal Mr. Chatterton continued the manage- ment of his mercantile interests at that point ten years. He came to Mt. Pleasant in May, 1880, and at once established the business interests in which he has since been engaged. His average stock rep- resents an estimated value of between five and eight thousand dollars, and his trade is in a thriving con- dition, requiring two assistants. In March, t88i, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, John P. Walker, and they purchased a lumber mill in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. In the operations of this they em- ploy about 25 men. The daily product averages 30,000 shingles, and they expectto cut about 2,000,000 feet of lumber in 1884. They ship their products chiefly to the East. They combine building con- tracts with their other business and conduct a retail yard in connection with the mill. Mr. Chatterton owns four lo*s in the village of Mt. Pleasant, where he built a handsome brick residence in 1882-3. He also owns three lots, on which he has erected three nice cottages to re it. He is a member of the Order of Masonry. Mr. Chatterton was married April 28, 1867, to A. Elizabeth, daughter of D. D. and Angeline (Howard) Adams, who was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., July 15, 1841. Her father was born in 1806, in Madison Co., N. Y., and was of English descent. He re- moved to Michigan in 1847, and died in Antrim, in the county of that name, in 1880. His wife was born in 1814, in Connecticut, of English parentage. Her marriage occurred in 1834, and she died in Antrim Township in 1854, leaving five daughters and three sons. Mr. and Mrs. Chatterton have two sons : Howard E., born March 16, 1872, and Harry J., born Nov. 10, 1874. Ifred L. Young, hardware merchant. Salt "C River, is a son of John G. and Lydia A. 1 (Artz) Young, natives of Pennsylvania, who ^V settled in this county in 1867 and died in Salt ^y River. Their family comprised ten children. ^> The fourth son, the subject of this sketch, was ^j born in Pennsylvania, June 12, 1850, educated in v c^: A ?^ nOC-^-i^ ^^^^f:. m i :<|- za^^ 6V4'>IlIl§III]y>r- ":2^(s«r 9<.^:.^ -f^^^Cd^^ig >;.' V ISABELLA COUNTY. the common schools, and came to Isabella County with his parents in 1867. He was first employed by his father in a grist and saw mill, in which business he was engaged until 1876, 'V'hen adivision was made, he taking charge of the grist-mill, with a younger brother, in the interest of their parents, until the death of the latter. In April, 1883, they sold their interest in the grist-mill and formed a partnership in tlie the hardware and agricultural implement trade, in which they are succeeding well. Mr. Young is a member of the I. (I O. F., and in political affairs votes with the Democratic party. He was married, in Salt River, Aug. 30, 1879, to Miss Clara, daughter of J. E. and Elizabeth (Baker) Morion, residents of Mecosta County. Mrs. Y. was born in Maine, Dec. 25, 1859. They are the parents of two children, — Elton M. and Alfred E. In July, i86g, Mr. Young met with a serious ac- cident, by which he lost his right arm. In running a belt upon a pulley he was caught by that arm, which was taken off nearly to the shoulder! He had, indeed^ a very narrow escape with his life. ^^S^-^^'*''^ ^ I ■^i ames Manwell, Supervisor of Fremont Township, residing on section 14, is a son of Robert and Margaret (Scott) Manwell, natives of Scotland and now residents of Can- jL ada, upon a farm. \ The subject of this sketch was born June 20, 1844, in Lanarkshire, Scotland; in 1857 he emigrated to Canada; in 1865 to Portage Co., Ohio; after a time, returned to Canada; then to Portage Co., Ohio, again; and in 1876 to Isabella County, settling on section 22, Fremont Township. He. afterward sold this place and bought a portion of sections 13 and i.|, same townsliip, the amount being 80 acres. Here Mr. Manwell is winning from the soil a livelihood for himself and family, and is exhibiting the example of an industrious and prosperous farmer. He has been Township Clerk two terms, and has been Supervisor since the spring of 1882. Of national questions he takes Democratic views, and he is a member of the Masonic Order, Wabon Lodge, No. 305. Aug. 17, 1878, Mr. Manwell married Miss Eurana Hunt, who was born March 20, i860, in the town of Fairfield, Lenawee Co., Mich. Her father, Jason A. Hunt, was born in the State of New York, and her mother, Chloe, nee Scovel, was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. They settled in Fremont Township, this county, in 1876, where they at present reside. Mr. and Mrs. Manwell have one child, Menso J., who was born May 4, 1879, in this county. IfH^ eorge G. Whitney, of the firm of Whit- IJi i^all ney Bros, liverymen at Mt. Pleasant, was '^Bt ^ born Oct. 4, 1845, '" Ontario Co , N. Y., ^/K*^ and is a son of Benjamin and Caroline E. T (Hall) Whitney. (See sketch of R. G. Whit- f ney.) At the age of n years he was appren- ticed to the Empire Drill Company, of Shortsville, N. Y., to learn wood and carpenter work on their machines. He remained in their service until he was 16 years old, when he enlisted. The civil war had broken out a few months previous, and he yielded to the influence which ruled all classes and conditions of men in the North. He enrolled at Canandaigua, in Co. L, 24 th N. Y. Vol. Cav., as bugler, and served two years. He was with his regiment in the engagements of the Wilderness, at North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court-House, and on the 17th and i8th of Jure, 1864, in front of Petersburg. They were again engaged in the siege of that city Sept. 30, 1864, and afterwards at Hopper's Farm, Farmville, Appomattox Court-House, Stony Creek, and in numberless skir- mishes of minor importance. At the storming of Petersburg, June 17, 1864, he was slightly wounded in the head by a piece of shell, otherwise escaping unharmed throughout the entire period of his service. He was discharged June 11, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va. In the month following he came to Michigan and located at Cambria Mills, Hillsdale County, where he pursued the business of a carpenter. In the spring of i88i he came to Mt. Pleasant, where he was similarly engaged a year. In the spring of 1882 he entered into association with his brother, in which they are now operating with gratifying results. Mr. Whitney was married Nov. 19, 1865, in Cam- bria Mills, to Mary A. Jackson. She was born I 1 % m &t 1=3: -2^€»s^ — 6V4^nii§iiny> "T-T^T- ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^^((®V(i| ^^ March 19, 1848, in Wheatland, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and is a daughter of Zachariah and Charlotte Jack- son. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, as follows: Clara, Aug. 30, 1866; Vettie, Oct. 24, 1869; Charlie B., Aug. 8, 1872, and Everett, May 20, 1874. The latter was killed at Isabella City, Aug. 25, 1883, by being thrown from a horse he was riding. His foot caught in the stirrup and he was dragged some distance, receiving injuries from which he died. pharles Taylor, residing on section 29, Chip- pewa Township, is a son of Thomas and Mary (Church) Taylor, who were born and lived in England till the father's death. After that event the mother came to America and lived in Orleans Co., N. Y., until her death. Their children numbered three, Charles being the eldest. He was born in England in October, 1829, and was nine years of age wlien he came with his mother to the Great Republic. He lived in Orleans Co., N. Y., until 18 years old, attending school and work- ing on the farm. He worked out by the montli for nearly four years, and in 1851 returned to England for a six months' visit, partly on business and partly for pleasure. He attended the World's Fair at Lon- don, one of the first of the great exhibitions which have been held frequently since in other cities. After one year more in Orleans County, he came, in April, 1853, to Michigan, and lived in Eaton County about two years. In February, 1855, he came to this county and bought 240 acres in Chippewa Township. He built first a log house, which he occupied about eight years, then a small frame dwelling, in which he lived until 187 i ; and in that year he built his pres- ent residence. He has since disposed of all but 80 acres of his farm, and now has in cultivation 50 acres. He was first married in England, Jan. 15, 1852, to Miss Ann, daughter of (leorge Franklin, a native of Albion's Isle. She died March 17, 1852. Aug. 26, of that year, he married, for his present wife. Miss Sophronia, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Trickey) Landon, natives of Canada and Virginia. Mj-s. Tay- lor was born in the former country, April 23, 1843, and has borne to her husband eight children, six of whom survive : Charles W., Warren D., William A., Mary A., Florence A., Rosina, Ella and Sidney. William A. and Sidney are deceased. Mr. Taylor has been Township Clerk and Justice of the Peace, and is now Township Treasurer, having been elected in the spring of 1883. He takes a deep interest in education, and has held the several dis- trict school offices. Quite early in life, after receiv- ing a common-school education, he began to study for the ministry. In 1853 he was licensed as an exhorter and in 1856 as a local preacher of the gos- pel, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he and wife are still consistent members. He has preached effectively at various points in this section, in Eaton County and in Gratiot County. Mr. Taylor votes the Republican ticket. -^3= P eth S. Richardson, farmer, section 30, Fre- i^^jk^ mont Township, is a son of Asa P. and K ' Jane (Staple) Richardson. The former was ,jNi ^oxw in Vermont in 1797, was employed in farming, in lumbering, also locatinglines in the wilderness of the Pine-Tree State ; moved with his family to Ohio in 1851, settling first in Lorain County, two years afterward to Montgomery Town- ship, Wood Co., Ohio, subsequently to Jackson Town- shij), same county, and finally, in 1868, to this county, where he lived with his children until his death, which occurrt-d March 30, 1S79, at the residence of his son Barnard. His widow, who \v^% born in Maine in 1806, is still living, " hale and hearty," with her son Charles at Dushville. All her 12 children are living and are heads of families, four in Ohio and eight in Michigan. The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 31, 1826, in the State of Maine; worked at lumbering and farming in his native State until he was 26 years of age, when he moved to Lorain Co., Ohio, and after- ward to Wood County, that State. In 1868 he moved to this county and homesteaded 40 acres; he subse- (juently purchased 120 acres more, and he now has about 60 acres in good cultivation. He has been Township Treasurer two terms. Highway Commis- ^ I A ■>;' <^ K^)5«^^ A<>D n :^ Dlli>VQ s^^^i^ r-JlSS^ mr^^^^ Tas^^^s^ 6V<>DH^nil^>r-^ 3«€^5sr ISABELLA COUNTY. 207 ^\ sioner two terms and school officer 13 years in suc- cession. Politically he is a Republican. Before he left the State of Maine, Mr. Richardson married Miss Emily, daughter of Henry and Isabella Taylor, who was born Aug. 3, 1835, and died April 5, 1857. Two years afterward he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Eliza A. ( Ragon ) McEwen, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky, both now residing in Seneca Co., Ohio, on a farm. Mrs. R. was born May 8, 1839. The children of Mr. and Mrs. R. are six in number, as follows: Charles H.. born Nov. 10, 1861 ; Eliza J., Dec. 26, T863; Emma, Oct. 12, 1865 ; Geo. W., Aug. 3, 1868; Mary L., Dec. 11, 1870; and Cena A., Dec. 21, 1873. The first three were born in Ohio, the last three in Michigan. illiam H. Kinter, proprietor of hotel. Salt l^^^b River, is a son of Cyrenus and Jane (Lee) ,„,;<^^;L * Kintpr_ whn wprp natJvpQ rS ^f^-w VnrV 'O Kinter, who w^re natives of New York State and Illinois, respectively, and settled *^jv2/' first in Eaton Co., Mich., where they lived [^ about 22 years ; they then came and located in Coe Township, where they now reside. In this family were three children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eldest son. He was born in Eaton Co., Mich., Nov. 21, 1842, and edu- cated at the common school. In July, 1861, he en- listed in the Fifth Mich. Vol. Inf and served three years, being in 30 important engagements, from Jan. 9, 1862, to the siege of Petersburg, which continued till April 3, 1865 ; and he was also in numerous skirmishes. He was discharged at Detroit, Mich., and, returning to his home in this county, he was for about a year unable to labor, on account of sick- ness. He then bought a farm of 120 acres in Coe Township, where he resided until 1883, wlien he purchased the hotel at Salt River, which he now manages. He has about 100 acres of his farm in cultivation. He was married in Gratiot Co., Mich., July 4, 1869, to Emily, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Rossiter) White, natives of the State of New York, who settled in this county about i860. Mrs. K. was born in ' Calhoun Co., Mich., Feb. 27, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. I „ K., having no children of their own, have adopted a son, whose name is Rollin S. On national questions Mr. Kinter acts with the Re- publican party. -J-~v^/v! ichael Murtha, Register of Deeds of Isa- ■t— li^ bella County, residing at Mt. Pleasant, :i - "■ was born May 7, 1844, in Portland Town- ^'\ ship, Ionia Co., Mich. He is the fourth of ^^ .^: nine children born to his parents, Patrick and Ann (Hoy) Murtha, all of whom are living. In 1856 his father removed with his family to Coe Town- ship, Isabella County, and settled on 160 acres of land on section 8, which he afterwards increased by the purchase of 80 acres additional. Both his par- ents died on the homestead. Mr. Murtha was reared on the farm and was en- gaged in farm labors until he was 19 years old. He obtained a fair education by devoting the winter sea- sons to earnest study, and, after the age named, he spent some time in teaching and as a clerk. He owns a farm in Coe Township, whicli is located on section 9, and contains 40 acres of land, with 25 acres under cultivation. Mr. Murtha has officiated as Clerk of Coe Town- ship one term, and as School Inspector several years. He has also served as Township Treasurer two terms. In the fall of 1882 he was placed in nomination on the Democratic ticket, for the position he is now fill- ing, running against C. W. Gardner, and was elected by 66 majority. He is a member of the Order of Masonry. He was married Oct. 23, 1872, at Salt River, Coe Township, to Sarah, daughter of James C. and Hannah W. Merrill. She was born in Portland, Me., Oct. 3, 1845. Their children are: James M,, born Aug. 31, 1873; Anna, May 9, 1S79; and an in- fant child, unnamed. Mr. Murtha's parents were among the first settlers of Coe Township. Following is the record of their children : Stephen P. is a farmer of Coe Township, and married Catherine Gruber; George W. is a farmer in the same township, and married Maria Struble; Anhur is acting as clerk for Mr. Murtha, of this sketch ; Richard E. is a student at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti; Sarah A. is the wife of Dr. J. P. Young, of Turlock, Cal. I 'y^^^^'^f®^ r^^iis- ISABELLA COUNTY. v^) lien S. Fay, farmer on section ^^, Chi[)- ||(«_3-s»-s» pewa Township, is a son of Silas and Roba y^a (Allen) Fay, natives of Connecticut and Ver- ''b^^ mont. The parents first settled in Wyoming i Co., N. Y., and about 1865 they removed to Iowa, where the mother died, in November, 1865. The bereaved husband went on a visit to New York and Pennsylvania, and while at Attica, N. Y., he died, in June, 1873. His remains were taken to Iowa and buried beside his wife. Their family comprised three sons and five daughters, Allen being the eldest. He was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 26, 1826, and remained at home until nearly the age of 21, alternately attending school and working on his father's farm. He bought seven months of his time from his father, paying for the same $40, and then worked out by the month. He then went to Penn- sylvania, where he worked in a saw-mill off and on for six years. He was married in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Aug. 22, 1853, to Miss Salina E., daughter of George and Eliza (Buck) Wood, natives of New York. Mrs. Fay was born in Cattaraugus Co. N. Y., Oct. 18, 1828. Before marriage, Mr. F. had purchased a farm in McKean Co., Pa., and they at once settled on the same, where they lived three and a half years. He then sold, returned to New York State, and bought a steam saw and shingle mill, which he ran about seven years. In the meantime he made a ten-months visit to Pike's Peak in search of health. In the spring of 1865 he came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres of land on section ^:^, where he has since resided. He now owns 260 acres, 155 under cultivation, — a handsome farm. Mr. Fay is politically a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the F. & A. M., and has belonged to the I. O. O. F. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Steward 15 years. Mr. F helped to build the tram-road for the Tuny Lumber Company, in McKean Co., Pa., which he ran for three years. He formerly made frequent trips down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, on rafts. He spent altogether seven years in the employ of i that company, and on the river and on his Pennsyl- vania farm. Since coming to this county he has worked some in the woods, and was foreman for T. E. Arnold in the winter of 1865-6. He has held the office of County Superintendent of the Poor for seven years. Township Treasurer three years, and Highway Commissioner four years. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the township, and is pre-eminently one of its representative citizens. •'»«2fiC'©~^-^— ^^1 -^^arnny .3^^ ^T^^DIIS g^idney Clark, druggist and Postmaster, Salt River, is a son of Robert and Martha (Clark) Clark, natives of New York State who first settled in St. Lawrence County, that State, and removed to Isabella County in the fall of 1864, settling in Coe Township, where they now reside. Their family comprised six sons and two daughters. The second son, Sidney, was born in St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., May 7, 1843, and was educated at the common school. He came with the family to this county in 1864, and for about four years was in the employment of Aaron Wessells, at St. Louis and Salt River. He next engaged in mercantile pu suits at the latter place, but soon abandoned thei selling out and buying i;o acres of land on section i. Coe Township, where he resided a year and a halt; he then sold out and removed to Calhoun Co., Mich., residing there two years, engaged in mill work and carpentering, and one year as a clerk; next he had charge of the machinery in a woolen factory in Van Buren Co., Mich., one year, when, on account of ill health, he returned to St. Louis, Gratiot Co., and for a year was employed as clerk by A. Wessells. He was next engaged for two years in a shingle-raill in Clare County, this State, and then, at Bay City, he was first engineer for N. B. Bradley for six years. Then he returned to Coe Township and settled on a farm of 20 acres, which he conducted until January, 1883, when he sold out, moved to Salt River and established himself in the drug business, in which he is succeeding well. He was appointed Postmaster at this place Nov. 8, 1883. He has also held the offices of Constable, Deputy Township Clerk and School I i ^5 J\\ -^ . CiJjLyH^ci^T-i ^^^^/y^,^?^:^^-^ m I f -2^^§]psr "7 <-^t >r- ISABELLA COUNTY. Director. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the G. A. R. In the fall of 1861, Mr. Clark enlisted in the 92d N. Y. Vol. Inf , served a year and over, in the " Bal- loon Corps," and was honorably discharged at Fort- ress Monroe, for disability. In political affairs he is a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Clark was married in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1864, to Miss Ruth Dunn, a daughter of fedward and Jane Dunn, natives of the Empire State. Mrs. C. was born in that county, Feb. 9, 1844. They have had three children ; Hollis N., now deceased, Iva M. and Eddie. ^ Alexander Brodie, farmer, section 26, Union Township, was born Aug. i,^, 1834, near Greenock, on the River Clyde, in Scotland, and is a son of James and Christina (Thomp- son) Brodie. Mr. Brodie was sent to school until he was 19 years old, and acted during the last four years of that time as an assistant in the school he attended. He came to Norfolk Co., Canada, be- fore he was 20 years of age, and spent three years there in teaching. In 1858 he transferred his inter- ests to Sanilac Co., Mich., where he remained several months. In the spring of r859 he went to Saginaw, and in the fall of the same year he made a prospect- ing trip to Isabella County. The next spring he settled in Union Township, where he has since re- sided. His farm was a part of land that came into market about two years later, when he entered a claim of r6o acres under the provisions of the Home- stead Act. The estate now includes 130 acres of cleared and improved land. Mr. Brodie now owns 440 acres of land, located on sections 26, 35 and 36, and on the entire tract 180 acres are improved and in tillage. Mr. Brodie has been a prominent citizen of Isa- bella County since he settled within its limits. He taught two terms of school in the days of his early residence, and has been identified with school mat- ters quite extensively, having officiated in school offices some years in the locality where he is most closely interested. In the fall of 1878 he was nom- inated on the Republican ticket for the office of County Treasurer, running successfully against Rich- ard Hoy. He was again nominated and elected in r88o, and held the position altogether four years. He has acted as Supervisor of Union Township for many years. Mr. Brodie was married at St. Louis, Mich., May 12, 1866, to Jennie E., daughter of Samuel and Grace (Craig) McLeod. She was born Jan. r5, r844, in the city of Auburn, N. Y.; Lillie, the eldest child, was born Feb. 10, 1868, in Lincoln Township. The three other children were born as follows, on the homestead: Hugh, July 12, 1S70; Grace, Dec. 28, 1876 ; Jessie, Nov. i, 1881. In i86r the parents of Mr. Brodie came to Union Township, where his father died, in June, 1872. The mother is living, in a small house built expressly for her use and independent comfort, on her son's farm. The father of Mrs. Brodie removed from Shiawassee County to what is now Lincoln Township, in Isabella County, in 1862, and entered a claim of 160 acres of land. The mother died there in 1869. The father was killed in the lumber woods, in 1864. Upon a page in proximity to this sketch is given a fine lithographic portrait of Mr. Brodie, as a worthy and prominent citizen of Isabella County. P obert Laughlin, conductor on the Sag- inaw ^- Mt. Pleasant branch of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, and residing ,.,. at Mt. Pleasant, was born May 2, r83o, in T -^#J^5f ;^5 ^ 1 V ISABELLA COUNTY. the position of conductor, in which capacity he oper- ated four years. He then became a fireman, and, after serving in that position 15 months, he became an engineer. During the last 18 months of his stay in his native State, he acted as Secretary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He came to Ionia, Mich., in 1865, vk^here he pur- chased an interest in the mercantile establishment of Peter Hackett, in which he continued one year. At the expiration of that date, he engaged in the furniture trade, in which he operated alone one year. In 1867 he accepted a position as conductor on the Ionia & Lansing Railroad, in which capacity he officiated a few months, when he was appointed Superintendent and Master Mechanic of the railroad. Two years later, after the consolidation of the road with the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, he was ap- pointed Assistant Cieneral Superintendent and Master Mechanic. He resigned the position at the expira- tion of 30 days, and became an engineer on the Ft. Wayne & Jackson Railroad. He continued in that employment one year, and went to Greenville, Montcalm Co., and took charge of the Grand Rapids, Greenville & Alpena Railroad. The affairs of the line were brought to a lerinination by the failure of the owners of the road six months after his appoint- ment, and he entered the employtrient of the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad, as conductor. He spent two months in managing freight trains, after which he was a passenger conductor. The road became merged in the Chicago & Grand Trunk, and he remained in its service until October, 1880, when he entered the employment of the Flint & Pere Mar- quette Railroad Company, as a conductor on its Eastern Division. He ran a freight train about six weeks, when he took charge of a passenger train and has since continued in that position. In the spring of 1881, he removed his residence to Mt. Pleasant. He is a member of the Conductors' Insurance Association, and is prominent in Masonic circles. He has been connected with the order since he reached the period of his legal freedom. He has taken several degrees and is High Priest of Mt. Pleasant Chapter, No. iii, Royal Arch Masons. He was chiefly instrumental in the organization of that branch of the Order at Mt. Pleasant, in the spring of 1883, and it was instituted Feb. 4, 1884. On the loth of March, 1884, Mr. Laughlin wag ^ elected President of the village of Mt. Pleasant, on the Democratic ticket. He owns his residence and grounds, and another lot, where he intends to build a dwelling; is also the owner of three building lots in the city of Grand Rapids. His marriage with Mary McDonald occurred Oct. 15, 1854, in Greenwood, Steuben Co., N. Y. She was born Aug. 15, 1834, in Ireland, and is a daughter of Joseph and Bridget McDonald. eorge W. Touts, farmer, section 13, Lin- \ coin Township, is a native of the Stale of Ohio, where, in Carroll County, he was born, Feb. 22, 1846. His parents were George and Eleanor (Hemming) Fouts, natives of Ohio ( ^> and Pennsylvania respectively, and of German and ^ ' English extraction. The father followed the trade of /S a mechanic, and died in Ohio, in 1875, aged 63 years. = The mother is still living, and resides in Carroll Co., ^ Ohio, and has attained the venerable age of 68 years. = George W. lived on the farm and assisted in the maintenance of the family until he attained the age ^ of 15 years. At this age of his life the Nation called on her sons to protect her flag from rebel shot and shell, and Mr. F. went forth to fight for its perjjetuity. He enlisted in Co. A, 80th Ohio Vol. Inf , and his company was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. His corps was known as one of " the Bloody i sth," commanded by Gen. Logan. Mr. F. was at once placed in the " drummer corps " as tenor drummer, which position he occu- pied for three years. He was in all the active en- gagements of the company during its service in the Army of the Cumberland. Together with the rest of the musical corps, Mr. F. was detailed as " stretcher bearer," which threw hini in many dan V/ gers. r After serving in the army for nearly three years, he was discharged, and thereupon immediately re- enlisted for the remainder of the war. After the close of the great contest, Aug. 14, 1865, Mr. F. was honorably discharged after an active and continual (iy service of three years and ten months. , -^ :i'V^))«^#*K ;^: w-y^ — ^^^^ m ^ ■6V<'il]tl^Illl>^'r "Z^HsirS" ^>>^f®^41 ISABELLA COUNTY. 213 After his discharge from the service, Mr. F. imme- diately returned to his home, that of his parents, in Wayne Co., Ohio, where he remained until the fall of 1867, when he came to this State. He located in this county and engaged in working in a mill. He followed this occupation for some time and then pur- chased an interest in the mill and remained as one of the firm for three years. At the expiration of this time he began farming for his father-in-law, which he continued for a period and then purchased 40 acres of land on section 13, Lincoln Township, where he has constantly resided ever since. Mr. F. was united in marriage, Sept. 14, 1869, in Coe Township, this county, with Miss Mary E. Estee, who was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y.,Sept. 6, 1851. She was the daughter of Perry H. and Carrie E. (Dole) Estee, whose biography may be found in this work. Mrs. F. came witli her parents to this State and county and remained under the parental care until her marriage. She attended the " log-cabin school " at Salt River when six years of age, and, in company with her brother, seven years old, walked two miles to obtain this privilege. Later she attended the union schools at Mt. Pleasant, and there, together with oc- cupying her leisure moments in study, she acquired a good education. One child has been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. F., namely. Free L., Feb. 28, 1875. Mr. F. is at present Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the L O. O. F., Lodge 239, of Salt River, and of the G. A. R , of the same place. Politically, he is a believer in and supporter of the principles and doctrines of the Republican i)arty. rthur B. Caldwell, farmer, section 12, Fre- mont Township, is a son of James C. and Nancy R. (Russell) Caldwell, the former born in Massachusetts in 1824, and the latter in New York in 1829, and died in this county, in August, 1867. In this State they first lived in Macomb County, then Clinton County, then located on section 12, Fremont Township, this county, where ' the subject of this sketch still resides. Mr. J. C. /• Caldwell has followed farming and himbering since /N X ) coming to Isabella. On the above place he improved 100 acres, and added two lots, of 45 and 35}^ acres. He finally sold this farm, and he now lives at Two Rivers, Deerfield Township, this county. .\rthur B. was born Nov. 8, 1849, in Macomb Co., Mich., lived at home with his parents until of age, and at the age of 25 married Miss Mary E. Preston, who was born Dec. 15, 1852, in VVyoming Co., N. Y. She is a daughter of Albert A. and Martha (Nichols) Preston. Mr. P., a farmer, moved with his family from New York State to Wisconsinin 1854, returning in a short time to New York, and in 1863 came and settled on a quarter-section in Lincoln Township; but since the autumn of 1882 he has resided at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have had three children, as follows: Lillian M., born Oct. 31, 1875, died Dec. 31, 1877 ; Geneva M., liorn June 5, 1878; and Alice M., Oct. 10, 1881. In regard to national issues Mr. C. votes with the Pepublican party. v_ /N e< |HI4 W. Carr, junior member of the firm of Carr IJ C & Granger, merchants at Mt. Pleasant, ^ "'^ was born June 15, 1848, at Prairieville, P Barry Co., Mich. He is the son of David O. >^^ and Chloe M. (Granger) Carr. His father was a i hotel-keeper and lumberman, and removed from the State of New York to Michigan in 1836. Mr. Carr was but a small boy when his parents re- moved to Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich., where he at- tended the common schools until he was 16 years old; and then he was sent to Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Detroit. After finishing a com- plete commercial course, he went to Grand Ledge, Eaton County, and there formed one of the partner- ship of Babcock & Carr in the sale of drugs. The relation existed until 1870, when Mr. Carr sold his moiety to his partner and opened an exchange bank, which he conducted one year. In 1871 he came to Mt. Pleasant and bought out Worden & Gavett, druggists. Mr. Granger was ad- mitted to an interest in the business soon after and the partnership has since remained intact. The firm is the oldest unchanged business connection in the )^<#" :^^^ 6V<4DIl:^lin^1>v% ^^^&^ -1^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. I f 1 (qN town, and, it is supposed, in the county. They are the oldest liquor dealers in Isabella County, and handle also groceries, drugs, books, stationery, paints, oils, etc., and carry a stock which is estimated to represent $35,000. They employ five assistants. Messrs. Carr& Granger transacted their business six years at a location on the north side of Broadway, which is now occupied as a furniture store. They were burned out Aug. 5, 1875, rebuilt at once, and in 30 days were in running order. Their loss by the fire was about $5,000. In 1877 they built the fine brick block in which their business is now established. The building faces on Broadway and Main Street, and is constructed in the shape of .an L, 175 feet long. The wing is two stories in height, and the main portion is three stories high above the base- ments. The proprietors occupy the entire structure with the exception of one room, which is used for an office. They own three lots on Broadway, known as the Wm. N. Harris property. Mr. Carr is the owner of his residence and grounds. His marriage to Annie, daughter of Alexander Hapner, occurred May 11, 1873, at Mt. Pleasant, the ceremony being performed by G. VV. Gosling. Mrs. Carr is a native of Indiana. Bessie, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Carr, was born at Mt. Pleasant, Sept. 7, 1875. =£i- j^harles Demlow, farmer, section 29, Fre- 1 ^^ ^ mont Township, is a son of John and Sophia (Canford) Demlow, natives of Prussia, 'S^ who came to New York State in 1863, locating on a farm. Mr. D. is yet living in Erie Co., N. Y., but his wife died in 1873, in that county. They had three sons and four daughters: one of the former is deceased, and all the living except one are married. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born March 12, 1846, in Prussia, came with his par- ents to America, lived at home with them on a farm until 18 years of age, and in the fall of 1877 came to Muskegon County, this State, remaining there four years. He then settled on his present place of 120 acres, 20 of which are well improved. He has a comfortable house, and in 1883 he erected a large and commodious barn. In regard to political issues Mr. D. is counted a Democrat. Nov. 19, 1869, Mr. Demlow married Miss Minnie, daughter of Charles and Sophia Hillman : the former died in New York and the latter in Michigan. She was born in Michelburg, Prussia. Mr. and Mrs. D. are the parents of six children, viz. : Charlie, Will- iam, Emma, Mary, George and Edward. if^v®))f^v^, edam Hance, farmer, section 23, Lincoln ii^^M Township, was born in Licking Co , Ohio, ye^ Feb. 3, 1825. His parents were Thomas and (fe^ Polly, /lee Douglas, Hance, the former a native j of New York and of German descent, and the latter a native of Scotland. The name Hance, as spelled by our subject, is a patronymic of Hause, as it was spelled by the father of Thomas. The father of Adam was a farmer by occupation, and moved his family from New York to Licking Co., Ohio, in 1817 When he first went to th;t county it was but little settled, and the hand of improvement was hardly visible. He remained there for some time and then moved to Knox County, same State, and then went to Morrow (then Delaware) County and lived there until his death, in 1879, being at that time in his 92d year. Adam was three years of age when his parents went to Morrow (Delaware) County, and spent his years until manhood in that county. He assisted his father on the farm and attended the common schools of the county, procuring a good common-school edu- cation and developed into manhood. When 22 years of age he engaged with his father in the mercantile business, and successfully continued in the partner- ship for two years. At the expiration of that time he and his brother, jointly, followed farming on the old homestead, and so continued until 1865. During the above named year, Mr. Hance dis- posed of all liis real estate and came to this State. He came direct to this county and purchased 640 acres of heavily timbered land, on sections 23 and 24, Lincoln Township. On this land he established his " pioneer cabin," and entered on the arduous, though in many respects pleasant, task of improving it. He encountered all the privations and obstacles VS (^ i< fr t m TSA BELLA COUNTY. 2'S =3 V s. ^ of the early pioneer, but, having faith in the future development of the country, he fought against all obstacles with a determination to overcome them, and succeeded. To his original purchase Mr. Hance has added 240 acres, on section 25, same township, and of his entire estate he has 200 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Hance was united in marriage, in September, 1838, in Ohio, with Miss Mary Morrison, who was born in Licking Co., Ohio. She was of English and Welsh extraction, and was reared under the parental roof-tree, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools of her native county. Mr. and Mrs. Hance were the parents of six chil- dren, named as follows : Albert W., born Oct. 8, 1841 ; Henry M., born Nov. 1 1, 1843 ; John W., born Aug. 2, 1849; David W.,born Dec. 10, 1852; Sam'l. W., born Feb. 2, 1856; and Phebe, born Nov. 30, 1854, and died Sept. 29, 1872. Mrs. Hance departed this life at her home in Lin- coln Township, Nov. 6, 1881, mourned as a true wife, a loving mother, a faithful friend and a generous neighbor. She lived to see all her children estab- lished in good homes and honorable callings, and " crossed the river " to meet her daughter gone before. Religiously, Mrs. Hance was a Spiritualist. In the maidenhood of life she was a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, but later in life became a be- liever in Spiritualism and was strong in that faith at the time of her death. Mr. Hance is a Republican in politics; has held the offices of his school district, but outside of edu- cational matters withholds his acceptation of office. He takes a great interest in education, and is an honored and respected citizen of his township. eorge Earl, farmer, section 19, Fremont . Township, is a son of Daniel and Elizabetli (Little) Earl, natives of Ohio. The former was born in 1802, was a blacksmith by tr;ide, lived in Sandusky County most of his life, and died in 1883 ; was a farmer in the latter part of his The latter died in 1872. The subject of this biographical notice was born March 20, 1834, in Columbiana Co., O. ; remained at home until he was 20 years old, assisting on the farm. He was then variously occupied until 24 years of age, residing two and a half years in Muskegon Co., Mich., then seven years in Ohio, and finally, in 1865, he settled at his present place of residence, on 80 acres of primitive woodland. Half of this is on section 19, and half on section i S. Twenty-five acres of this tract is now subdued to the plow, and corresponding improvements of every kind made or placed under headway. In the spring of 1S83 he built a neat residence. Mr. Earl has served his scliool district one term in an official capacity. In respect to national and State questions he votes with the Democratic party. At the age of 21 Mr. Earl married Miss Margaret M., daughter of Leonard and Maria Smith. She was born Oct. 28, 1835, in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Her father, a farmer, was born in Scotland, and her mother was liorn May 28, 1814, and died March 24, 1837- The household of Mr. and Mrs. Earl have com- prised the following children : George H., born April 4, 1858, and died Feb. 13, i860; Ida R., born Sept. 20, 1862, and died March 2, 1864; and Leonard L., born July 19, 187 i. 'aeob Kratz, farmer and stock-raiser, sec- tion 12, Lincoln Township, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1855. When nine years old he went to live with his relatives, and remained with them until he had attained the age of 15. He then followed the occupa- tion of farming, working as a common laborer on the farms in the county of his nativity, until 1876. March i, 1876, he was united in marriage with Acelia Kindig, a native of Medina Co., Ohio, where she was born Aug. 7, 1856. Mrs. Kratz remained under her parental care, assisting in the houseliold duties until she attained the age of i6, when she en- tered on the profession of teaching. She continued to occupy her time teaching in the common schools of her native county until she was married to Mr. K. After marriage Mr. K. rented a farm and follow- ed his chosen occupation for two years. In March, 1878, they came to this State and county \^ 9 S i S K/ (i 11. ;^-t^ ^M- ^ -^J^^-cs ■rr *7<^nii:^nDf> ^ '4x27-'^ Ksv)^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. t and settled on 80 acres of land :on section 12, Lin- coln Township, which Mr. K. had purchased in 1875. This land was in a wild state of nature, and earn- estly and energetically did our subject enter on the laborious though at times pleasant task of clearing and improving it. He now has about 50 acres of this land well improved, and erected thereon good and substantial farm buildings. Mr. Kratz is devoting a considerable portion of his time to the propagation of stock, and is handling the Percheron breed of horses with signal success. He has one horse of this breed valued at $1,000. The husband and wife are both members of the Regular Baptist Church, in good standing. They are the parents of three children: Anna M., born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. i, 1878; Harvey D., born in this county, Sept. 27, 1879 ; and a child, who died in infancy. Politically, Mr. K. is a believer in and supporter of the principles and doctrines of the Republican party. 'k .'acob Baker, fanner, section 14, Fremont W: Township, is a son of Josiah and Rachel A. (English) Baker, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Licking Co., Ohio, ^r^ Mr. Josiah Baker, a farmer, was first a resident \ in Defiance Co., Ohio, then four years in Hills- dale Co., Mich., then a few years in Ingham County, two years in Eaton County, and then located on sec- tion ten, Fremont Township, this county ; next he occupied section 15, of that township, and finally he purchased 40 acres on section 22, where he now lives. His wife died Dec. 27, 1863, in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1848, and came to this county with his parents, remaining with them until he was 22 years of age. In 1872 he bought 80 acres of sec- tion 14, Fremont Township, which tract was then principally unimproved ; he now has 50 acres in good cultivation, with other substantial improvements. His nice barn was built in the summer of 1 883. Mr. Baker has held the office of School Treasurer, and was elected Township Treasurer in 1883. March 21, 1872, Mr. Baker was married to Jerusha E. Heiser, daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Trine) Heiser, natives of Maryland, Mr. H. was a mason and farmer; is now living ui Eaton County, this State. Mrs. Baker was born in that county, Sept. 29, 1853: The children of Mr. and Mrs. H. are: Nor- man J., born July 25, 1875; and Orville J., Aug. 3, .879. I eter F. Dodds, attorney at Mt. Pleasant, and member of the law firm of Dodds Bros., ,^ was born Jan. 4, 1849, in St. Lawrence ill ^*^' '^^ ^' ^'^ parents, John and Catharine |\ (Hoy) Dodds, came to Coe Township, Isabella County, in 1866, where they resided until in 1875, then moved to Mt. Pleasant, at which place the father died, Dec. 3, 1879. The mother is still living. Mr. Dodds was 17 years old when he accompanied his parents to Isabella County, and two years later he began teaching, in which calling he has had a large experience, covering 57 months in the aggre- gate, from 1868 to October, 1874. He studied mean- while and was graduated in the " Full English Course," in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, in June, 1874. He studied one term in the Law Department of the University at of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1875, as supplementary to a course of law reading, which he had passed while engaged in teaching, and in the fall of 1875 was admitted to the Bar, at Ithaca, Mich., immediately after which event he formed a partnership, for the prosecution of legal business with Hon. Isaac A. Fanchcr, who was at that time in active practice, a talented lawyer and at the head of the Isabella County Bar. D. Scott Partridge became a member of the firm April 5, 1878, which relation e.\isted until Aug. i, 1879. Francis H. Dodds, a brother, was admitted to the firm in April, 1880, and Mr. Fancher withdrew and moved to Detroit, Jan. 6, 1S82. Soon after this, George E, Dodds, also a brother, entered the firm, and William I. Dodds, an- other brother, was admitted into the concern in Jan- uary, 1883. In the fall of 1880, Mr. Dodds was elected Prose- cuting Attorney of Isabella County, and served one term. He is now a member of the County Board of School Examiners ; is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Wabon Lodge, No. 305, and of % t /s ^V®))^^!^' ■^•^DD^tlllf^*^ ^im^iiii^>T- ■:2^ciM;-' ^ 5§ V ISABELLA COUNTY. 217 Mt. Pleasant Chapter, No. in, R. A. M., of Mt. Pleasant. In June, 1.SS2, having pursued his studies under the direction of the faculty of Olivet ("ollege, he re- ceived from said college the degree of Bachelor of Arts, of which school his brother, Francis H. FJodds, and his sister, Harmione H. Dodds, are also grad- uates. He was married, April 20, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant, to Minnie E., daughter of Henry 8. and Cornelia A. Bouten. She was born March 12, 1859, in Homer, Calhoun C"o., Mich. •naasw/t^^—^^ -^gfS/Z'OTTv ^^W ®o**S® W- Simpson, farmer, section i, Lin- (\) -ijjlift^^ '^^''^ Township, was born in Crown Point, V-w^ N. v., April II, 184S, the son of Thomas and 'i* Aurelia (Lawrence) Simpson, natives of Scot- f land and Vermont. When five years of age he accompanied his parents to Cattaraugus County, same State, and two years later came with them to this State. They located in Oakland County, at a time when the hand of improvement was hardly vis- ible in the vicinity in which they settled. It was in 1855, and the county was at that time but little set- tled. The old Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad had its flat-bar rails and the development of the county was in its infancy. Mr. Simpson remained with his parents, assisting on the farm and attending the common schools of the county, until he attained the age of 17 years. At this age he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, and after three years' apprenticeship under a competent instructor, he mastered the same. He then followed his trade, in that county, until 1873, when he went to Big Rapids, and remained for a period, and then to Ludington, Mason County, this State. He remained at Ludington until February, 187s, when he went to California, intending to follow his trade; but remained only a short time and then went to Oregon. He was in the latter State two years and then returned to this State and county and located on 60 acres of land on section i, Lincoln Township, which he had purchased in 1879, and on which he is at the present time residing. He has 25 acres of this land well improved and has erected on it a fine frame cottage. Mr. Simpson was united in marriage, Nov. 10, 1880, with Miss Julia A. Stocker, at Metamora, Lapeer County, this State. She is a daughter of Dennis and Laura A. (Varnum) Stocker, and was born in Metamora, Dec. 17, 1855. She lived at hon.e, as- sisted the mother in the household duties and attended the common schools. Early in life she formed a desire to become a teacher, and vigorously prosecuted her studies to accomplish that end, and completed the same at 0.\ford, Oakland County. In the summer of 1871, at the age of 18 years, she be- gan teaching in Lapeer County, then in Genesee, Clinton and Oakland Counties, meeting with success in every school and receiving numerous encomiums for her skill and mode of teaching. She continued in the profession until her marriage, as stated. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are the parents of one child, Linnie Ray, born Sept. 11, 1882. Mrs. Simpson is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 44, Birmingham, Oakland County, and in j>olitics is a Democrat. ^ < ^ |WlLavid W. Hance, farmer, section 23, Lin- gual coin Township, is a son of Adam and '(iiV ^ Mary E. (Morrison) Hance (see sketch), ^^"14 and was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Dec. 10, ^ 1^52. He accompanied his parents to this ^^ \ State in 1862, and returned again the same year to Ohio, where he remained, variously occupied until the fall of 1865. He then came to this county t( and has constantly resided here ever since. His abode was the home of his parents, and there he lived and assisted in the improvement of the farm. Jan. 8, 1876, at St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Mich., he was united in marriage with Mrs. Etta («cc Sherman) Utley. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary f^ E. (King) Sherman. Her foster parents were An- y roc k m drew J. and Martha E. (Hance) Utley. Etta was born Oct. 9, 1858, in Iowa, and was four years of age when she was adopted by the family of Mr. I'tley, who were then living in Kno.x Co., Ind. The family moved from Knox County to Ohio, and then to Si. L,ouis, this State, where she lived until her jjiarrifige DtI5^(ltl^>^ ^^m^^^^ ) X'^ ^ r^d^^^is- ■v4>DD^DDrt> ip^rr^ -•^^•♦^iJA d iO, /^ f > t 2l8 ISABELLA COUNTY. to Mr. Hance. Following are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hance: Morrison U., born Jan. 15, 1878; Blanche and John W. (twins), born June 23, 1881. In politics Mr. Hance is a staunch Republican. eorge W. Foglesong, farnner, section 14, ?"reiTiont Township, is a son of George and and Mary A. (Cromer) Foglesong. The father was born in Frederick Co., Md.,and the mother in Virginia. The father followed the occupation of farming for a livelihood in his native State for a period, and then moved to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he located and followed the same vocation for a period of 28 years. From Ohio he came to Gratiot County, this State, in 1862, and located in Pine River Township, on a farm. The mother died in May, 1853, in Seneca Co., Ohio, and the father was again married, and on removal to this State died, in the year 1867. His widow is again married and lives in Pine River Township, Gratiot County. George W. Foglesong, the subject of this biograph- ical notice, was born Nov. 14, 1 841, in Hopewell Township, Seneca Co., Ohio. He remained at home, assisting on the farm and receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools of the county, and developed into manhood. At the age of 22 years he responded to the call of President Lincoln for troops, and enlisted in Co. K, 21st Mich. Vol. Inf., Second Div., i4lh Army Corps, under Gen. Sherman's com- mand. The regiment was detached and assigned to the Engineer Corps. They built a bridge across the Tennessee River and constructed the barracks on Lookout Mountain. They were then placed in the field and were engaged in the battle against Hood at Nashville and also the battle of Goldsboro, N. ('., and other minor engagements. He was finally dis- charged at Washington, D. C, in August, 1865. Immediately after his discharge, Mr. Foglesong came to this State and settled with his parents in Gratiot County. In 1867 he was united in marriage to the lady of his choice, Mrs. Susannah Jordan, daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Creps) Jordan. She was born May 10, 1840. The father was a me- chanic and lived in Seneca Co., Ohio. Mrs. Fogle- song was born in the State of Virginia. In 1863 Mr. F. came to this county and secured 160 acres of land on section 14, Fremont, and April 19, 1866, moved on the same and entered on the task of improving it, determined to make it a perma- nent home for himself and family. He has at the present time about 80 acres of the land under a good state of cultivation and has erected thereon one of the best brick residences in the county, at a cost so far of $2,000, and which will finally cost about $3,000. Mr. and Mrs. Foglesong are the parents of three children, namely : Nettie V., Ward F., and Henry N. Mrs. F. had two children by her first marriage, — Margaret A. E. and Matilda E. J. Politically, Mr. Y . is a Republican, and in religion he and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ohn Wagner, farmer, section 14, Lincoln Township, is a native of the State of Ohio, where, in the county of Seneca, he was born, Nov. 13, 1835. He lived on the parental homestead, assist- ing in the maintenance of the family and at- tending the common schools of the vicinity, until he attained the age of 23 years. At this age in life, he took the old homestead and farmed it on shares. He was successful in this adventure and continued to farm the place on shares for some three years. April 5, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Shoe, in Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio. She was a native of Wood County, same State, and was born Aug. 13, 1841. She lived at home, assisting in the labors of the household and receiving the ad- vantages afforded by the common schools, until her marriage. .■\fter working the old homestead of his parents, Mr. W. moved to Wood Co., Ohio, and purchased an 80-acre farm of his own, which he continued to cul- tivate for a period of 12 years. He then rented his farm on shares, and in 1878 built a grist-mill at Ris- ing Sun, Ohio, which he successfully ran until f larch, 188 1, when he sold the same and came lo this State. ^ I 1= t i ^:iini>v o. -s^^^^f^ 4»t^> vrr -^ji^^l^iis; ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ ^ in Defiance Co., Ohio. At the age of i8 he com- menced working in the lumber woods during the winter season and improving his farm during the other seasons. In 1875 he located on 40 acres of section 15, Fremont Township; the next year he started the village that bears his name, and now has about 200 inhabitants. From 1877 to 1879 he ran a saw-mill, and was interrupted in this line of business by the explosion of a boiler. He was appointed Postmaster in the spring of 1882. He is a Republi- can in his political views, and is highly esteemed in his community as a man of energy, philanthropy and a high moral tone. He has done much to build up the material interests of the people. He has been Highway Commissioner and Constable two terms each, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 219, at Millbrook. Mr. Dush was married in June, 1877, to Miss C. A. Ingersoll, daughter of L. W. and Mary E. Inger- soll. He has one child living, Herbert E., born Sept. 9, 1878; and one deceased, Nellie M., who died in 1 88 1, aged two months. oseph Eudler, general farmer, section 22, ■^ Lincoln Township, was born in Hamilton Co., N. Y., April 28, 1834; remained with his father on the farm until of age, when for a time he alternated between farm labor and lumbering; when 30 years of age he came to this State and for some time worked as a lumberman in Muskegon County, toward the last alternating be- tween this State and New York. Lt 1875 he came to this county, settling upon 40 acres where he now resides, about 25 acres of which he has reduced to a good state of cultivation. He has recently erected a good residence and a large barn. His good judg- ment as a farmer is evinced by a corresponding prosperity, which his neighbors recognize. He was married in Pennsylvania, and has had one son, Martin J., who was born Aug. 25, i860. He still makes his home with his father. Sept. 3, 1863, Mr. Rudler enlisted in Co. G, 63d Pa. Vol. \\\l., of the Army of the Potomac, but Jan. 22, following, he was discharged on account of sick- ness. Sept. 3, 1864, he re-enlisted, in Co. A, 211th Pa. Vol. Inf., Army of the Potomac, commanded by Capt. E. B. Lee. Nov. 17, following, he was cap- tured, while on picket, between the James and Af)- pomattox Rivers, and was confined for two weeks in that filthy and awful den, Libby prison, and then for three months in that not less terrible place, Salisbury (N. C.) prison ! then two weeks again at Libby ! when he was paroled, which relation he held to the close of the war. He was honorably discharged July I, 1865. On national issues, Mr. R. sides with the Repub- licans. ^ illiam Loomis, farmer on section 22, Ver- V> 5|iL non, is a son of Justin and Eliza (Drake) jts^'-i''' " Loomis, natives of Connecticut and Penn- ",' sylvania, and of German and English de- scent. The father died in this county in ' 1872, at the age of 80, having followed carpen- try all his life. The mother is living in Vernon Town- ship, aged 62. The subject of this sketch was born in Lockport, Erie Co., Pa., March 17, 1842, and began to look out for his own livelihood at the immature age of ten, by working on the canal. Returning home, he at- tended the common schools of Erie and Crawford Counties, Pa. At the age of 19, he enlisted in Co. K, nth Pa. Vol. Inf. He was assigned to the Reserve Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and was in but one skir- mish. He was confined to a hospital for six months, and was discharged for disability, Nov. 9, 1S62. Returning home, he was married and commenced keeping a boarding-house in the lumber woods of Jef- ferson Co., Pa. He afterwards followed farming, and then spent three years in the oil region, on Oil Creek, in Crawford Co., Pa. He was next employed in a saw-mill until December, 1870, when he came to Isabella and bought 40 acres, where he now lives. He has erected suitable farm buildings, and improved 18 acres. He was married in December, 1862, to Miss Annie Gibbs, who was born June 24, 1845, in Jefferson Co., Pa. Of this marriage seven children have been born, four of whom are yet living. Their record is as fol- lows: Donna, born May 11, 1864, and married Oct. 5, 1882, to William H. Archamboult; Myron, born A r m &f^H'^- ISABELLA COUNTY. 425 ) /■ ■'—' V .1 Dec. 23, 1865; Harriet, March 2, 1870; Charles, «,j July 27, 1878. The deceased are: Florence, born 0^ Aug. 15, 1868, died June '16, 1869; Minnie, born J March 6, 1872, died July 15, 1873; and Emma, born ($1 April 15, 1877, and died the same day. Mr. Loomis is politically a Democrat. He has held the office of School Assessor for two terms and is the present incumbent. \ homas TurnbuU, a genial and obliging " mine host," at Dushville, is a son of Will- iam and Agnes (Huggen) Turnbull. They were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to Canada, landing at Quebec in 1830. They remained at the latter place for a short period and then moved to Toronto, Canada. From Toronto the parents moved to Moore Township, Lambton Co., Canada, and located on a tract of 100 acres of land, on which they are at present residing and on which the father follows the occupation of a farmer. The subject of our biographical notice, Thomas Turnbull, was born Oct. 19, 1836, in Moore Town- ship, Lambton Co., Canada. He remained with the parents, assisting in the maintenance of the family and attending the common schools until 17 years of age. At this period of his life he left the parental homestead, with the consent of his parents, and went forth to fight for prosperity, single-handed and alone. He served an apprenticeship at the black- smith's trade for three years, then worked as a "jour" for three years and more, when he engaged in the business for himself. He conducted the business with a moderate degree of success for three or four years, and then sold it and came to this State. Ar- riving in Saginaw, he worked at his trade for some three years, when he moved to Midland County, and was there engaged for two years. In 1866, Mr. T. moved from Midland County to Mt. Pleasant, this county, and there worked at his trade until the spring of 1874. He then entered the hotel business and successfully followed that vocation for a year, when, in the spring of 1875, he sold out and went to Lud- ington, Mason County, this State, and there was en- gaged for a short time only, in the saloon business. He sold this the same year (1875) and came to this county and located on a farm of 40 acres, which he cultivated for three years. Leaving his farm he went to Dushville and engaged at his trade, which he followed for three years, in partnership with Mr. George E. Osborn. The partnership was dissolved in February, 1881, and Mr. Turnbull took charge of the hotel, which he is conducting. The host and hostess are genial and obliging to their guests and have made themselves quite a reputation in the bus- iness they are conducting. He has also been for three years doing an extensive business in the sale of agricultural implements. Mr. Turnbull was united in marriage, Sept. 24, 1859, to Miss Anna Grayson, born Jan. 6, 1844, in Lambton Co., Canada. She was a daughter of Will- iam and Anna (Ardel) Grayson, the former a native of Canada, where he died in 1882, and the mother a native of the Emerald Isle. Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull are the parents of three children : Agnes A., Ellen H and Thomas. Mr. T., politically, is a Democrat. Socially, he is a mem- ber of the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant. ®)«^#»- — ^yii^- e-^^ngr^: ewis C. Griffith, Clerk of Isabella County resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 26, 1837, in Wayne Co., Ohio. His parents, Nelson and Sarah (Cobler) Griffith, removed in 1839 to DeKalb Co., Ind., where they reared their children on a farm. Mr. Griffith obtained a good education at the com- mon schools, attending winter terms until he was 18 years, old and after that he attended the academies at Vienna and Newville, Ind., three years, devoting the spring and fall seasons to study, and teaching winters. He followed teaching as an occupation until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted Nov. 12, 1862, in the 23d Battery, Ind. Vols., and par- ticipated in all the engagements of the Georgia cam- paign. He was in the actions at Lost Mountain, Resaca, Dalton, Burns Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, through the engagements of the siege of Atlanta, at Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. He enlisted as a private, and before his command left Indianapolis he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. At Knox- ville he was again promoted to the position of Ser- geant, and received honorable discharge July 3, 1865, V^ A C< r i (h ) 1 f (3^ ISABELLA COUNTY. T" ■^af^^^vs: \}f at Indianapolis. On his return to DeKalb County, 'fA he engaged in farming for a time. Within the same Cf^ year he came to Isabella County and purchased loo acres of land on what is now section 29, Broomfield Township, but did not take possession of his property. In September, 1866, he brought his wife to Broom- field Township, and settled on 80 acres, located on section 30. He now owns 160 acres on sections 30 and 31, and has 80 acres in a fine state of cultiva- tion, with excellent buildings, valuable orchards and other farm appurtenances of the best order. When he became a resident on his present farm it was all in heavy timber, and located three-fourths of a mile from any thoroughfare. He found himself obliged to cut his road thither, and with his ox team he drew in a thousand feet of lumber and made a camp of it for the shelter of himself and wife until he cleared a small patch of ground and erected a log house. In this he lived 13 years. The organization of the township did not take place until 1868, when he was one of the petitioners for the accomplishment of that purpose. He was elected first Clerk and discharged the duties of the place five years in succession. He served as Super- visor three terms, as Superintendent of Schools about four years, and as Justice of the Peace one term. He was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office he now holds, in the fall of 1880, and made a successful run against E. E. Willie. He was again nominated for the same 5X)sition in the fall of 1882, and scored another victory. He removed to Mt. Pleasant in January, 1881, to take possession of his office. In August following his becoming a citizen of Mt. Pleasant, he was elected Superintendent of Schools of the township. He was elected a member of the County Board of Examiners, and is the pres- ent Secretary of that body. He is also a member of the village School Board. In connection with his business as an agriculturist and incumbent of successive local official positions, he has labored as a minister of the Christian Church. He has been an evangelist in Mecosta and Isabella Counties, and the aggregate time of his min- istry is ten years. He is now preaching regularly in Salt River and has been since April, 1883. He has ^P been a Sunday-school Superintendent in the Presby- terian Church. His marriage to Sarah Brown oc- curred, Oct. 13, 1 86 1. She was born Jan. 26, 1840, in Seneca Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Levi and Jane Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have been the parents of nine children, three of whom are deceased. They were born and named as follows : Douglass, July 26, 1862; Wilbur A., June 30, 1867; Nettie, Aug. 29, i86g; Alma, Jan. 24, 187 1; Dessie B., June 13, 1873; Hortense M., Oct. 1, 1875; Irving L., April 25, 1878; Lena S., Nov. 22, 1880; Bessie, Feb. 10, 1884. —¥. I §|^V^^)^f|^ eorge F. Goll, general farmer, section 16, Lincoln Township, was born in Springfield Township, Williams Co., Ohio, Oct. 16, 1843, his parents being of French ancestry and both died in Ohio ; his father, a farmer dying in February, 1882, and his mother in December, 1861. He lived with his parents, laboring as a farm hand and attending school, until 18 years old, when he enlisted in the 14th Ohio Vol. Inf, Co. E, April 23, 1861, for the three-months service. Oct. 14, 1862, he re-enlisted, this time in the 21st Battery, Light Artillery, Ohio Volunteers, Army of the Cumberland, and was in several engagements. When Lee sur- rendered, the Ohio battery, then at Richmond, was ordered to fire a salute, in the execution of which order a cannon was prematurely discharged, tearing off Mr. GoU's right arm at the wrist and otherwise injuring him severely. His arm was amputated four inches below the elbow. He was consequently laid up in the hospital for nine weeks. He was honora- bly discharged June 19, 1865, and returned to his home in Williams Co.,. Ohio, where he lay for some time before he was able to venture out into business. In 1868 he came to Michigan and contracted for 80 acres on section 16, Lincoln Township, upon which he moved the next year. It was then entirely wild, and he improved 35 acres, built farm houses, etc., exhibiting every evidence of good judgment in his vocation. April 14, 1884, he sold his place to Martin Bassett, of Canada, and he now resides in the State of Missouri. Mr. Goll has been Township Treasurer eight years and held other offices: has now been Township Clerk two years, and is also Health Officer. In ix)l- itics he is a Republican. ^ A Ky < (T i ^.,(?<5X,/5P^ -^^D!l^nD>1>-=- .:5y?^5?i. *-?4^?^?=5^ rf*- IS A BELLA COUNTY. 4^^((®VM 227 f ) V Oct. 6, 1867, in Lincoln Township, he married M4ss Malinda Knipe, who was born in Springfield Township, Williams Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1853, and came to this State in the spring of 1868, since which time she has resided in this county, except one year in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Goll are the parents of three children, viz.: Lettie J., Feb. 14, 187 1 ; George B., May 13, 1879, and an unnamed infant, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Free Methodist Church. Tames M. McMillen, farmer on section 31, lljj^ Vernon, was born in Clarion Co., Pa., May 30, 1829, and is a son of John and Sally (Maxwell) McMillen, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father has been a farmer, and is now living with his son, at the advanced age of 85. The mother died in the State of Iowa, in July, 1875. Their family included ten children, of whom James was the third. He lived at home in Pennsylvania, working on his father's farm until 30 years old. In 1864 the family removed to Lucas Co., Iowa, where he farmed for 15 years. Selling his property, he then came to this State and county and purchased 80 acres of timbered land on section 31, Vernon. He has since improved 40 acres and erected necessary farm buildings. He was married Dec. 14, 1854, in Armstrong Co., Pa., to Miss Sarah J. Stewart, daughter of Matthew and Nancy (Jamison) Stewart, natives of Scotland. Mrs. McMillen was born Jan. i, 1834, in Armstrong County, and was reared and educated in Clarion County, same State. Of her six children, one is de- ceased, James M., born July 12, 1859, and died Nov. 17, 1861. The living are : Winfield S., born Oct. 4, 1853; Evaline E., Aug. 11, 1857; Edwin C, Dec. i, 1861 ; Rachel A., June 11, 1866; and Frank S., June 25, 1872. Winfield S. was married July 4, 1883, to Miss Mary E. Phillips, and is now a farmer on section 30, Vernon. Evaline E. was married June 8, 1876, to J. R. Miller, and is now teaching in Jefferson Co., Pa. Mrs. McM. is and has been for many years a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McMillen is politically a Democrat, and has been for some time Overseer of Highways. arren Wing, farmer, section 2, Fremont Townsliip, is a son of Wesley and Salana ._ {/we Wilcox) Wing, natives of New York. 9 They moved from this State to Iowa in 1850, and there the father followed the occupa- tion of farmer for two years. He then returned to the State of New York, and after remaining there a short time came to that State (in the year 1863) and located a homestead of 160 acres of land on section I, Fremont Township, this county, for him- self, and 120 acres on section 2, for his son, the subject of this sketch. The father and mother are yet living, in Union Township, this county, where the former is engaged in farming and is the possessor of 120 acres of good land. Warren Wing, the subject of this biographical notice, was born May 5, 1842, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He remained on the parental farm, assisting the father in the cultivation of the same and attend- ing the common schools, until he attained the age of 21 years. On arriving at this age he accompanied his father to this State and aided him in the clearing of six acres of land, on which they planted winter wheat. He then engaged as a common laborer in the lumber woods and followed that occupation until 1864. During that year he enlisted in Co. H, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, Ninth Corps, commanded by Gen. Burn- side. He participated in the battle of the Wilderness and was there wounded in the elbow, which crippled him for life, and on account of which he is at present a deserving pensioner of the U. S. Government. On receiving the wound mentioned, he was sent to the hospital, and on convalescing he acted as nurse in the hospital for some time, when he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was finally dis- charged in August, 1865, at Pittsburg, Pa. On receiving his discharge, Mr. Wing went to New York State and was there united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Burt, who was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1843, and is a daughter of Willard and Mary H. (Hosier) Burt, of New Eng- land parentage. He.r father was a farmer by occu- pation, and died in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1869. Her mother is still living on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Wing are the parents of three chil- I ^^ II ^ I dren, two boys and one girl. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Willard W., born July 15, 1867 ; Leon R., born April 6, 1872; Nellie E., born April 29, 1876. Mr. Wing politically is a Republican. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for three years, was School Inspector two years, Drain Com- missioner two years and was re-elected to the latter office, but resigned. For the past two years Mr. Wing has been devot- j ing a considerable portion of his time to the apiary I, business, and at the present writing has 75 working colonies. He has disix)sed of ten swarms and has realized from the business over $400. "Ktaefi;©^-' .^-S^TZOTv t ra M. Potter, farmer and carpenter, resid- t ing on section 13, Lincoln Township, was born in DeKalb. Co., Ind., Feb. 3, 1853. His father, Philetus, was a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he was born in 18 11. His mother, Harriet L. (Woodward) Potter, was born in the State of Vermont, March 23, 1821. They were of English and German descent, and the mother died in Paulding Co., Ohio, March 18, 1863, and the father is still living, in Lincoln Township, this county. Ira M. accompanied his parents to Paulding County when he was three years of age. Seven years later his mother died, and at the age of 12 years he came with his father to this State. His father located in Mecosta County, and after remaining there 18 months moved to Newaygo County and settled in Everett Township, where he followed the vocation of farmer. Here Ira M. assisted on the farm and attended the common schools and developed into manhood. He remained on the farm until 1868, when he went to Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind., remained for a period and then went to Ohio, and finally returned to Kala- mazoo, this State, where he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade. He followed that for a time and then returned to the vocation of farming, which he continued for 18 months, when he moved to Cleve- land, Ohio, and there completed the learning of his trade of carpenter and joiner. After this he went to Ilicksville, Defiance Co., Ohio, where he made his home, working at his trade for three years. In the year 1877, Mr. Potter took quite an extended tour throughout the West, for the purpose of investi- gating the advantages offered to immigrants. In 1878 he came to this county and purchased 40 acres of land on section 1 1, Lincoln Township. He after- ward sold this and and purchased 53 acres, partly improved, on section 13, same township. On this latter place he is now living, engaged in farming and working at his trade. Mr. Potter is recognized as a skillful and reliable mechanic, and as an evidence of his workmanship many of the best residences in the southern part of this county will testify. Mr. Potter was united in marriage, Feb. 24, 1880, in St. Ix)uis, Gratiot County, with Miss Addie, daugh- ter of James and Elizabeth (Miller) Maxwell, natives of Ohio, where, in Defiance County, they were among the very first settlers. Mrs. Maxwell died April 14, 1884, and Mr. M. is yet living, in the same county. Addie was born in Hicksville, Defiance Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1852. She was a constant resident under the parental roof-tree, assisting in the house- hold duties and attending the common and union schools, until 1882. She had acquired a good educa- tion, and, as her inclination was to be a teacher, her education was obtained with that view, and for eight years she successfully taught in the common schools of her native county. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are recognized as belonging to a class who are a benefit to the society and com- munity in which they reside, and are respected and honored citizens of their township. Politically, Mr. P. is a supporter of and believer in the doctrines of the Democratic party. [ikipallace W. Preston, Treasurer of Isabella a? County, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born 5P Oct. 9, 1837, in the town of Alexander, coun- ty of Genesee, State of New York. His parents, William and Mary (Fisk) Preston, were both natives of Vermont. The father was born June 28, 1803, and died Nov. 10, 1881, in Mt. Pleas- ant. The mother was born Jan. 31, 1806, and is A v/ ^\§^^(^^ sZU^. ^ms- r t Mi r i 'rr^ 4^iin^mi^>r -ZM>-\s^'^ -|j^K(®\^^ ^ (9 1=3 V '~^ ISABELLA CO UN 229 Still living, in Mt. Pleasant, at the advanced age of 78 years. The family of Mr. Preston settled in Wyoming Co., N. Y., where they reared and educated their children. He became an accomplished scholar and taught five terms of school in Wyoming County. In the fall of 1863 he came to Isabella County and made a purchase of 80 acres of land, on section 10, Lincoln Township. He had been a resident but two months when he received the appointment of County Clerk to fill the unexpired term of Norman Payne, and officiated in that position during the year 1864. During that time he was elected Register of Deeds, on the Republican ticket, and held the office two years. Meanwhile he bought the hotel in Mt. Pleas- ant (now the Bamber House), took possession of his property, which he continued to manage nearly three years. He rented the hotel during the two following years, and in 1869 sold out. He bought a farm of 120 acres, lying one-half mile south of Mt. Pleasant, which still remains in his possession. It is a valua- ble estate, with 95 acres under culture, good build- ings, orchards and other creditable farm appurtenan- ces. He took possession of his farm in March, 1869, and there remained until December, 1882, when he moved to Mt. Pleasant. In the spring of 1879 he was elected Township Treasurer of Union, and the following spring, Sapervisor, which office he held until the fall of 1882, when he received the nomina- tion for Treasurer of Isabella County, on the Repub- lican ticket, and was elected by nearly 300 majority. Mr. Preston was married Sept. 24, i86i,in Java, Wyoming Co., N. Y., to Arsenath Woodworth. She was born June 21, i84r,in Java, and is the daugliter of Charles and Nancy Woodworth. The tjiree chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Preston were born at Mt. Pleasant, as follows: Worth W., Sept. ig, 1864; Anna B., Sept. 15, 1870; and Ralph E., June 10, 1874. The oldest son is a book-keeper, in the employ of Upton & Leaton. p |!|;;harles H. Standbridge, farmer on section 30, Vernon, was iiorn in Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 25, 1853, and is a son of Jabez mj^ and Mary A. (Mead) Standbridge, natives of (1\ England. The father was at first a common laborer, and came with his wife to Washtenaw Co., Mich., where they died in 1879 and 1882, re- spectively. Of their four sons and six daughters, two of the former and three of the latter are living Charles is the fourth child and third son. Leaving home at the age of 19, he worked by the month for farmers in his native county. Four years later he came to this county and worked for R. F. Glass, of Gilmore Township. In the fall of 1877 lie purchased 89 acres of wild land on section 30, Ver- non. Two years later he married and moved upon his farm, on which he has since resided. He has improved 20 acres. In political sentiment he is a Republican. He was married at Farwell, May 11, 1879, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of David and Sarah Margaret (Rawling) Branch, natives of Maine and Ontario, and of English descent. The mother died in 1872, and the father is yet living, in the vicinity of Farwell, Clare County. Mrs. Standbridge was born in Genesee Co., Mich., Aug. 19, 1862, and has had three chil- dren, two of whom are living: Lillie M., born July 27, 1880, and Nellie M., Dec. 2, 1883. William E. was born March 27, 1882, and died Sept. 12, 1882. ^. ohn W. Curtiss, farmer, section 4, Fre- I" mont Township, is a son of Waldo W. and Margaret (McCue) Curtiss. His father was a native of New York, where he was born in 1820. He was a cooper by trade, and also fol- lowed the occupation of farmer, and died in December, 1857. His mother was born on the Em- erald Isle, in 1825, and died Aug. 14, 1S75, in Oak- field, Genesee Co., N. Y. They were the parents of V si.x children, all boys, who are all living. £ John W., the subject of this biographical notice, § was born Feb. 13, 1846, in Genesee Co., N. Y. He remained at home until he attained the age of ten years, and upon the death of his father he went to work as a common laborer, contributing his wages to the support of his motlier and brothers. He contin- ued to aid the mother and family until the age of 23 years. He then followed farming for six years in Greenville, Montcalm County, this State. For the next nine years lie was employed in the lumber woods of Montcalm and Isabella Counties. In June, 1883, he purchased 120 acres on sections 4 and 5, Fre- mont, where he now follows farming. His residence is on section 4. :) t I * ioj 'T^\imm>T -THi&s- -*=t^^^^ > t 230 ISABELLA COUNTY. ••i^,- ^ Mr. Curtiss was united in marriage July 21, 1880, to Miss Mina Hey, a native of Jackson Co., Mich., where she was born June 17, 1865. She was a daughter of Charles and Mary (Weiter) Hey, natives of Germany. Her mother came to the New World when she was seven years old, in i85i,and her father in 1857. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Hey comprised seven children, four boys and three girls, one of whom, a girl, is deceased. The father and mother are both living in Montcalm County, where the former is following the occupation of farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss are the parents of two chil- dren : one, an infant, died unnamed; and the other, Henry VV., was born Aug. 29, 1883, in this county. i illiam Tomlinson, farmer, section 22, Lin- coln Township, was born in Champlain, jj^^-p-j Clinton Co., N. Y., March 21, 1834. The parents of Mr. T. were William and Ann (Bolton) Tomlinson, natives of England and J__' of English descent. His father followed the occupation of farming in his native country, and em- igrated to this country in 1830, continuing the same vocation. His mother died in Clinton Co., N. Y. Sept. 6, 1 87 5, aged 76 years and 6 months, and his father is at present residing with our subject, aged 8 1 yearsT William Tomlinson, Sr., the subject of this bio- graphical notice, is the oldest of the children now living, assisted in the cultivation of the homstead, attended the common schools and developed into manhood. Nov. 8, 1853, Mr. Tomlinson was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah J. Palmer, residing in the State of Vermont. She was a daughter of Robert and Julia (Spaulding) Palmer, natives of Vermont, and of New England parentage. Her father died in the State of his nativity, in 1848, and her mother is still living, in the same State. Sarah was born May 18, 1835, in Chittenden Co., Vt., and lived under the parental roof-tree, assisting her mother in her house- hold duties and attending the common schools of the county, until the date of her marriage, as stated. After his marriage, Mr. Tomlinson worked one of his father's farms until the fall of 1865, when he , came to this State and homesteaded 1 60 acres of land on section 22, Lincoln Township, this county. When Mr. Tomlinson located his homestead in the county, it was in a section that was almost a dense forest. Not a stick of timber had been felled on his land, and it was with no little faith in the future de- velopment of the country that he was induced to continue his battle against the trials and obstacles of pioneer life. He experienced all the trials incident to the early settler; was compelled to go many miles for food for his family and pay an exorbitant price for the same, yet " faith " cheered him on, and " en- ergetic effort " pulled him safely through. Mr. T. disposed of 40 acres of his homestead, and has suc- cessfully brought 40 acres of the remainder to a good state of improvement. Richard B. Tomlinson, a younger brother of our subject, is one of the most extensive wholesale and retail merchants of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson are the parents of six children, born and named as follows: Martha E., March 31, 1856; George E., May 10, 1858; Julia A.., Sept. 14, i860; Ella A., Oct. 16, 1862; Mary A., Sept. 21, 1864; Charles F., June 2, 1866. Mar- tha E., George E., Ella A. and Mary A. are married. The husband and wife are both members of the Free Methodist Church. Mr. Tomlinson, politically, is a staunch Republi- can. He has filled numerous offices in his township, with credit, and is at present Justice of the Peace, which position he has held for three terms. ewitt S. Johnson, hardware merchant at . Dushville, is a son of John Q. A. and V^^^ J^ <^ Margaret (Sutherland) Johnson, natives of the State of New York, where, in Oneida County, the fatiier was born, in 1826, and the mother, in Cattaraugus County, in 1825. The father was reared on a farm in New York State, and when 17 years of age came to Monroe County, this State. He lived in that county eight years and then moved to Barry County, and continued his vocation for four years, when he came to Isabella and located on 160 acres of land in Coe Township. He now resides on section 30, Union Township. He has been an active and prominent man, and his biogra- phy appears on another page. 1=3 X=I V i. vCn .< Ir>r #^(@ ISABELLA COUNTY. P * ^ Dewitt S. Johnson, the subject of this biographical notice, was born March 3, 1852, in Barry County, this State. He was, as his father, reared on the farm and received the advantages afforded by the com- mon school, and under the instruction of his parents and his own energetic, persevering determination, acquired a classical education. He accompanied his parents to this county, and in 1879 was united in marriage with Miss Almeda M. Ackley. She was born in Dekalb Co., Ind., in 1856, and was the daughter of Harvey and Ro.Kana (Coburn) Ackley, natives of Ohio. Mr. Ackley was a soldier in the late civil war, and died while in the defense of his country's flag. Two children were born of their union, namely: Ralph E., May 23, 1880; and Erma, Nov. 5, 1882. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a believer in and sup- porter of the doctrines and principles of the Repub- lican party. He has held the office of Constable, and is a respected and esteemed citizen of the town- ship. Mrs. Johnson is an earnest and active mem- ber of the Disciples' Church. '^ ] enry Woodin, farmer and mill owner on section 28, Sherman, is a son of Henry and Lydia (Earl) Woodin, natives of New York. Henry Woodin, Sr., was a farmer, and died in his native State. His son Henry was born Nov. I 6, 1827, in Monroe Co., N. Y., and lived at home until 19 years of age, receiving a good elementary English education in the common schools. .After leaving the parental roof he was employed in various gristmills until 1853, when he came to Saginaw, this State. He then worked at farming and lumbering until 1869, when he came to this county, selected a mill-site on Chippewa River, and erected a grist and saw mill, which he has operated ever since. He owns at the present time 1,050 acres of land, includ- ing 120 acres of winter wheat. He has in all 200 acres improved, and good farm buildings. He was married in 1838, to Miss Sarah B. Rose, who was born Sept. 10, 1825, in Ontario Co., N. Y., the daughter of William and Anna (Barber) Rose, of New York Slate. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. W. : George E. was born Aug. 11, 1848. and was accidentally killed in his father's saw- mill, in 1878 ; Anna A. was born July 12, 1850; and Louella E., Aug. 10, i860. In political faith, Mr. Woodin is a Democrat. He was elected Supervisor in 1871, and held t lie office six consecutive years; and in 1883 and 1884 he was again chosen to the same position. He is a member of the Masonic Order. ^Jiarles Stirling, farmer, section 26, Union tl.lllSji^ TownsJiip, is a son of James and Ellen M-„ ^ (Murray) Stirling, and was born in Midlo- thian Parish, Scotland, July 13, T833. When he was 19, the family came to Coburg, Canada, where they resided eight years, and thence they removed to Brockway Township, St. Clair County, this State. Here Mr. Stirling was married, July 2, 1861, to Miss Naomi Brown, daughter of David and Mary (Matthewson) Brown. Slic was born in London, Canada, March 12, 1845. In 1867, Mr. S. came to Saginaw and engaged in lumbering and jobbing, he having for three years previous been similarly engaged at Lynn, St. Clair County. While at Saginaw he was also in the ico business. He was burned out, losing about $4,000. In the fall of 1875 he came to Union Township, this county, and settled on 80 acres of land, where he now resides. This farm he purchased in 1870, and his father lived on it five years, until his death, Jan. ig, 1876. His mother died in Canada, in 1856. One year after locating here, Mr. Stirling bought 80 acres adjoining his first purchase, on section 27, and at the present time 35 acres of this tract and all of the 80 acres on section 26 are in a high state of cultivation. He has cleared 45 acres by his own efforts, and the various improvements make his farm one of the finest in Union Township. He has a splendid orchard, including six acres, in various kinds of fruit. He is still interested in lumbering, to which he has devoted more or less of his time for 20 years. Mr. Stirling is a member of the Masonic Order. His family numbers six. James, the eldest, was born in Brockway Township, St. Clair County, Oct. 5, 1862, and is now in the employ of Doughty Bros., of Mt. Pleasant. Mary was born in Brockway, Feb. 29, 1864, and was married Feb. 28, 1883, to Free Estee, of Mt. Pleasant. Nellie M. was born in Lynn ^' A ca: v/ ^ I ":23^^K^H ISABELLA COUNTY. (b s Q^ Township, St. Clair County, Sept. 27, 1866, is now attending school at Mt. Pleasant, and graduates in June (1884). David B. was born in Saginaw, July 25, 1869. Christina was born in Saginaw, April 27, 1874, and Charles B. was born Oct. 31, 1876. The last three are also attending school. The portrait of Mr. Stirling is given in this work, as that of a worthy, rejiresentative citizen. jharles T. Puehert, farmer and blacksmith, residing on section 10, Lincoln Township, was born in Germany, Aug. 12, 1839. He emigrated to this country when about 17 years of age and located in Huron Co., Ohio. Shortly after his coming into the country he apprenticed himself to a Mr. Aaron Abbey, to learn the blacksmith's trade. He remained with Mr. Ab- bey for one year and a half, and with his successor (Wm. Becker) for one year, at which time he com- pleted his term of apprenticeship. He then went to work as a "jour" and was thus engaged until July 28, 1862. At that date, he enlisted in Co. A, S5th Ohio Vol. Inf., Capt. C. G. Gambey, and accompanied his company to the Potomac, to which army it was assigned. Shortly after his enlistment, Mr. P. was taken sick, and after remaining in the hospital for some time he was honorably discharged, on account of disability, Dec. 13, 1862. He returned home and after convalescence he es- tablished a blacksmith shop in Huron Co., Ohio. He continued to run his shop for a year, and then sold it and once again went to work as a "jour." Mr. P. continued at his trade for a short time and then went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania. He soon re- traced his steps to Huron County and erected another shop, but shortly sold it. In the spring of 1866 Mr. P. opened a crockery store in Wood Co., Ohio, and successfully conducted the same for about a year, then sold it and went to Toledo, same State, and again worked at his trade. From Toledo, Mr. P. came to Lenawee County, this State, thence to Medina Co., Ohio, then back to Lenawee County, and in 187 1 went to Illinois, where he followed his trade for some time. From lUinois he returned to this State and located in Hills- dale, and in 1875 came to this county and located on 160 acres of land on section 26, Lincoln Township, which he had previously purchased. He afterward sold this land and purchased 80 acres on section 14, same township. While residing on this land, Mr. P. was burned out, sustaining a loss of $5°°- He then sold and moved to Salt River. From the latter place he went to Hillsdale County, where he remained until 1882, and then returning to this county he pur- chased 80 acres of land on section 10, Lincoln Township, on which he is at present residing. He has been the owner of five farms, on each of which he made improverr.ents. Mr. P. was first united in marriage, in January, i86i, in Huron Co., Ohio, with Miss Sarah A. Gilson, born in the county in which they were married. They had four children : Albert F., Elizabeth (deceased), Charles E. and Isabella. His second marriage was to Miss Lucinda Sawdey,. of Hillsdale County, this State, who was born Feb. 16, 1S47. Mr. Puehert is a "liberal " in politics, and has held the minor offices of his township. He is a member of the Order of F. & A. M., Lodge No. 288, at Salt River, in which society he has held the office of W. M. for two years. eorge P. Cullimore, farmer, section 17, % Fremont Township, is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Haines) Cullimore. His father was born in Ireland, of English extraction, and his mother, in Maryland. In his younger days, his father followed the occupation of a farmer, and also that of woolen manufacturer. He came to America in 1819, landing at Salem, Mass., but soon afterward moved to Maryland. From that State he moved to Ohio, and located in Greene County, where he followed the occupation of farming for six years, and then moved to Whitley Co., Ind. Both father and mother died in the latter named county, the former in March, 1862, and the latter, Sept. 9, 1880. George P. Cullimore, the subject of our sketch, was born Sept. 2, 1826, in Frederick Co., Md. He lived on the parental homestead, assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm and"attended the com- i- K^ A '^>^^^ ^^tK^^D !1 5i^lIIs>^r^— ^^ «5)>t; IT ^y ^ y >^^ -^^^^ 6V<^^IlIl>:ilDi1>^ r^^'- ^ ■^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^^^®\Wi 23s mon schools, until he arrived at the age of manhood. He followed farming in Whitley Co., Ind., until Octo- ber, 1874, when he came to this county and settled Of 157^ acres of land, which he had purchased in 1865, and on which he has since made his home. At the age of 26 years, Oct. 31, 1852, Mr. Culli- more was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Per- kins, who was born Aug. 28, 1836, in the State of Ohio. By this marriage he has one son, Daniel J. Cullimore, born Aug. 25, 1853. Mr. Cullimore was again married ; this time for his " life partner " he se- lected Miss Martha E. Garner, to whom he was united in marriage May 24, 1868, in this county. She was born Oct. 25, 1850, in Howard Co., Ind., and is the daughter of James and Sarah (Shanley) Garner, natives of Ohio and North Carolina. The husband and wife are the parents of four children : Sarah I., born Aug. 15, 1872; William G., born March 3, 1S75 ; George H., born April 4, 1877; and John A., born May 9, 1880. Politically, Mr. Cullimore is a Republican. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace one term, and Drain Commissioner, and is one of the repre- sentative men of his township. "oteec/®^" ■^^'- .^.SWraTrav eander L. Taylor, druggist at Dushville, is a son of Lorenzo D. and Mary P. (Rob- inson) Taylor. His father was born March 10, 1817, in St. Joseph Co., Mich., was at first a cooper by trade, and afterwards bought an 80- acre farm in Branch County, where he lived until his death, Aug. 3, 1861. His wife was born April 22, 1821, in the State of New York. In 1865, after the death of her first husband, she married Dr. Samuel Green, moved to La Grange Co., Ind., but in 1876 returned to Branch County, where Dr. Green died, .^ug. 13, 1880. She was the mother of ;i children, eight of whom are living, and all married except Leander L. She is yet living, with her son, named at the head of this sketch. The latter was born Ai)ril 22, 1858, in Branch Co., Mich., and until 17 years of age was with his parents on the farm and attending school. In 1880 he went to school at Fremont nine months ; returning to Branch ("ounty, he studied medicine six months, and since the fall of 1882 he has been engaged in the drug business at Dushville. Steady and reliable, he has a growing trade. In regard to questions of national policy, Mr. Taylor acts with the Republican party. V Syron A. Ackerman, farmer, section 18, ~ Union Township, was born Sept. 6, 1830, in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and is a son of Salmon C. and Emily (Dickerson) Ackerman. His father died when he, the son, was four years old, and, four years later, his mother was again married. She is yet living, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. Mr. Ackerman became a sailor when he was 15 years old, and followed the lakes eight or nine sea- sons. He rose to the position of mate and sailed in that capacity two seasons. In 1855 he bought 160 acres of land in Adams Co., Wis. He remained there two years, sold out, and went to Des Moines Co., Iowa, where he rented a farm and resided three years. He became a soldier in the second year of the war, enlisting Aug. 13, 1862, in Co. G, 39th Iowa Vol. Inf The regiment was assigned to the 15th Army Corps, Fourth Division. They joined the di- vision at Corinth and went with Sherman from Chat- tanooga to Atlanta, thence to the sea, and remained with that command until the surrender of Gen. Johnston. Mr. Ackerman was a participant in the battles of Resaca, Marietta, Kenesavv Mountain, Altoona Pass and Bentonville. He was near Gen. John Corse at Altoona Pass, when the latter was wounded and caught him in his arms as he fell. The song, " Hold the Fort," took its origin from the action at Altoona. Mr. Ackerman was nnistered out June 14, 1S65, and went immediately to Kenosha, Wis., whither his family had removed during his absence in the war. He again resumed his former occupation and engaged as a common sailor two seasons, when he was placed in command of a steam tug, running from Holland, Mich., which he managed five years. His next en- gagement was one season as mate of the " Kate Howard," and the season following as a sailor " before the mast." He then came to Riley Township, Clin- ton Co., Mich., where he spent three years on a rented farm. In 1877 he bought 80 acres of land in A sy «; G) ^v^tin;t:i]nf^:^ -4^^f ISABELLA COUNTY. i '^ Nottawa Township, Isabella County. The property was wholly unimproved, and he devoted the next three years to clearing and placing in suitable condi- tion for agriculture, about 20 acres. At the end of that time, he sold out and bought his present farm, v^hich includes 45 acres. At the date of his purchase about 12 acres were improved, and Mr. Ackerman has increased his cleared and cultivated territory to 32 acres. He adopts the principles of the Republican party, and has a tendency to liberalism in ix)litical views. He served one term in Nottawa Township as Highway Commissioner. He was married Dec. 8, 1858, to Sarah A., daughter of Greenleaf and Elizabeth B. (Moon) Bates. She was born April 6, 1840, in Erie Co., N. Y., 22 miles from Buffalo. Their children are — Charles E., born Sept. 10, 1859, in Adams Co., Wis., died Feb. 14, 1863; Alice E., born March 27, 1867, in Kenosha, Wis., was married Feb. 22, 1883, to Rob- ert B. Reynolds; Mary E. was born in Holland City, Oct. 9, 1873. '(K §|i!j|^fc^°'*y B. Copeman, general farmer and stock- ^^ 1b, raiser, section 9, Lincoln Township, was born in Brant Co., Ont., March 30, 1859. His parents, natives of New York and Canada respectively, moved when he was very young to Oakland Co., Mich., locating upon a farm. His mother died July 29, 1877, and he, being the youngest, assumed control of half the homestead, consisting of 90 acres. He inherited this place and followed farming here until April, 1880, when he sold and went to Kansas, and thence to Colorado, on a prospecting tour. In the fall of that year he came to Lincoln Township, this county, and purchased 100 acres of partly improved land. He has since cleared 25 acres, having now an aggregate of 75 acres in a good tillable condition, with a fine residence, recently erected, at a cost of $2,000. He is an active, pro- gressive farmer. Politically, he sympathizes with the " National " party. March 30, 1881, in Mt. Pleasant, Mr. Copeman was married to Miss Emma Reimer, who was born Jan. I, 1863, in Northumberland Co., Pa. and when four years of age was taken by her parents, in change of residence, to Ronald Township, Ionia Co., Mich., where she lived until marriage. She is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. C. have one child, Lena M., born Jan. 7, 1882. «E>-^- ®> ) ( <^« i^ M^\ ' Hen Keen, physician and surgeon, at Dush- jij k— g^-^ i^ ville, is a son of Joseph and Deborah A. S?l£.<3} (Finch) Keen. His father was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., Aug. 17, 1800, became a farmer, emigrated to Ohio in 1815, and in 1855 to Clinton Co., Mich., where he died Jan. 31, 1877. His (Allen's) mother was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., July 21, r8i6, and is yet living, with her son here mentioned. Dr. Allen Keen was born Jan. 9, 1844, in Morrow Co., Ohio; remained at his parental home until 1877, when he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- lege in New York city and attended a six-months course of lectures ; he then came to Dushville, arriv- ing May 7, 1878, and commenced the practice of medicine. In the autumn and winter of 1883-4 he attended a six-months course of lectures at the Detroit Medical College, graduating Feb. 29. Sept. 13, 1862, Dr. Keen enlisted in Co. A, 23d Mich. Inf., which was placed in the Second Brigade and Second Division of the 23d Army Corps, and he participated in all the battles in which his regiment engaged, the principal being Campbell Station, Knox- ville, Resaca, Ix)St Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee, the Atlanta campaign, Lovejoy Sta- tion, Franklin, Nashville, etc. He was discharged in July, 1865. He is a member of Lodge No. 305, F. & A. M., at Mt. Pleasant, and votes independently in in regard to national and State questions. Oct. 22, 187 I, Dr. Keen married Miss Ellen V., daughter of John G. and Sarah (Fox) Sevy, who was l)orn May 10, 1852, in Clinton Co. Mich. Before her marriage she taught her first term of school in the town of Bengal, Clinton County. She has just closed her eighth term as teacher, in the village school at Dushville. Her father was a native of New York State, born Sept. 14, r799, followed farming, and died in November, 1855, in Clinton Co., Mich. Hermother was born June 4, 1818, in New Hampshire, and is I C /s T T ISABELLA COUNTY. 237 ^ ^ on the old homestead in Clinton Co., and Mrs. Keen are the parents of three ^ children: John S., born July 9, 1874; Philip M., March 16, 1876, and Walter, June 3, 1881. ^amuel Lieehti, farmer on section 34, Ver- non Township, was born near Berne, Swit- zerland, March 18, 1849. He remained at home, working in foundries and saw-mills, until 1872, when he came to America, in com- pany with an older brother. He stopped first at Jersey City, where he followed for one year the carpenter's trade, which he had learned before emi- grating. He then worked in a sugar refinery for 18 months, after which he worked in a rolling mill at Pittsburg, Pa. In the spring of 1876, he came to this State and county, and purchased 80 acres, where he now lives. To this he has added 20 acres, and of his whole farm 50 acres are well improved. He has erected good farm buildings and started a fine or- chard. He was married March 4, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant, to Mrs. Catharine (Leibbrand) Riethmeyer, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. She was born March 18, 1 83 1, and came to .America when 23 years old. This is her third marriage. By her first husband, George Bosch, she had three children: Katie, born Feb. i, 1858 ; Mary, June 2, i860; Regina, March 12, 1862; and by her second, Christopher Riethmeyer, she had two: Carrie, born June 25, 1865 ; and Gottlieb, June 4) 1870. Mr. Lieehti is politically a Democrat. He and wife belong to the Lutheran Church. ^^-^.^^^:™^^£^ fames H. Tinker, farmer on section 18, Sher- |S^ man Township, is a son of Sylvester and Mary K. (Kennedy) Tinker, natives of Port- age Co., Ohio. Sylvester 'I'inker was born July 4, 1807, and died in August, 1855. His wife was born Sept. 21, 1809, and is yet living, with her son, at the mature age of 75. Their son James was born May 3, 1835, in Portage Co., Ohio, and at 17 went to Illinois. He there worked at coopering during the summer, and attended school in the winter, for one year. Returning to Ohio, he came thence to Michigan with his parents and located in Allegan County. For three years he worked at his trade in the city of Grand Rapids. The next 12 years were spent on a farm in Allegan County. In 187 1 he selected a quarter-section m Sherman Township, this county. He has now half a section of landj 50 acres of which are improved. He was married in i860, to Margaret M. Kent, who was born Oct. 28, 1835, in Whitby, Canada, the daughter of William and Harriet (Henderson) Kent. Mr. Kent was born in Vermont, in 1796, and died Jan. 25, 1884. His wife was born in New York, July 25, 1807, and died May 6, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Tinker are the parents of four children, two of whom are living: Josephine H., born Nov. i, 1861, and died Sept. 7, 1870; William, born March 31, 1863, died in 1867; Eudora, born Oct. 15, 1865; and Marsliall, born Sept. 24, 1869. Mr. T. was Treasurerof his township consecutively from 187 1 to 1877, and was also for six successive years Supervisor. He has been Superintendent of Schools. He is a member of the Masonic ( )rder, and is politically a Democrat. ►^CS-<^ illiam H. Simonds, merchant, section 16 '^*"' Lincoln Township, was born in Homer Cortland Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1837. His !> father, Benjamin Simonds, was a native of Connecticut, of English descent, a cooper by trade, but generally followed the ashery busi- ness, in New York, until 1 87 2, when he came to Mich- igan and located in Capac. In 1879 he was drugged by some robbers for his money, which then amounted to about $400, and he soon after died from the effects of the drug. He was never able to speak a word after that crime was committed upon him. The mother of William H. — Malinda (iiee McDonald) — was a native of Ballston, N. Y., of F2nglish descent, and died in her native State, in November, i860. Of the children in the above family, — three sons and three daughters, — the subject of this sketch is the eldest. When three years of age the family moved to Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., and two years later to Pekin, Niagara Co., N. Y., where he attended school and worked with his father in the ashery until 20 9 O )5f§i# ^^>^^ e7^^Il!l^IHi;>V4=^ ^^^ -i^^^^-<^>N§|) ^^^ J^ii, <^iiiisiin^> 3 ^ 7 ISABELLA COUNTY. years of age; but from the time he was i6 he de- voted the summer seasons to labor upwn his father's farm, "on shares." When he became of age he went to lUinois and worked a year for a farmer in Stephen- son County; then was at Omaha, Neb., where he worked on a farm one season and clerked in a store during the following winter. Then he went, with a view to mining, to Pike's Peak, Salt Lake City, Pike's Peak again, Santa Fe and back to his old home in New York State. April, 28, 1 861, he enlisted in a battalion for the service of the State, and subsequently for that of the general Government, joining Co. K, 28th N. Y. Vol. Inf, Army of the Shenandoah, being under Gens. Patterson, Banks and Hooker. Aug. 9, 1862, at the battle of Cedar Mountain, he was captured, but im- mediately paroled, and he volunteered to take care of the Union and rebel prisoners at Charlottesville. Va. Here he spent, as he says, "40 of the best days of all his life," as he was cared for in an extraordinary manner, considering the exigencies. He was al- lowed many privileges, and given by the rebel officers and citizens several thousands of dollars in confi- dence, which he gave to the Union soldiers passing there on the cars. At the end of the 40 days he was declared exchanged and went back to his regiment^ where he remained until the close of his enlistment, in July, 1863, when he was honorably discharged. He was in six general engagements, besides minor battles; was wounded in the left knee at Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862. Returning home, he followed farming a year, then re-enlisted again, in the 23d N. Y. Ind. Battery, of Schofield's Division in North Car- olina. Was in two active engagements, but escaped unhurt ; and was finally discharged, after the close of the war, July 14, 1865. Spending then a short time in his native State, he came to this county and " took up " 160 acres of wild land, under the Homestead Act, on section 15, Lin- coln Township. After following agricultural pur- suits here for about six years, he went, in April, 187 i, to Salt River, where he followed painting; in the fall of that year he went to Mt. Pleasant, where for five years he alternated between painting and clerking in a store. In the fall of 1881, he came to Lincoln Township, erected a store-house on section 16, and in August following he placed therein a stock of $625 worth of goods, which he has increased with an in- creasing trade until now he carries a stock of $2,000 and does an annual business of $1 1,000. He built the first store and the second frame house in the town- ship. Mr. S. is a charter member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M., at Salt River, has held tlie minor offices of his township, and in politics is a strong Democrat. Oct. I, 1865, in Dowagiac, Mich., Mr. Simonds married Miss Olive C, daughter of Henry and Julia (Chessbrough) Hills, natives respectively of New York and Vermont, of English ancestry. Mrs. S. was born in Dowagiac, June 12, 1843. Harry H. Simonds, their only son, was born Feb. 27, 1877. IE dwin E. Coburn, minister, teaclier and 10 surveyor, residing at Dushville, Fremont Township, is a son of John F. and Min- jSjjL erva (Twadell) Coburn. His parents were natives of New York State, where his father was born June 22, 1807, and his mother Oct. 2, 1812. His father was a minister by profession, and at times followed the occupation of a farmer. He was a prominent citizen in what- ever community he resided, and while living in De- Kalb Co., Ind., he held the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court five years and Register of Deeds seven years. He was also Pastor of the Church of Christ and followed his ministerial labors until the time of his death, which occurred while administering the gospel in 1880. The mother died Oct. 25, 1840, in Auburn, DeKalb Co., Ind. Edwin R. Coburn, the subject of our notice, was born in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, Aug. 10, 1835. He remained at home until his step-mother's death, which occurred when he had attained the age of 17 years, when he entered the mercantile establishment of Dickerson Bros., at Hicksville, Ohio, as clerk. His education had been acquired in the common schools and under the tutorship of his father, and after clerking in the establisliment mentioned for a period of time he entered on the profession ol teacher. He continued to follow this until the civil war. Sept. 23, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 44th Ind. Int. He first smelt gunpowder " burnt in anger " at the battle of Corinth. He also participated in the bat- ^' A 1=1 r % -s^k^f^ -AA .^i^^ ||s/^D$€^t|— -:,^^ 6V4^nn^Dllr>v -;2S«^^/^'"-^W ^l-^l-'^V^.^L^ ISABELLA COUNTY. .^ stead fanii, which he cultivated one year; was then for a time on the lakes, and then once more he re- turned to his native place. With the exception of one year in the West, he worked the home farm until December, 1875, when he came to this county and bought 160 acres on sections 32 and 33, Vernon, wild and unsubdued. He has since sold the 80 acres on 32, and of the remainder has 35 acres im- proved. He was married July 2, 1868, in Saginaw, to Miss Elizabeth Graham, daughter of John and Jennie (McFerrin) Graham, who was born in Wellington Co., Ont., July 12, 1854. Of this marriage five chil- dren have been born, as follows : Jennie B., Oct. 10, 1869; Hattie A., May i, 187 i; Lewie M., March 6, 1873; Nettie M., June 6, 1875 ; George L., Jan. i, 1880. Mr. Bogue is a Republican and has held the minor offices of his school district. -f-.Kt^<4 Ijs eter Chapman, farmer and stock-raiser, Wi section 1 1, RoUand Township, is a son of Peter and Martha (Pierce) Chapman. His ^^ father was born in 1779, in Saratoga Co., N. ^ Y., and died March 17, 1857, in Monroe Co., N. Y. His mother was born in 1778, in Wash- ington Co., N. Y., and died in 1865, in Monroe Co., N. Y. They had two daughters and six sons, only two of the children now living. The subject of this sketch was born April 16, 1825, in Monroe Co., N. Y. At the age of 17 he engaged for the summer seasons at work upon the canal, for about 14 years; he then came to Michi- gan and resided in .\llegan County one year, in Ionia Coupty ten years, until 187 1, engaged in farming; his next place of residence, for five years, was on a quarter of section 35, Rolland Township, this county, and he then bought a quarter-section where he now resides and has 100 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Chapman has been Treasurer of his Township three years, and Highway Commissioner for a num- ber of terms. In regard to political issues he is a Democrat. In the year 1849 Mr. C. was married to Miss l.o- denia, daughter of Ira and Clarissa Willis, who died in Monroe Co., N. Y., the latter in 1848 and the former in the autumn of 1 863. In that county, Jan. 19, 1830, Mrs. C. was born. There were 13 children in the family. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the par- ents of nine children, viz. : Ira O., born May 5, 1851 ; Arietta, Feb. 13, 1856; Frank, Nov. 26, 1858; Delia, June 24, i860; Herbert, Oct. 3, 1862; Day, born June 19, 1864, died Aug. 5, 1868; Burton, born April 19, 1866, died Aug. 12, 1868; Burton (2d), born May 26, 1870; Maud, born Sept. 13, 1872. dward Bellingar, general farmer and stock- raiser, section 4, Lincoln Township, was »^vy born in Defiance Co., Ohio, Sept. 8, 1844. i;S- His father, .^dam Bellingar, a farmer, was born in New York, of New England parentage and J English ancestry, and died in Lincoln Town- ship, this county, Feb. 8, 1875 ; was prominent in the pioneer history of this county. Edward's mother, Lydia (^iice Jones) Bellingar, was of the same nativity, and died about 1854, in Hillsdale Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch was an infant when his parents moved to Hillsdale County, this State, where he grew up and was educated at the common school. In June, 1861, he, then aged 17, came to this county with his father, who homesteaded a quarter-section of wild land, where he still resides. He has always been a farmer, industrious and economical, and therefore prosperous, now owning all the homestead, 250 acres, on sections 4 and 5. Of this he has 200 acres in a fine tillable condition. He has a stock and grain barn, which cost $1,500, and a brick resi- dence, that cost $2,000. Considering that he was made a cripple for life by a cut in the left knee when he was a child, compelling him ever to use crutches, great credit is due him for his business tact and am- bitious energy in agricultural affairs. He has held the school offices of his township, as well as that of Treasurer. Witli respect to national issues, he is a staunch Republican. June 30, 1866, in Lincoln Township, Mr. Bellingar married Miss Mary, daughter of William and Clo- rinda (Spencer) Mull, natives respectively of Ireland and New York, and of English, Irish and German ancestry. They both died in Hillsdale Co., Mich. Mrs B. was l)orn in Maumee, Ohio, Nov. i, 1842, moved to Hillsdale County when young, and to this I (i^ county in 1865, when 23 years old. Mr. and Mrs. B. are the parents of five children, namely : Freder- ick, born May 3, 1869; Lydia C, Feb. 22, 187 1 ; Lillian T., May 4, 1874; Ednah I., Feb. 18, 1876; Ivy A., Feb. 22, 1878. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bellingar's portrait, on another page, is a val- uable addition to the collection presented in this volume. ; homas Bamber, farmer, section 9, Union Township, was born in August, 1847, in Mur- ray Township, Northumberland Co., Can. He is a son of Will and Clarissa (Bush) Bamber, natives of England and Canada. His parents settled on a farm in the Dominion of Canada. They transferred their interests to Union Township, Isabella Co., Mich., in the fall of 1869, where his father bought the Preston House, conferred upon it his own name, and continued its management several years. He died in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Bamber assisted his father in the hotel several years, and after working about three years as a builder, he purchased the farm where he has since resided, comprising 120 acres of land. About 40 acres were in tillage at the time of his purchase, to which he has since added until he has 65 acres in very finely improved and cultivated condition, with creditable farm buildings. Mr. Bamber was married in East Saginaw, to Eliza- beth, daughter of Luke and Mary Murphy, natives of Canada. Five children have been born of this union, on the farm in Union Township, as follows : Richard, Clarissa, Annie J., William and Michael J- A4a£i2/5E^-«— ^^ ^■^^j/aOTsv^ J;|^aleb Bundy, farmer, section 8, Fremont ^tgsT^^ Township, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth W^ (Fessler) Bundy. Mr. Bundy, Sr., was born f|lj in the State of New York, in 181 8; followed P farming until 1862, when he enlisted in an Ohio regiment in the Western Army, died in the hospital at Chattanooga in 1864, and was buried in the national cemetery at that place. His widow is yet living, 60 years of age, in Holland Township, this county. The subject of this sketch was born July 4, 1856, in Henry Co., Ohio; remained at home until of age, helping to support his widowed mother and a family of seven children, who were dependent upon his labor and that of his brother ; he then came to his present location, where he owns 40 acres of land, with good improvements thereon. During the winter seasons he has been engaged in the lumber woods. On national issues, Mr. Bundy has always been counted a Republican. In 1 88 1 Mr. B. married Miss Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Harshman) Crura, natives of Ohio : father was born in Green County, that State, in October, 1821, and mother Jan. 11, 1827; and their four sons and three daughters are all yet living. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bundy are, Elnora, born Oct. 25, 1882, and Edna, Sept. 16, 1883. I t i -3!^^ %AllIl§llIl^>v raif^^G;' ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ .j V ^ ^ 30, 1845, in Medina Co., Ohio, the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Applenian) Harris, natives of Colum- biana Co,, Ohio. Mr. Harris was born in 1797, and died in 1S76, in Hudson, Lenawee Co , Mich. Mrs. Harris was born in 1805, and is yet living, in Mt. Pleasant, at the age of 79. Mr. Waight is politically a Democrat. He has been Treasurer of his township and Highway Com- missioner, and is now Justice of the Peace. ansley Sutliff, retired farmer, residing on section 2, Lincoln Township, and one of ''^(^P'" the self-made men of the county, was born ' ^-^ * in Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y. He is \ the son of Laban L. and (Charlotte Caroline ^?* (Corbin) Hungerford. His mother was born in the State of New York, and died in Genesee Co., Mich., in September, 1864. The father is a na- tive of New Hampshire and resides in Genesee County. Mr. Hungerford w'as 14 years old when his jiarents settled in Mundy, Genesee ('o., Mich., and he re- mained at home until the advent of civil war, when, v^ t>! 4 r^ I M ^^^ -:^^ ^ o^v ^M'S WfW^ :^^^^ ,^5, 1=3 v (<) % ISABELLA County. at the age of i6, he became a soldier. He enlisted in Co. H, loth Mich. Vol. Inf., and was in the First 1^" Brigade, Second Division of the 14th Corps of the I Army of the Cumberland. He was in that command (^ through all its battles and marches from Chattanooga to the surrender of Joe Johnston. Among the more important engagements were Bentonville, Chicka- mauga, Dallas, Lookout Mountain, Jonesboro, Peach- Tree Creek, etc. At the battle of Peach-Tree Creek he received a sunstroke and thenceforward, to the close of the war, he was on light duty. Previous to this injury he was never excused from duty, and during the entire period of his service was never in a hospital and never rode in an ambulance. He was mustered out July 19, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. Soon after that event he bought 45 acres of land in Livingston Co., Mich. After eleven years' residence in that section of the Peninsular State he bought 45 acres where he has since resided. The entire acreage was in a state of nature and he has improved and placed 30 acres in fair farming condi- tion. Mr. Hungerford was married Oct. 14, 1866, to Affa A., daughter of John N. and Rozzillah (Hurd) Barnes. Her parents were natives of the State of . New York. Her mother died June 20, 1873, at / Tyrone, Mich. Mrs. Hungerford was born Aug. 18, 1845, in the village of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Oakland Co., Mich. The children now belonging to the household are Ettie B., born May 30, 1869; Edna B., Aug. 29, 1870; Miron B., May 9, 1875. All were born at Tyrone in the county of Livingston, this State. ^3^ 7-~r =£>- ^jrrus Crum, farmer, section 18, Fremont 1^ Township, is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Harshman) Crum. His father, a farmer, was born Oct. 26, 1822, in Montgomery Co., Ohio ; and his mother, in Green Co., Ohio, Jan. II, 1828. They lived in Indiana nearly 20 years, then in Cass County, this State, four years, then 13 years in Whitley Co., Ind., and finally came to their present abode on section 18, purchasing a quarter-section of wild land. Here they have im- proved 70 acres and erected substantial buildings. They have had four sons and three daughters : four of the children are married. Mr. Cyrus Crum was born Feb. 10, 185 i, in Cass Co., Mich., and has always remained with his parents. He has charge of the farm. During the war the fa- ther was a soldier for the Union, being a member of Co. K, Eighth Ind. Inf , under Gen. Sherman. On account of ill health he was detailed to guard rebel prisoners at Indianapolis. He was discharged at the termination of his time of service, in 1861;. Last year (1883) Cyrus made an extended tour through Dakota Territory. He is a young man of good habits, and is recognized as such by the com- munity in which he resides. On national questions he votes with the Republican party. ^ m '— -? — ^^^t~f^s'^'> — 5- — |||P^^aniel Lynch, merchant at Blauchard, is a H^^^|j_ son of John and Joanna Lynch, natives of yiujjy- Ireland.' The father was born in 1830, WV and has been a sailor, until 188 1, when he W became a clerk in his son's store. The mother > was born in 1831 and died April 13, 1873, in Kent Co., Mich. Their son Daniel was born April 18, 1852, in New- port, R. I., and at the age of 16 years left home to learn the blacksmith's trade. Following this occu- pation as an apprentice five years, he then started in for himself at Grand Rapids, where he remained two years. His shop was consumed by fire. In 1875 he started in the grocery business in the same city, con- tinuing in it two years. He then followed black- smithing about six months, at the expiration of which time (1878) he came to Blanchard, this county. After three months at his trade, he returned to Grand Rapids. Coming once more to Blanchard, lie bought a lot and erected a grocery, where he began in mercantile life again. During this time the village of Blanchard was incorporated. He held the offices of ("onstable, Trustee, Marshal and Deputy Sheriff (under C. M. Brooks, Sheriff). In 1879 he exchanged his store for 80 acres of land in Rolland Township, and June 20, 1880, he again established a general mercantile business, resigning all other positions which demanded his time. He has, however, since held the office of village Treasurer two terms. He was married May 12, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth < A ¥, (^ I .% ^I$VN/^^))e^t|^ <^I1I1^I1D^> ISABELLA COUNTY. "Z^^Sf- 247 >^ V ^ I Condon, who was born June 17, 1852, in Kent Co., Mich., the daughter of John and Hannah Condon. Mr. C. died in 1873, in Walker Township, Kent County. The mother now lives in Grand Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch are the parents of two children, — Elinor, born March 28, 1876; and Bessie, born Nov. 25, 1879. Mr. L. is politically independent. He and wite are members of the Catholic Church. A .mos E. Woodin, farmer, section S, Lin- .| itt3«4 3;^ coin Township, was born in Warren Co., I^ Pa., July 20, 1844. ■'jrJ'j'^ Mr. Woodin was reared on his father's farm ■|t and assisted him in the cultivation of the same • and in the maintenance of the family until he attained the age of 17 years. At this period in the life of our subject, the nation was aroused from her peaceful sleep of years by the rebel fire on Sumter, and the call went forth for loyal hearts and strong arms to battle for the perpetuity of the nation's flag. Mr. Woodin was one among the first to respond, and although only 17 years of age en- listed in Co. F, Ninth Reg. N. Y. Vol. Cav., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He partici- pated in almost all the battles in which his regiment engaged during the campaign, the number being 52. Prominent among them were Williamsburg, Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Shenandoah, Culpeper, Stephensburg, Oakes' Hills, Cold Harbor, Bunker Hill and Winchester. He was taken prisoner at Philomont, Va., June 22, 1863, and was for a short time on Belle Island as a prisoner of war, but was soon paroled. He was not exchanged, but as retaliation for violation of the rules of exchange by Kirby Smith he was again placed in the ranks. At the battle of Winchester, Va., Mr. Woodin had four horses shot from under him, and was wounded in the left thigh by a collision of his horse with another. This happened Sept. 19, 1864, and on the i8th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged. Mr. Woodin returned to Warren Co., Pa., after his discharge from the service, and remained for a short period, when he came to this State (whither his par- ents had removed during the war and located a homestead on section 17, Lincoln Township), arriv- ^¥^^ ^^^ — "—^^Dfl ing here in the winter of 1865. He remained with his parents until the following spring and then went to Ionia County. He was married in that county, Jan. 13, 1866, to Miss Minty Holcomb, a native of that county, where she was born Sept. 15, 185 1, and where she had lived and received her education. Shortly after marriage, Mr. W. moved to this county and entered on the vocation of farming. He fol- lowed the same for a short time, then moved to Montcalm County, then to Ionia County, and finally returned to this county and purchased 40 acres of land on section 8, Lincoln Township, on which he is at present living. He has 35 acres of his farm under good improvement. Mr. W., politically, is a " National," and has held the minor offices of his township for several years. Mr. and Mrs. W. are the parents of three children, — Effie M., born Nov. 22, 1868; Jessie, born June 20, 1874, and \rchie, Aug. 26, 1877. - * ,■ : — ^>jHHJH»^^^— ^ JijK,'® fl^ mos F. Drew, farmer on section 6, Union, ^^^S^ was born Aug. 22, 1825, in Orangeville, ^\^ Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is a son Nathaniel ilaT and Sally (Nichols) Drew. Both parents died in Pine River, Waushara Co., Wis. He lived at home until 22 years old. His first work for others than his father, was in a saw-mill in Summerhill, Crawford Co., Pa. Here he was employed two years, at $10 per month. Going then to New York State, he spent two summers in grafting fruit trees. The ensuing two or three years were spent in saw-mill work in Allegany Co., N. Y. He learned the car- penter's trade, at odd times, not serving any regular apprenticeship. He is a natural mechanic, and has worked with tools much of his life. In the fall of 1877, he came from Allegany Co., N. Y., and bought 60 acres, where he has since re- sided. His family arrived in September, 1878. Hewas married June 14, 1853, at Portage, Livings- ton Co., N. Y., to Miss Hannah, daughter of Hiram and Amy Hopkins. Of this marriage there have been born four sons and two daughters. George W. was born March 23, 1 854, in Allegany Co., N. Y. ; Charles F. was born in Crawford Co., Pa., June 23, 1857 ; Julia A. was born March 28, i860, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and died Dec. 30, 1864 ; Mary Ann was born I rl) m I (o % March 3, 1866, in the same county, and died Nov. 5, 1870; Fred G. was born Nov. 6, 1870, in the same county ; John E. was born June 3, 1874, in the same county. Politically, Mr. Drew is a Republican. Dec. 15, 1861, he enUsted in Co. C, io4lh N. Y. Vol. Inf. He fought at Thoroughfare Gap, Catholic Station, and JSIanassas Junction, and was discharged Dec. 24, 1862, on a surgeon's certificate of disability. He again enlisted Dec. 20, 1863, in Co. F, 4th New York Artillery. He was wounded in the thigh, June 18, 1864, in front of Petersburg, and, after a ten months' confinement in the hospital, he was finally discharged from the service, March 2, 1865. ^ilas B. Richardson, farmer, section 30, Fre- mont Township, is a son of Asa P. and Jane (Staple) Richardson, the former of whom was born in Vermont, in 1797 ; followed farming and prospecting for land in the State "r of Maine; removed thence to Ohio in 185 1, first settling in Lorain County, two years afterward in Montgomery Township, Wood Co., seven or eight years after that in Jackson Township, same county, and finally with his children in this county. He died at his son Barnard's, March 30, 1870, and was buried in Fremont Cemetery. His widow was born in Maine in 1806, and is still living, with her chil- dren, all of whom are yet livfiig, twelve in number, four in Ohio and eight in Michigan. The subject of this sketch was born July 19, 1833, in Somerset Co., Me. In i860 he married Miss Catherine, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Ross) Hess, who was born Feb. 28, 1842, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1806, and is yet living, near Bowling Green, Wood Co., Ohio ; her mother was born in New Jersey in 1817, and died Feb. 11, 1868, leaving six sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have had seven children, all of whom are living, viz.: Henry A., Sarah J., John W., Silas B.. Ida L., James G. and Lillian E. In regard to national issues Mr. R. votes with the Republicans; has been Justice of the Peace since 1874, School Inspector two years, and has held other school offices in his district, — in all, seven years. ISABELLA COUNTY. iVjharles F. Curtiss, fanner, section 8, Fre- mont Township, is a son of Waldo W. and ^v- C"; X s^- te-v®>)$^^' -^^■^^f^ Margaret (tiee McCue) Curtiss. His father was a native of New York, where he was born in 1820, and his mother was born on the Em- erald Isle, in 1825, and died in Genesee Co., Aug. 14, 1875. His father was a cooper by trade, and also followed the occupation of farming, and died in the month of December, 1857. The grandfather of Charles F. was born June 9, r796, and is still living. His wife was born, Feb. 13, 1797, and has passed to the better land. Charles F., the subject of our biographical notice, was one of six boys, all living, who constituted the family of his parents, and was born in Oakfield, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, 1857. He was reared on the farm, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools. His father dying when he (Charles F.) was only al)0ut one month old, he contributed his earnings to the support of the family until the death of his mother. After her death, the six boys, being thrown on the cold charity of an unthinking world, went forth upon the road of time to fight the battles of adversity alone. April 5, 1880, Mr. Curtiss came to this State and engaged with his brother in fanning, which relation- ship existed for one year. He then, in 1881, pur- chased 80 acres of land on sections 8 and 9, Fremont Township, this county, known as the Thomas Will- iamson farm. He at once entered on the improve- ment of this land and by energy and industry has succeeded in placing 45 acres of the same in a good state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. Curtiss is an independent, and has held the office of Treasurer of his school district. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order and an esteemed and respected citizen of his township. Mr. Curtiss was wedded to the lady of his choice. Miss Mary Gannon, Feb. 20, 1876. She was bom May 3, 1856, in County Wexford, Ireland, and is a daughter of James and Anna (White) Gannon. Her father is still living, in the Emerald Isle, following the vocation of coachman for a livelihood and has been engaged in that occupation in his native land for a number of years. His children comprised four f^ -^^OO^tllli'^^ " kSi"^ i:^:ilDv> ■r ISABELLA COUA'TV -:2J^i I^^C Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss are the parents of four chil- T dren, all boys: George W., born Nov. 26, 1876; 'hj John A., born June 16, 1878; Waldo J., born March ro, 1S81, and Norman F., born Sept. 15, 1883. ohn Buthruff, farmer on section 5, Rol- land Township, is a son of David and sjj) l^^^*^ Nancy (Trayer) Ruthruff, natives of Penn- ^ fM sylvania and Seneca Co., N. Y. The father was a part of his life a farmer, and a portion a common laborer. He came to Branch County this State, in 1851 and lived there until his death in 1858. The mother died in the same county. Their family numbered nine, three of whom are not now living. /• The subject of this biographical notice was born \^ in Seneca Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1828, and remained at Q home until 18 years of age. He worked by the '^^ month two years and then for three years was in the ° employment of Sam. Jones, near Lockport; after ^ which he was for five summers engaged on the Erie S Canal. His next step, Jan. 11, 1852, was to form a life partnership with Miss Emily Comstock, who was born May 2, 1835, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Robert and Polly (McNeal) Comstock-. Her father was born Aug. 4, 1794, in Massachusetts; and her mother, April 30, 1799, near Bennington, Vt. The former died in 1841, in Erie Co , N. Y. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ruthruff came to Branch Co., Mich., where they lived until 1868. They then lived one year in Lake County and a year in Millbrook, Mecosta County. For the ensuing two years he was interested in a saw-mill, after which he traded for 160 acres of wild land on section 5, Rol- land. He has now 74 acres improved, and good buildings. To the family have been added seven children : • William H.. born July 30, 1853; Adelbert, Nov. 15, '-?.^ 1857, and died March i, 1855; Charles M., June ■\J 14, 1857 ; Edgar, June 15, 1861, and died Aug. 15, 'A 1867 ; George W., May 10, 1864; Jay B., May i, ; and Nellie L., June 9, 1873. Politically, Mr, R. is a Pemocrat. ^ v.'^*>,c li-V®))$^# ji:.^^ ichard S. Stanley, farmer, section 19, Kre- ^fl?. mont Township, is a son of Thomas and '■'ll\5^ Anna (Stowe) Stanley. They were both na- pT tives of Enaland, where the father was born I \n 1800, and the mother in 1805. In 1831, they emigrated to this country and landed at Phila- delphia, where the father was engaged in wagon- making and blacksmithing for 14 years. He then went to Lycoming Co., Pa., where he purchased two farms and a saw-mill, and cultivated the farms and ran the mill until the date of his death, in the spring of 1867. The mother died in 1881, on the old home- stead. Richard S. Stanley, the subject of this biographical notice, was born July 20, 1832, in Philadelphia, Pa. He passed his youth on the old homestead, working on the farm and attending the common schools. When he attained the age of 23 years, he engaged as a common laborer on a farm in the neighborhood, for one year. He then went to Williams Co., Ohio, in 1857, land worked liis uncle's farm for about three years. At this period in the life of our subject, the late civil war broke out, and he enlisted in Co. H, 18th U. S. Inf. His company was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and was under command of Gen. Sherman. It did not participate in any general en- gagement, but was in many skirmishes, and was finally discliarged near Covington, Ky.,in April, 1875. After liis discharge from the service, Mr. Stanley returned to Williams Co., Ohio. He remained there a short time, and then came to this county and lo- cated on 40 acres of land he had purchased from a Mr. Merrill, of Detroit, and on 80 acres which he homesteaded. He has since sold 40 acres and madj additional purchases, and is now the owner of 80 acres, 70 of which is in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Stanley was first united in marriage, April 20, 1859, with Miss Bethsua E. Wellman,born in Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1839. She died in 1868, leaving one child to the care of her husband, Florence ; and Mr. Stanley was a second time mariied, the Indy of his choice l)eing Miss Hannah M. Smitli, of Sandusky Co., Ohio, where she was born in 1858. She re- mained wife and mother until 1878, when she died, i mmm. 1 (|^ leaving three children — Cora A., Flora E. and Nellie E. — to their father's care. His third marriage was to Miss Jennie McSweyn, Dec. 7, 1881. She was born in Kenyon Township, Glengary Co., Canada, Aug. 28, 1843, and has borne to Mr. .Stanley one child, a son, James, born Sept. 27, 1882. Mr. Stanley, politically, is a Republican. He has held the position of School Director of his district, and is a progressive farmer and respected citizen in his township. Mr. Stanley has been something of a traveler, having been in 13 States of this Union. '^'■fjlonzo W. Barnes, farmer on the south- ; V ^ r© \1^ M ■Ms ■x^ ^ rrr ISABELLA COUNTY. "^^^s^ 4^^^C(® ^ A 2 born Oct. 17, 1864. Fletcher, born Oct. 6, i866, died Feb. 10, 1882. Religiously, Mrs. Hawkins is a member of the Free Methodist Church and holds a position of re- spect and esteem among the citizens of the township. erry H. Estee, farmer, section 18, Coe Township, is a son of Silas and Mary (Hodge) Estee, who were born in Salem, iy Washington Co., N. Y., married in that county, ^ and in 18 10 moved to Erie Co., N. Y., where they remained until 1828; they then moved to War- ren Co., Pa., where he met his death by the fall of a tree, Nov. 17, 1842; she died April 4, 1878, at the residence of her daughter, Emily Tillotson, in Har- mony, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., at the advanced age of 91 years. In their family were three sons and three daughters, who are still living, inheriting a high degree of longevity. Their names are, Ansel, Alvira, Emily, John, Louisa and Perry H. The last named, the subject of this sketch, was born in Water Valley, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1824. His early education was obtained in the district schools of Warren Co., Pa., and he subsequently attended the Hamburg Academy in Erie Co., N. Y. When he was 17 years of age his father died and he started out in the world for himself. He was brought up in a lumber country, and for about three years he was engaged in various occupations. He taught three winter terms of school, in Erie Co., N. Y. He then bought 100 acres of land of the Holland Land Company, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he fol- lowed farming for about five years, when he sold the place, and, in the spring of 1854, went to Iowa in search of land, going a-foot about 85 miles west of Dubuque. After a sojourn of about three weeks in that part of the country, he re-crossed the Mississippi to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he purchased a quarter-section of Government land. He spent the following summer at his home in Erie Co., N. Y., whither the family had removed from Chautauqua County. In the fall of 1854 he started for Michigan, coming by rail to Kalamazoo and thence on foot to Ada, Kent Co.; thence, on foot, in company with a cousin, to Muskegon County, reaching what is now Big Rapids when there were but two log shanties there Remaining over night at this point, the next day they reached the house of a lumberman named Utley, in Newaygo County, thence to Ionia; thence, in company with two men from Ohio, they started for Gratiot County, in search of land. Passing through the northern part of Clinton County, they met a party of 17 men returning from Isabella County, from whom they learned that all the land in this county was good; and as there were about 50 men already here making rapid selections, they had better hasten back to the land office at Ionia, make their entries, and then come and look up what they had entered- it would be safe. One of the party exhibited a plat of Coe Township. The advice was taken, Mr. Estee selecting the northwest quarter of section 18. The haste was so great that, although it was one o'clock in the afternoon and they had 16 miles to go, they went on foot and reached the land office at half past four o'clock, so as to be at the office before it closed for the day. Returning to Kent County and resting a day or two, Mr. Estee and his companion came on foot to Isabella County, and for 17 miles on the township lines they found not a house. The first night, there- fore, they camped, on the bank of the Salt River, during a storm of rain. Next day tliey found and examined their lands, and returned to the camping- ground, for the night. At this time they had but one biscuit for each left. Shortly after Mr. E. returned to Erie Co., N. Y., taught school the following winter, and in May, 1855, in company with another man, he started for his home in the forest. They came by boat to Detroit, rail to Pontiac, and stage to Saginaw, where he met A. M. Clapp, the original owner of St. Louis. He took a scow to what is now Midland, and a canoe to what is now St. Louis, arriving July 2, 1855. On the morning of the "4th " they started on the trail for Isabella County, reaching Coe Township by a cir- cuitous route. This day Mr. Estee cut the first tree on the northwest quarter of section 18. His nearest neighbor was a mile distant. He at once put up a bark shanty, 12 feet square. He then chopped ten acres of his land, and built a log house, which now stands on section 13, Lincoln Township. During the two and a half months he was engaged in the preceding work, he killed eigh \^ c-<>: Si/ t^ ^^^>^f^ ^y^MnW<>^r9' '^m ) '^ [G) \'^ '> deer, seven of them on section i8. When he com- /.■' . •:ii) pleted his log house he returned again to New York, ^ for his family, and came by rail to Fentonville, Mich., T thence by stage to Saginaw and thence to Alma by a (hi rudely constructed boat, run by the late Gen. Ely. Their voyage hither was a tempestuous and danger- ous one. The boat was upset and the family had a narrow escape with their lives. They were two days in coming from Alma to their new home, with an ox team. He had previously cut out one mile of road south, and he afterwards cut out one mile east, on his farm. They reached the place Dec. 5, 1855. Mr. Estee helped to erect the first frame building in the county, namely, a saw-mill owned by John Reynolds on section 9. Since his arrival here he has disposed of 50 acres of his land, and of the remain- ing 104 acres all Imt 11 acres is in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Estee was a member of the State Constitu- tional Convention of 1867, from the "Midland Dis- /\ trict," which then embraced the original counties of Midland, Isabella, Iosco and Alpena, with the terri- tories attached. He was elected Judge of Probate in i860, and held that office four years; was the first "l^ Township Clerk of Coe, and has been Supervisor of ^f the township 13 years; was the second Supervisor, for three years ; was Chairman of the first Board of Supervisors, and was a member of the Board when this county was attached to Midland for two years, and removed the county seat to Mt. Pleasant, driving the first stake at that place ; has also been Justice of the Peace eight years ; Notary Public for a time, and for six years he was President of the Farmers' Mutual Fire /g^ Insurance Company of Gratiot and Isabella Counties. s>^ In the olden time he belonged to what was known as the "Abolitionist " party, and has been a Repulilican since the organization of that party. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church. He was married in Eden, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 24, 1848, to Miss Carrie E., daughter of Linus and Esther M. (Van Dusen) Dole, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. Mrs. E. was born in Eden, Sept. 13, 1825. They are the parents of five children, namely: Linus D., Mary E., Free and Perry H., Jr., living, and Hattie M., who died Oct. 12, 1863, nearly ten years of age. The portraits of Mr. Estee and his estimable wife are given on previous pages. Those who have seen ) \ this blooming county develop from swampy forests into a prosperous, well-inhabited region, through the labors of such men as P. H. Estee, will esteem this work the more highly for these permanent reminders of their familiar features. m. A. M. Hummel, farmer on section 12, Broom field, is a son of Gustav and Sophia vO (Fick) Hummel, natives of Prussia. (See sketch of Theodore Hummel.) He was born Dec. 18, 1855, in Prussia, and came with his parents to America in 1869. He has lived with them continuously to the present time, for three years in Oakland County and since 1872 in this county. In 1880 he was married to Louisa Newman, who was born April 30, 1858, in Prussia, and died Oct. 28, 1883, leaving two children, — Lena M., born Aug. 23, 1881, and Charles T., Oct. 27, 1883. Mrs. H. was the daughter of Charles and Louisa Newman, natives of Prussia, and now living in Ionia, this State. Mr. Hummel is politically a Republican. He has been Treasurer of his township two terms, and is now holding that oflice. He has also been Moderator of his school district. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. ewis Priest, farmer, section 14, Fremont Township, was a son of Dyer and Julia j/Afif^T (Todd) Priest. The former was born in ^W Maryland, in 1817, and the mother in Ohio in rp 1820. The father follows the occupation of a \ farmer and is at present residing in Hillsdale County, this State. The mother died in Hillsdale, Hillsdale Co., Dec. 4, 1878. Lewis Priest, the subject of this notice, was born Aug. 30, 1839, in Licking Co., Ohio. At the age of 21 years he enlisted in Co. H, First Mich. Sharp- shooters, which was assigned to the Ninth Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of the VVilderness, Spottsylvania Court- House, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and others, and was present at the surrenderor Gen. Lee, April 9, 1865. After passing through the war and receiving no I I A ^: 1^ r ^^f^ @7^^D fl :^ IlDi':>A:^^ ^^r:^ -^4)^^$<5^ m ISABELLA COUNTY. V wound of a serious nature, he was honorably dis- charged, in the cit)- of Detroit, April lo, 1865. After his discharge from the service he returned to the parental homestead in Hillsdale County, this State, remaining with his parents until the fol- lowing year, when he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Baker, the date of their wedding being Feb. 2, 1866. She was a daughter of Josiah and Rachel A. (English) Baker. The father was born Aug 10, 1820, in Maryland, and the mother in Lick- ing Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1827. The father followed the occupation of a farmer, and is still engaged in that pursuit; and the mother died in Defiance Co., Ohio, Dec. 27, 1863. Louisa, the daughter, was born June 10, 1846, in Licking Co., Ohio. The husband and wife were the parents of three children, namely : George A., Dire Allen and Attie O. Mr. Priest came to this county in 1874 and locat- ed on 80 acres of land on section 14. He had faith in the future development of the country and devot- ed his time and energy to the clearing and improving of his land ; and, as a proof that "honest effort brings reward," he now has 50 acres of his land in a good state of cultivation and comfortable necessary build- ings. Politically, Mr. Priest is a Democrat, and socially he is an esteemed and respected citizen of his township. lexander Hall, boot and shoe dealer at \ '^(p9 Montgomery Co., N. Y., and is a son 3 ""fif ander and Hannah (Smith) Hall. Hii •r was born in 1793, and died in 1864 ^ Mt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 17, 1838, in of Alex- lis father [864. His ' mother was born also in 1793, and died in 1868. The father was a manufacturer of boots and shoes, and the son learned his trade underhis super- vision. He spent two seasons as a carpenter and joiner, but finally determined to pursue the avenue of business in which he has since engaged. Mr. Hall remained in his native State during the life of his fatlier and niotiier, and in 1874 came to Mt. Pleasant, where he ojjened a shoi) for the prosecu- tion of his business, in which he has since been con- tinuously engaged. His trade is thriving, reiiuiring two assistants, and he carries a stock of goods esti- ^ J »\-\ mated at $3,500. In 1877 he purchased 40 acres of land in Union Township, on section 15, of which he has platted 20 acres. It is situated in the south- eastern portion of Mt. Pleasant, and is known as Hall's Addition. He also owns his shop and a busi- ness lot on Broadway. Mr. Hall was married Dec. 26, 1864, in Minerville. Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Jane A. Jeffers ; she was born in Minerville, and is a daughter of William and Susan A. (Buchanan) Jeffers. Mr. Jeffers was born in r8o2 and died in 1882 ; his wife was born in 1809 and died in 1861. Mrs. Hall was born Sept. 5, 1846. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, as follows: Francina, Sept. 28, 1865; Jeffers C, May 8, 1873: Robert C, Sept. 3, 1S79; GracieM., May 23, 1881. |fflteilliam H. Sa.Kton, liveryman and proprie- ^jfl tor of the stage route between Loomis and fp and Gladwin, was born in Allegany Co., N. |t^ Y., July 22, 1839. He is a son of Silas and Amanda (Lee) Saxton, natives of Tompkins Co., N. Y. They removed to the State of Penn- sylvania, where the father died, April 9, 1880, and the mother in October, 1883. Mr. Saxton was 12 years old when his parents be- came residents of the Keystone State. He remained at home, acquiring his education, until he was 16 years of age, when he came to St. Clair Co., Mich. He spent the first summer in fishing at Thunder Bay, and after that season he was engaged in lumber- ing until 1862. In the fall of that year he entered the military service of the United States. He enlist- ed in the 22d Mich. Vol. Inf , and served until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Detroit. His command was attached to the Army of the West, and he participated in all the engagementi in which his regiment was an actor. Immediately upon his discharge, he came to the county of Isabella and located at Mt. Pleasant, where he embarked in the grocery business. At the end of four years he sold out and passed the ensuing four years in lumbering. In 1872 he commenced learn- ing, and in 1875 he commenced operations in his present line. He obtained the mail contract between Mt. Pleasant and Clare, and ran a stage line in con- 1^ k. ^^^f^ — e^^in 11 § iiiiv>^ — ^'^f^ p'' t '■t-^ ^ i^ (h t ■^V^>I]D:^!]I1^> -7i!^&: 4^^^@Viin^nai>M Js^^J:-^ k^&-- m :#-■ ^ ~^ ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^^^f(®\-{|i 259 sition of a good education and availed himself of the advantages afforded by the schools of Mt. Pleasant while his father's family resided there. After that event he taught two terms of school, and in 1875 he commenced farming on 80 acres of land on sec- lion 5,ofCoe Township, and remained in that occu- pation until the fall of 1883, when he formed a partnership with O. W. Stebbins and established the business in which he is now engaged at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Stebbins retired in April, 1884. His stock comprises a judicious selection of small musical instruments and organs, including the Chicago Cottage Organ and that manufactured by Kimavall & Co., of Grand Rapids ; also the White, Davis and Domestic Sewing-machines. Mr. Kyes was married June 27, 1875, at St. Louis, Mich., to Carrie A. Atkin, daughter of George and Sophia Atkin. She was born July 21, 1854, at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. V ? •'^titsw^^^r'^—^ »^.s/zraTOv ;ron. Alonzo T. Frisbee, residing at Oak I Grove, Livingston Co., Mich., State Senator l^ from the 20th District, and owner of one of the largest farms in Isabella County, was born in I Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 12, 1840, and is the son of Ezra and Lucinda (Thomp- son) Frisbee, nalivesrespectivelyof Montgomery and Herkimer Counties, N. Y. The parents are now residing in Livingston County, with Mr. Frisbee. He received a good education through the facili- ties afforded by Michigan's admirable school system, and completed his education at the Howell High School with the highest honors of the institution. On arriving at the age of 21, his father told him he could work by the month on the farm, or pack his clothes and go out to make his own way in the world. He accepted a proposition made by his father and remained on the homestead until 28 years old. On settling up then with his father, he found there was coming to him the snug little sum of $2,000. It was during war time, with wages high. Having heard much of the prairies of Iowa and Minnesota, he planned a visit to them in 1870, with a view to settle in one or the other of those States. He therefore spent an entire summer in journeying over the prairies ; but after a thorough consideration of the circumstances, he determined to make his future home in his native Michigan. Returning to his father's, he remained until the Sth day of Novem- ber, 1871. In this year he came to Isabella C'ounty with the expectation of buying Indian lands, the Government having a short time previous given to the aborigines the title of their reservation \\\ severalty. But in this plan he was disappointed. He was a stranger, the Indians were suspicious, and he found it difficult to deal with them. Learning that the school section (16) in what is now Nottawa was good land, he took a surveyor from Mt. Pleasant by the name of Coburn, found and examined the land. After a week he returned to Lansing and purchased 400 acres on the section mentioned. Four years later, or on the 21st day of October, 1875, he returned to his purchase by way of Farwell, being piloted through the woods by a land-looker named Frye. He learned from this gentleman that a man named Dibble had moved in- to the neighborhood and was opening up a farm about two miles east of his land. Fixing the points of the compass well in his mind, he started for Mr. Dibble's. Finding the place, he told Mr. D. he had come to look over his land, with a view to improving it, and wished to stay overnight. He made Mr. Dibble's his home until he had built some log shanties, roofed them with basswood troughs and covered them with moss. This was his primitive home. A few weeks later he built a store, after the pattern of his house with the exception of a shingled roof, knowing that the troughs might be easily remov- ed and thieves break in and steal. As soon as possible he filled his store with goods, which he sold to the Indians and the few white settlers. In three years he had added to his original purchase 440 acres of land and cleared, by the hel[) of the Indians, 160 acres. His first wheat crop yielded 23 bushels per acre; and was put in without plowing, — simply sowed on the ground and dragged over three times. In the fall of 1878 his father desired him to return to the old homestead ; therefore, on the first day of April, 1879, he returned home to care for his parents in their declining years. Realizing that he owed to them a debt of gratitude he could never more than partially repay, he rented his farm and left for his old home, where he yet resides. i ^? c^: t ■^^^^^^ — ^::^m%m<^ U=5- ■6VC^tl n ^ U^i>^f^ :2^^ -®®f7*^^^(®^' ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ :-<$ V Mr. Frisbee has never married. He is an agree- able gentleman, of polished manners, and makes friends of all whom he meets. He was for three years Supervisor of Nottawa Township, and has also been for several terms Supervisor of Cohoctah Town- ship, Livingston County, where he resides. He was elected Township Clerk of his native township when only 2 1 years of age ; and this was followed by his being elected to the office of Supervisor the next several years in succession. Of the sixteen times his name has been before the people for their suf- frage, he has been successful thirteen times, although many times his party was in the minority. Mr. Frisbee is one of the pioneer Greenbackers of his State. He believes that law makes money, and not the material of which it is made. He holds that gold and silver is too expensive and cumbersome for money ; that money is not value itself but a repre- sentative of value; that the greenback was a repre- sentation of the best blood in our country spilled in its struggle to continue its existence, together with the best resouices of the people, and was a token to the people that they had done something for their Government, and was redeemable by each other and the last subject that held it — held the token of its worth in labor and material, to be redeemed in turn by his neighljor. With all of Mr. Frisbee's successes in life, he has had his misfortunes, principal among which was that caused by the tornado that swept over his farm in Nottawa on the igth day of September, 1878, which laid his farm in waste, destroyed his store by blowing it away in fragments, goods and all, and leaving no- thing but ruin and desolation behind. rvine M. Armstrong, farmer on section 6, !i Vernon Township, was born Nov. 30, 1849, in Peel Co.,Ont., and is the fourth of a family of 12 children. At the age of 15, he left his na- /•) tive county and went to Erin, Wellington Coun- ty, to learn the trade of shoemaking, under the instruction of a man named Archibald Thompson. vj, . Serving his three years, he returned home, and in ^ the winter of 1869 came to Farwell, Clare County, ^ his parents meanwhile locating in Isabella C'ounty. ^ He started the first shoe-shop in Farwell, and had an excellent trade, manufacturing with his own hands as much as $100 worth of stock per month. Before he had driven the first nail he had orders for 40 pairs of boots, and his reputation as a workman was such that he frequently had orders from a distance of 40 to 60 miles. Over-devotion to his business, together with night work, impaired his health to such a degree that in T875 he was obliged to withdraw from further pur- suit of that trade. His father dying a year later, he assumed control of the home farm, which . he has since cultivated. He has now one of the best farms in Vernon Township. Politically, he is a Republican. -13= m a^Ksijfs^K i)K illiam P. Towns, farmer and proprietor of iL oi a boardmg-house at Blanchard, is a son 1107-, " of Thomas and Anna (Parson) Towns. ^I'SiM' The mother was born in Hartford, Oxford Co., Me., March 12, 1795, and died in 1883, ;^' at the advanced age of 88. The father was born in 1783 and died about 1849. He was a farmer, carpenter and shoemaker, and never moved from his native State. The subject of this record was born Jan. 29, 1828, in Hartford, Oxford Co., Me., and at the early age of 10 was bound out to a farmer named Samuel Pills- bury. He remained with him ten years, receiving very unkind treatment. He had no schooling, and all his needs were neglected. After leaving Mr. Pillsbury, he worked in the lumber woods and then on the river. He was variously occupied until 1876. In the fall of that year he came to Grand Rapids, and in December following he came to Isabella (bounty. The three years ensuing he was foreman in the business of lumbering, in the employ of P. G. Blanchard, of Grand Rapids. He is the oldest set- tler of the village of Blanchard, having come before the first tree was cut towards starting a village. Mr. Towns was married April 17, 1856, at the age of 28, to Octavia L. Doughty, daughter of Elias and Louisa (Pool) Doughty. She was born in 1838, in the State of Maine, and died Sept. 3, 1866, having been the mother of two children : Carrie E., born July 8, i860, and Philip S., born April 9, 1864. Mr. Towns was subsequently married to Carrie M ^ /S v>y (■■' r [ <.1 V ^Hti;'i>A^ ^^ r fe) —^— I z^^ — 6V<>llIi:t:nil>> •r ISABELLA COUNTY. ■>a^>W^ 4J^^f(®^^^ 261 ^ Flanders, who was born Feb. 17, 1842, in Kennebec Co., Me., the daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (McClure) Flanders, natives of the State of Maine. Mr. Flanders was a farmer, and worked in the woods in the winter seasons. In the late civil war he en- listed in the First Maine Heavy Artillery, jind he died in the service at Washington, D. C. Mrs. Flanders died April 14, 1870, in the State of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Towns have one son, Frank L., born May 12, 1870, in Maine. Politically, Mr. T. is an earnest and influential Republican. si 1^ awrenee J. Petz, M. D., physician and sur- &|f geon, at Mt. Pleasant, was born May 12, >: V ^ A ^'^^&v 1854, in Bavaria. He is a son of Martin vJ(j and Teresa (Gess) Petz. His father was a /*j brewer by profession and died in the "Fader- t land" Aug. 26, 1876. The mother is still liv- ing, in her native country. Dr. Petz was early placed at school, in accordance with the custom of the class to whicli he belonged, and when he was nine years old began the study of Latin, to which he devoted five years. At 14 he be- gan a course of metaphysical study, which occu- pied two years, and he then entered upon his preparatory course of reading for his ;?rofession. He studied medicine five years at Munich, Bavaria, and was graduated Aug. 26, 1874. He practiced in Newberg and Straubing two years, and went to Rome, Italy, where he entered the Giovanni Maria Alfieri Hospital as physician and surgeon. After a stay there of 14 months he went to the Holy Land to study the symptoms of the febrile diseases incident to that location, and spent four months in that branch of medicine, and in the observation of small-pox. He went thence to France and practiced in the city of Paris until January, 1878. Duringthe period he was in France the Franco-Prussian war was in progress, 187 1-3. He then came to the United States and spent a year in the Philadelphia University and Hospital, and received the credentials of that institution Feb. II. 1879, He then entered the hospital of the Cen- tral New York Eclectic Medical Society, and received (*; a diploma May 17, 1882. He spent upwards of a ^ year at Utica, N. Y., as a medical practitioner, going thither in July, 1882. January 17, 1882, the U. S- National Institute of Eclectic Medicine at St. Louis, Mo., conferred a diploma upon Dr. Petz, and March 2, 1882, he received a similar distinction from the College of Ludovicieuse in the same city. May 19, 1880, the New York Pharmaceutical Association con- ferred upon him the honors of that organization. Dr. Petz came to Mt. Pleasant in the summer of 1883, and has succeeded in establishing a prosper- ous business, which is gradually extending. He was married July 24, 1881, at East Syracuse, N. Y., to Josephine G. Sliandorf Mrs. Petz was born May 15, 1858, at Manlius Station, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Josephine M., elder child of Dr. and Mrs. Petz, was born May 8, 1882, at Utica N. Y. Eleanora T. was born at Manlius Station Oct. 7, 1883. [t saac N. Shepherd, farmer and lumberman. Salt River, is a son of Robert and Ann (Leach) Shepherd, natives of England, who emigrated to this country about 1834, settling first in New England, and in Coe Township in January, 1856, where they remained until their death. Their children numbered eight, five of whom grew to be adults. The fifth son, the subject of tiiis sketch, was born in Vermont, Dec. 31 1840; when 13 years old he came with his parents to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and a year and a halfafterward,that is, in January, 1856, they came to Isabella County, where has since resided. He remained at home till 22 years of age, contribut- ing to the support of his fiarents. About i86r, he bought 80 acres of land in Coe Township. Since then he has bought and sold many tracts of land, and at the present time he owns about 2,000 acres of land, having about 250 acres under cultivation. In the summer of 1873 he built tiie residence which he now occupies: it is one of the finest in the county. He also owns and operates a lumber, lath and shin- gle mill in Chippewa Townsliip, which has a daily capacity of 30,000 feet of lumber, 40,000 shingles and 20,000 lath. He is also interested in the Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern Railroad, being a director in the company and a member of the exec- utive committee. V® A Mr. Shepherd is a member of the Masonic Order, -|^^Jf^X^|) ■v^\imu^>T 262 ISABELLA COUNTY. i f 'I of the Baptist Church and of the Prohibition party. He was married in Jackson Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 1864, to Catherine, daughter of John and Rachel (Sloat) Neely, who were natives of New York. Mrs. S., who is also a sister of Mrs. James Campbell, was born in Jackson County, Mich., July 8, 1838, and she has become the mother of five children, namely : John L., Jennie L., Franklin S. (who died Tune 4, 1883, aged 14), Annie R. and William I. N. Sftlialiidrew M. McKay, farmer on section i, 1^ Vernon, was born m County Derry, Ireland, March 17, 1843, and is a son of John and Sarah (Dowling) McKay. His father was in K' Ireland a raiser and manufacturer of flax, etc., 1 and in 1846 he came to Canada. There he purchased a large farm, on which he resided until his death, Feb. 26, 1884, at the extreme age of 95. He was one of the earliest settlers of Simcoe Co., Can. His wife is yet living, at the age of 93. Of their nine children seven grew to be adults. Andrew M. was next to the youngest of the family. He was but three years old when the family came across the ocean, they being about six months on the water. He was educated in the common schools of Simcoe Co., Can., until 1 6 years old, when he served a three-years apprenticeship to a carpenter named William Lenox. Low prices being paid carpenters at that time, he returned to the farm for four years, during which time he was married. He then worked in saw-mills, most of the time as head sawyer. In the summer of 1879, he came to this State, and stopped at Clare until he could build a house on 80 acres he purchased on section i, Vernon. He has now improved 45 acres. Some of his farm buildings were built by his unaided hands. Sept. 7, 1863, was the date of his marriage to Miss Margaret McKee, daughter of James and Mary J. Murdock. They were natives of Ireland, where the daughter also was born July 27, 1842. The family came in 1848 to Ontario, where the parents are yet living, on a farm, aged|respectively 70 and 65. Mr. and Mrs. McKay are the parents of five chil- dren, — Mary J., born June 17, 1864; James A., Feb. 19, 1866; William O., April i8, 1867; Margaret E., March 25, 1869; and Edmund J., Aug. 18, 1870. ?|^V^^«^f|« ^ Mr. McKay is a member of Farwell Lodge, No. 355, F. & A. M., and is politically a Republican. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. fmffli/^^''''^^^^ Doxsie, farmer on section 22, Rol- ?:i[6^H|(_ land, is a son of Samuel and Phebe ;lli?*y ^ (Young?) Doxsie. The father was born pK in the State of New York, July 6, 1815, and has followed farming all his life. He was mar- ried in Ontario, Can., in 1837. Coming to Michigan, he has lived for 30 years in Eaton County, where he reared three of his children. His wife was born in New Jersey. June 21, 18 18, and died in March, 1881. They had in all eleven children, three of whom are dead. The oldest son died at Detroit, of wounds received in the army. The subject of this sketch was born at Norwich, Ont., May 2, 1842, and lived at home until within two days of his majority. He then left home, send- ing his father $5 for the two days' time, and worked for two years at laying a stone wall in Calhoun Co., Mich. During the war he served in the Quarter- master's Department at Nashville, Tenn. He was not an enlisted soldier, but was paid by the Govern- ment. Returning to Michigan, he lived eight months in Eaton County and then, in 1865, came to Isabella and located on 160 acres of wild land on section 22, Rolland. He has now 80 acres, including 40 acres well improved. He was married Sept. 3, 1868, to Angeline Peter- son, who was born May 24, 1850, in Tuscarawas, Co., Ohio, the daugliter of William M. and Mary A. (Richardson) Peterson, natives of New Jersey and Ohio. Mr. Peterson was a carpenter and joiner until he came to Michigan, since when he has fol- lowed farming and lumbering. He now resides in Deerfield Township. Mr. and Mrs. Doxsie have two children of their own, — Ella M., born June 21, 1869, and Lillie E., born May 29, 187 1; and an adopted son, Peter S., born Oct. 27, 1878. Mr. D. has been Township Clerk two years. Town- ship Treasurer one year. Supervisor four years, suc- cessively, tlien School Superintendent two terms and Supervisor two years more, being the present incum- bent. He has also been a Justice of the Peace seven g ve i <.v. V /r C^lll|S;llll-i>*:^ I ra^gsK — ©^-11 n K n B> >r ">iWi^i^^i<" ISABELLA COUNTY. 265 "S /Os ^ years, and a Notary Public six years. He was com- ■0 missioned a Notary by Gov. Bagley in March, 1875, «'J» and by Gov. Jerome in July, 1881. He is a member * of the Republican party. He has belonged to Lan- .'hj sing Lodge, No. 33, Grand Ledge Loge, No. 179, and Wabon Lodge, No. 305, F. & A. M. ev. Robert P. Sheldon was one of the most prominent pioneers of Isabella County, and one of the few that will be longest re- membered by those whose interest is warm in early days. He was born in Canada Aug. 27, 1806, and his parents were also natives of the Dominion. At an early period in his life, however, the family removed to the State of New York. The father being in limited circumstances, was not able to afford Robert a liberal education, and the latter '* gathered up the crumbs of learning as well as he could, in the face of obstacles smiliar to those that E=r have risen up in the path of many noble, self-made ."^' men. He had no trade, and he worked by the month E3 as a farm laborer most of the years of his youth, at a SV time of life when similarly gifted young men of this generation are preparing for life in the high school or college. At the age of 18 he was married to Miss Amy Marsh, a native of the Empire State. She possessed an intelligent, well-trained mind, and was of great assistance to her husband in improving his scholar- ship. Becoming imbued with the idea that he was i divinely called to preach the Gospel, he bought •) books as fast as he could afford them, and improved 3 his leisure hours in study. After some years he was licensed as an exhorter in Ohio, and several years later he was ordained as a minister. Beginning at Bucyrus, in the Buckeye State, he labored in the cause of Christianity for a number of years on both sides of the Ohio River. In the fall of i860 he turned his course northward, and selected Isabella County as his home. Here he devoted the remain- der of his life to his chosen calling. He was the father of Metiiodism in this section, and by unani- mous desire his name, together with that of tlie first Presiding Elder of this Conference, is placed in the memorial window of the handsome Methodist Epis- f copal church at Mt. Pleasant. On his first arrival ^ ^V®»«^^- J3>^i. @r^: he bought 80 acres in Coe Township, which he after- wards sold, and he purchased another tract of e([ual size in Chippewa. He disposed of half this land, and at the time of his death 20 acres were in culti- vation. He remained up to the close of his life faith- ful and enthusiastic in his ministry, and nothing ordinary would prevent his promptly filling his numerous appointments, to do which required fre- quent long journeys on foot, over logs and tree-tops and swamps. His health gradually failed, but he made no pause in his work until about six months previous to his death. His departure to his final and enduring rest occurred at two o'clock in the morning of Oct. 17, 1882. By his first marriage he had five children, of whom three survive. Their names are Ansel L., Huldah M. and George N. His wife dying Aug. 20, 1854, he was again married March 20, 1855, in Wheat- land, Hillsdale Co., Midi., to Mrs. Susanna Mc- Dowel, daughter of John and Susanna Kinzie, who were natives of Switzerland. She was born at Berne, in that rocky republic, and was first married to John McDowel, in Seneca Co., Ohio, by whom she bore two children. Of these. Otto survives. Mr. Mc- Dowel died in Canada, at the hands of an assassin. To Mr. Sheldon's second marriage there were given seven children, of whom the five survivors are named Charles O.. Eugene P., Jesse F., Franklin B. and .Alice R. Two died in infancy. In Mr. Sheldon's portrait, which appears on a pre- vious page, our readers will recognize one of nature's noblemen, a man who was as universally beloved and respected as any pioneer of this county, and one whose true worth cannot be too highly lauded, or whose memory cannot be too carefully cherished by the future generations. ames Armstrong, farmer on section 6, Ver- - non Township, was born in Peel Co., Ont., Aug. 13, 1844, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Baker) Armstrong, natives of Ire- land and Canada. The parents were married in Peel Co., Ont., and came to Michigan in March, 1869, locating in Vernon Township, this county, among its first set- tlers. The father was for many years a school-teach- 5^ niii^jL^ — ^ss^fL J ^ A . *' 1=1 T — r \ ff /p-' I ■i^;f»- rz^Ps- .i'^ "T" ISABELLA COV^JTY. -:^^psr T >^ v > k \ er in Ontario, and taught one district school 14 terms in succession. He died in Vernon, Nov. 12, 1875, aged 66 ; the mother hves with her son, Irvine, and is now in her 62d year. Their family numbered 12, of whom II are alive, and all residents of this State. James is the eldest. He lived at home until 16 years old, alternately at- tending school and working on the farm. At that age he commenced to work out, and he was in the employ of various neighbors until 24 years old. In May, 1 868, he came to Michigan and secured 95 acres on section 6, Vernon. He at once set about making a home, clearing his farm and raising grain, which product was in steady demand among lumbermen and railroad contractors. He has now 39 acres im- proved, out of the 50 acres which he retains. Losing his health in a measure, from malarious influences, he followed the carpenter's trade from 1871 to 1874, in which latter year he resumed farm work. He was married at Stanton, this state, Nov. 21, 1876, to Miss Louise J. Hinds, daughter of Ansel C. and Emily J. (Pepper) Hinds, natives of Pennsylva- nia, and of English descent. Mr. Hinds was by oc- cupation a farmer, and while chopping a tree in Montcalm County, this State, a dead tree near by fell upon his head, producing instant death. Mrs. Hinds now lives at Stanton. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Bradford Co., Pa., Oct. 10, 1858, and came with her parents to Montcalm Co., when five yearsold. She was educated at the public schools of Stanton, and lived in that county until her marriage. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. A., two of whom are living. These are Clarence R., born July 9, 1879; and Emily F., born Aug. 30, 1881. Maud was born Jan. I, 1878, and died the same day. Mrs. A. is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Armstrong is politically a Republican, and has for three years been Justice of the Peace. illiam K. Robbins, merchant, Salt River, ^j is a son of Marcus and \my (Robinson) f"^ ' Robbins, the former a native of Wethers- ' field. Conn., and the latter of Rhode Island. They first settled in Washington Co., N. Y., ivhere he (Marcus) followed the occupation of joiner, and resided until his death. After the latter V I: Z^. event Mrs. R. went to live with her daughter in the ^ same county, where she remained until her death. ■■■' In this family were ten children, nine daughters and / ■ one son. William R., the only son, and subject of this biographical notice, was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, 1806, and remained at home until of age, obtaining a common-school education. Then, for one year, he carried on his father's farm, on shares. Next he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he prosecuted nearly 40 years. His last job in that line was the erection of the Baptist church at Salt River, striking the first and the last blow in the building of that edifice. From Washing- ton Co., N. Y., he moved to Milwaukee Co., Wis., where he worked at his trade one summer. In the fall of 1855 he came to this county and settled on 320 acres of wild land, on section 21, Coe Township, which he had purchased the preceding spring. After residing there five years, he sold the place and bought another 320 acres, on sections i6 and 17 In 1874, he sold this and bought si-x acres on section 16, where he built a frame house, which he still owns. He also owns the building which he occupies, and carries on a flourishing business in general merchan- dise. Mr. Robbins has held the office of Supervisor of Coe Township for three terms. Township Clerk three years. Justice of the Peace two terms, and Constable for a short time. He was appointed Notary Public soon after his settlement in this county, which office he now holds. He was appointed Postmaster under President Buchanan's administration in the spring of 1856 — the first Postmaster in this county — and held the office for 14 years, when he resigned. From the foregoing date one may observe that Mr. R. is a very early pioneer of Isabella County ; and as a citizen he has been very prominent. During the panic and famine of 1857, he was appointed agent for the county to solicit aid for the people, and bonds of the county to the amount of $1,500 were placed in his hands for disposal. Only one bond, of $500, (^ however, could be negotiated, but the proceeds pre- vented the people from starving until their crops could be harvested. While attending to the above business, Mr. R. bore his own expenses. In religious matters he is a prominent member of the Baptist Church, and in political affairs he is a Republican. Mr. Robbins was first married in Granville, Wash- V^»f^^-« ^:^>€^ — ^^^n B ^ iiiif>M=^ — ^^e^^f^ -»S7^^® t-i^:. m i^*~ Tdm^my^^ ■ 'v^ V:-.*ir- /.. -J /<\ ISABELLA COUNTY. 367 "^ ington Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1857, to Miss Catherine, daughter of James and Catherine (Wiley) Grant, who were of German and Irish ancestry. Mrs. R. was born in Granville, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1808, and died June 22, 1847. The children by this marriage were Cordelia C, James W., Mary E., Sidney, Amy and William R. James W. died in Dover, Del., June 27, 1876. The remainder of the children are married and settled in life. Mr. Robbins was again married, in Rensselaer County, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1847, to Miss Lydia, daughter of Francis and Sally (Eggleston) Robinson, natives re- spectively of Rhode Island and New York. She died Oct. 7, 1870, in Coe Township, and Mr. R. married for his third wife (in Hampton, Washington Co., N. Y.), Dec. 26, 1870, Miss Juliette, daughter of Thomas Wilson, natives of New York State. She was born Aug. 14, 1828. ^^^Hf heodore Hummel, farmer on section 12 Jrf^^l Broonifield Township, is a son of Gustav f^M^'^ and Sophia (Fick) Hummel, natives of W> Prussia. The father was born March 8, 1812, and was a shepherd in the old country. He came to America in the year 1869 and located in Oakland County, this State, where he lived three years. He then came to Isabella County and settled where he now lives, with his son William. His wift was born March 16, 1812. Their son Theodore was born Feb. 18, 1841, in Prussia, and lived at home until r4 years of age. He then worked by the year as a shepherd for differ- ent parties, until 1869, when he came with his par- ents across the waters. He bought 80 acres where he at present lives, 50 being now under cultivation. He was first married in 1865, to Mary Prest, who was born in 1838 and died in i86g. He was again married in ^870, to a sister of his first wife. She was born in 1844 and died in r877, leaving five children, — Minnie, born June 18, 187 i ; Frank, Sept. 27, 1872; Emma, April 19, 1874; Margaretta, May 27, 1876; William, May 28, 1877 (died in Septem- ber following). His present wife, Fredrica (Fowl- man) Hummel, was born in Macomb Co., Mich., Dec. 2, 1855, the daughter of John and Minnie (Ciine) Fowlraan, Mr, and Mrs. F. are yet living, in W- )^r^-^ ^^^^ — ^t^(^m Macomb County. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hummel, — Eddie, Sept. 20, r878; William, July 28, 1880; and Mary, June 2, 1882. Mr. H. is a Republican and has been Assessor of his school district several terms. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. K^ A %' if ames C. Caldwell, proprietor of Two Rivers Hotel, Deerfield Township, is a son of Moses v , and Lucy (Hotchkiss) Caldwell, the former a a^^- native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. After residing a while in the Bay State they lived seven years in Pennsylvania, 20 years in Massachusetts again, a short period in the Keystone State the second time, and settled finally in Oakland Co., Mich , in 1840. He died at the ad- vanced age of 92 years, and she at the age of 86. The subject of this sketch was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Aug. 2, 1818, received his education at the common school, and at the age of 15 went with his parents to Pennsylvania. In 1840 he came to Michigan and worked a season in Oakland County, then two years in Macomb County, then purchased and carried on for three years a farm in Oakland County, sold, and rented different farms about five years, then rented a farm for seven years in Clinton County, in the meantime purchasing a farm which he ovv'ned but a short time, and in the spring of 1863 came to this county and bought a quarter-section of land in Fremont Township, lived there till the fall of 1878, when he sold and bought a farm of 60 acres in Deerfield Township, on section 10. He now has 38 acres in a state of good cultivation. In May, 1882 he started the Two Rivers Hotel, which he has since kept, except the summer of 1883, when he was visit- ing in Ohio. Mr. Caldwell was Siipervisor of Fremont Town- ship one year, Township Clerk one year. Township Treasurer one year. County Superintendent of the .^ Poor three years, and has held many other offices, 'v- In politics he acts with the Republican party, and in ;■ social matters he is a member of the Order of Good '-.•' Templars. Mr. Caldwell was first married in Macomb Co., Mich., May r4, 1843, to Miss Nancy Russell, a na- tive of New York State, who died Aug. 8, T877. V T^^^^isr 268 ISABELLA COUNTY. '^ '^ o m Their five children were, Roscoe M., Arthur B., Irene V., Ada A. and Ella May. The eldest was killed in the battle of Cold Harbor; Ada died when one year old. July 28, 1878, Mr. C. married Mrs. Harriet L. Duttler, widow of Peter Duttler and daughter of Jason Streeter. She died Oct. 16, 1883. Feb. 27, 1884, he married for his present wife Mrs. Sarah Griswold, widow of Robert Griswold and daughter of David and Mary Ann (Thompson) Graves. She has by her first marriage a daughter, Florence, now the wife of Robert Riley, of Cleveland, Ohio. arren Wardwell, general farmer and black- smith, section 5, Lincoln Township, was born in Ledyard, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, I S3 1. His parents, Lemuel and Betsey (Whitmore) Wardwell, were natives of New England, of English and Scotch ancestry. Mr. Wardwell, Sr., was a farmer, and died in Scipio, Hills- dale Co., Mich., in February, 1859; and the latter is still living, in Lincoln Township, this county, aged 74 years. Warren, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native county until nine years old, when the family made a removal to Seneca Co., N. Y. When 17 years old, in 1848, he left home and returned to his native county and for a year and a half followed his trade as blacksmith, which he had learned under the superin- tendence of Levi Elmendorff, at Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., serving as an apprentice two years. While in Cayuga County he worked for Hiram Finch, at Springport. Returning again to Seneca County, he re-engaged himself to Mr. Elmendorff", as a "jour." Afterward he went to Wayne Co., N. Y., and estab- lished a general blacksmith shop, which he con- ducted two years; then he worked as a journeyman two years in Lock Berlin, same county. In January, 1855, he went to Red Creek, Cayuga County, and worked for a Mr. Toole until September, 1856; then he followed his trade until next year at Seneca Falls. In April, 1858, he came to this State and settled at Litchfield. Hillsdale County, where he worked at blacksmithing for Chauncey Calhoun; from 1859 to 1 86 1 he carried on a shop of his own , and in the fall of the latter year he moved to this county, "squatting "on a quarter-section of wild land, on section 5, and " homesteading it " in 1863. He was three weeks making the journey to this county, com- ing with three wagon loads of goods. On arriving here there was no building within two mites of him excepting a deserted hunter's shanty, in which he lived three weeks, while erecting a cabin on his own place. The shanty was made of poles and roofed with bark, and was barely large enough to contain them and their goods. The township was yet not organized, and the first permanent settlement was three miles away. It ret[uired five days to go to St. John's or Ionia, to secure provisions. He disposed of 80 acres of this place to his brother, to apply on services rendered in the war, and nearly all the re- mainder is improved and in good farming condition. Of the whole original tract he cleared about a hun- dred acres. Dec. 29, 1849, in Wayne Co., N. Y., Mr. Ward- well married Miss Mary, daughter of Peter and Serena (Scott) McQueen, natives of Wayne Co., N. Y., of English, Dutch and Irish ancestry. Mrs. W. was born also in that county, March 20, 1827. They have no children, but have an adopted daughter, Estella G., who was born Sept. 6, 1869. Mr. W. was Road Commissioner in 1865-6; in political matters he is a Republican, and, with his wife, is a member of the Christian Church. Ifred J. Doherty. teacher, real-estate and insurance agent, and present Principal of jji^ the public school of Clare, was born in "vf)f New York city May i, 1856. His father has '[', been a lumberman most of his life, and, with his wife, now resides in the State of New York. When a child, Alfred came with his parents to Defi- ance Co., Ohio. There and in Paulding County the father followed lumbering extensively and profitably for a number of years, when he moved back to Alle- gany Co., N. Y., where he owns a large farm on the Genesee River. The subject of this biography was educated in the seminar)' at Belfast, N. Y., and later in Bonaventura College, where he was graduated in 1876. The fol- lowing year he was married, and for a time afterward he followed farming. He came to Clare, Michigan, y^' A 1 — r r S ^ m. T2s€^^s: ^V<>nB^IinV>. "^ ISABELLA COUNTY. in 1878, and has since been identified with the his- tory of that growing village. He owns 40 acres in Grant Township, and has one of the finest and best arranged residences in the village, the same costing $3,000. He is a shrewd business man and a com- petent teacher. He has held seme school office ever since coming to Clare, has been one of the Board of School Examiners, and County Superintendent of Schools. He has been a member of the Village Council for four years and a Notary Public for some time. Politically, he is an active and influential Republican. He is a member of Clare Lodge, No. ^^^, I. O. O. F., and is Secretary of the same. His marriage occurred July ii> 1877, at Belfast, N. Y., to Miss Alice B. Gleason, daughter of Red- ding and Eunice (Scott) Gleason, natives of Vermont and of New England parentage. The father, a farmer, died in 1866. The mother lives now with her daughter, at Clare. Mrs. Doherty lived with her parents in her native county until her mar- riage. She is the mother of three children, — Floyd E., born Feb. 1,1;, 1878; Francis B., March 14, 1880; and Eliza B., March 31, 1883. ^^Sf-i^S'w h E. Lyon, memlierof the firm of Hopkins & Lyon, Mt. Pleasant, is a son of David S. and Iva L. (Chase) Lyon ; and was born in Knox Co., Ohio, March 21, 1841. He was reared on a farm, received a good common- school education, and also attended the Halcyon Academy at Hartford, Ohio. He taught school 14 terms. In the fall of 1864 he came to Isabella County and bought 120 acres on section 7, Union Township. He now owns 200 acres, 125 of which are under cul- tivation. The farm is now under the charge of liis son-in-law, W. R. Hatch. He has lived in this county since his first coming, except from 1865 to 1869, when he was in the State of Ohio. His three children are Wesley C, on the farm ; Gertie A., wife of W. R. Hatch'; and Carrie E., at home. In the spring of 1871 he was elected Supervisor of Union Township, and in the fall of 1872 he was elected County Clerk, which office he filled five years. During this term he assisted in making a set of abstracts of Isabella County. He has had ten years' experience in abstract-making, first in the employ- ment of I. E. Arnold, then Arnold & Upton, then Upton & Hance; which firm, and Brown & Seaton, he succeeded in business. Jan. i, 1883, he formed his present business connection with Hon. S. W. Hopkins, and they now do a large business in real estate, insurance and loans. It^ftr Sherman, is a son of Jeremia 1?^'"'' (Griffith) Denslow, natives of Si^^^^:. ;l erome H. Denslow, farmer on section 18, ah and Desire ^.^ , , , -_ofthe State of f ^ New York. Jeremiah Denslow was born in ir 1801, and died in Lenawee Co., Mich., Feb. 13, \ 1875. His wife was born in 181 1, and died in the State of New York, in 1880. Their son Jerome was born Oct. 4, 1836, in Chau- tauquaCo., N. Y., and at the age of ig left home, C >^ went to Jamestown, N. Y., and worked in amanufac- s ' tory for two years. In 1858 he went to Chicago and K^_ was employed by E. Wood in fitting grain crates for ^ use. Returning to New York, he shortly came to ^ Livingston Co., Mich., where he lived four years. ^ During his stay there, Sept. 27, r859, he was mar- ^ ried to Miss Asenath Savage, who was born Jan. 9, ^ 1834, in Carrollton Township, Genesee Co., N. Y., ^ )) the daughter of William and Urina (Sprague) Sav- age, natives of New York. Mr. S. was born in 1806 and died in August, 7881, and Mrs. S. was born in 1797 and died in 1841. Mr. Denslow enlisted in the navy during the late war, and was on the "R. P. Cuyler." His vessel was engaged at Fort Fisher, N. C, and was occupied in cruising along the coast for rebel boats. He was discharged June 7, 1865, at Norfolk, Va., went on board the receiving ship "Constellation, " and return- ed to his parents in New York. He soon after re- moved to Lenawee Co., Mich. In 1877 he came to this county and located on section 22, Sherman. A year and a half later, he settled on his present place. He owns 200 acres, of which 30 are improved. His family includes eight children, born as follows : (ieorge H., Sept. 5, 1859; Frederick L., Sept. 20, 1S60; Willard G. and William L., \ug. 8, 1863; Myrtle I., June 5, 1866 ; Grant H., Oct, 15, 1868; Frank E., May 9, 187 i ; and Viola E., March 3, 1874. Mr. D. was elected Justice of the Peace in 1880, t I 1))^^^^^ -z^l^ssr- v<^DH^Iillr>r rrr t^ i^'^^yj ISABELLA COUNTY. and Township Treasurer in 1883. He is the present incumbent of the latter office. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Addison Lodge,No. 157, F. & A. M., at Addison, Lenawee Co., Mich. «^ 1 — r imon S. Smith, merchant, Salt River, is a son of Alexander and Susan (Barger) Smith, who were natives of Greene Co., Pa., and moved to West Virginia, where the father was killed by a railroad accident, July 20, 1854. The mother, since re-married, is now a resi- dent of Parkersburg, W. Va. Their family comprised two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, the subject of this sketch, was born in Greene Co., Pa., Nov. 8, 1840, educated mostly at a private school, and at the age of 14, when his father was killed, he had to commence the battle of life for himself, first engaging as a clerk in a country store for his step-father for a year ; was next in the employ of Smith & Barger for nearly a year, and then for a short time in that of Ullom & Owen in West Virginia, then for Miles A. Himan, same State; attended school three months, taught three months, and then, in April, 1861, he bought a stock of goods and began merchandising on his own account. He followed this business about nine months, and soon afterward purchased a farm in West Virginia, which he carried on about two years. He then sold out and moved to the southern part of Virginia and was employed as clerk about ayear. In March, 1865, lie formed a partnership with Isaiah Lomon, under the firm name of Lomon & Smith, which continued three years. At the end of the second year they built two stores, and at the end of three years they divided their stock, Mr. S. con- tinuing until September, 1868, when he sold out and came to Isabella County. Here he was first engaged for a year and a half in meicantile business at Reynolds' Mill. In March, (q^ 1870, he removed to Salt River and bought out the I stock of H. Struble & Co., but six months afterward '■> he sold again and went to live on his farm of 107 •^ acres, on section 10, Coe Township. Here he re- "Reynolds farm," of 75 acres, and also the grist-mill connected with it. In October, 1881, he moved \ -^-M^X again to Salt River and bought out the stock of general merchandise of N. W. Struble, where he now carries on a flourishing business. In 1882 he built an addition to his store and made further improve- ments. In April, 1883, he purchased a two-thirds interest in the Salt River grist-mill, which has a capacity of 150 bushels of wheat per day. Into this mill he transferred the machinery of the Reynolds mill. It is now owned and managed by (S. S.) Smith & (J. B.) Struble. Mr.. Smith has held the office of Highway Com- missioner about two years, and that of School Direc- tor and Moderator. Is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and (with his wife) a prominent mem- ber of the Disciples' Church, being one of the Elders. They were formerly active members of the Baptist Church. In the last mentioned he was Clerk and Deacon, and when they built their house of worship at Salt River he was Chairman of the Building Com- mittee. On national issues he is a Republican. Mr. Smith was married in Greene Co., Pa., April 6, 186 1, to Miss Mary, daughter of William and Maria (Roach) Pettit, natives of the same county, who removed in 1851 to West Virginia, where they now reside. Mrs. S. was born in the above county April 13, 1843. A remarkable coincidence of dates in this family's history deserves mention. Mrs. S. was born in April, married in April, and all the three children were born in April ; and the same minister that baptized them into the Church also married them. ester Briggs, Deputy Sheriff" of Isabella County, proprietor of the Penobscot House and livery man at Blanchard, is a son of Oris and Adelia (Fields) Briggs. The father was born in 181 1, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and the mother was born in the State of Vermont in 1817. The former engaged in agriculture, moved from New York in 1843 to St. Joseph Co., Mich., two years later to Cass County, 18 years later (1S67) to Lenawee County, and in 1873 came to Gratiot County, where he died, in Emerson Township, April 22, 1874. The mother died in 1 881, at the home of a daughter in Lenawee County. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 5, 1849, A sy r m V r ^ -T<:t]D^nil^>T-rr ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. in St. Joseph Co., Mich., and remained at home until 15. At that early age he enlisted in Co. C, Ninth Ind. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Fourth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment wa-, not in any general engagement, but was in some skirmishes. He was discharged for disability in the fall of 1865, when he returned to his parents, who then lived in Cass County. One year laterhe went to Lenawee County, where he resided until 1881. Next he lived at St. John's, Clinton County, until 1881, and then for two years at Edniore, after which he came to Blanchard. He was married at St. John's, Clinton County, to Miss Josepha, daughter of Levi and Hannah (PuU- frey) Longwood. Her father was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1800; her mother, in Pennsylvania, in 181 1. Her father died in St. John's, May 2, 187S; her mother is yet living, at the same place. Their daughter, Josepha, was born April 24, 1849, in Seneca Co., N. Y., and was the fourth daughter of a family of seven, five of whom are yet living. Mr. Briggs is a member of the L O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He has been a Constable almost constantly ever since 21 years old, and Marshal of the village of Blancliard for a time. He resigned to accept a position as Trustee of the village. In the fall of 1 883 he was appointed a Deputy by Thomas Pickard, Sheriff of the county. Politically, Mr. Briggs supports the Republican party. -^avid Switzer, watch-maker and jeweler at Mt. Pleasant, was born Sept. 11, 1840, in Jhjijy '^ Elgin Co., Can. His parents, William and ^1V Eliza M. (Cowell) Switzer, were both natives of Canada and are still living there. Mr. Switzer was reared on his father's farm, and in 1864 went to Fingal to learn his trade. His employer aftenvards removed to Wardsville, whither he accompanied him, as he had not completed his preparation for business. In 1871 another move was made, to Byron, Shiawassee Co., Mich., under the same circumstances. Not long afterward, Mr. Switzer succeeded to the business and continued its prosecution at Byron nearly three years. In 1873 he came to Mt. Pleasant, where he remained but a short time, going thence to Alma, and engaging in business there eleven months ; after which he again came to Mt. Pleasant and established himself per- manently. He is the pioneer resident jeweler and has been engaged in a prosperous business in his line from the first. Mr. Switzer was married Oct. 8, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant, to Matilda .A. Brown, a native of Canada. One of two cliildren born of this marriage is living, but unnamed. Daisy D. was born Feb. 14, 1881, and died Oct. 31, 1882. Mrs. Switzer had two children liy a former mar- riage, one of whom, Maisliall H., is living, and one, Willie, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer are members of the Presby- terian Church, of which Mr. S. is Trustee. He is active in Sunday-school matters. vxaciZ;©-^^— fei^ ,^%(Umiy liLij-V ""^'Ff'fl'if ftines A. Converse, farmer on section 12, '^JJ_' \crnon Township, was born in Oneida Co., X. Y., Nov. I, 1834, is a son of Thomas D. ■^iK®)$«^#^ ^si^^ — @7^ tD a '^ \£ and Elisheba (Kirkland) Converse, natives of New England. He is the elder of two sons, ,'' and when 13 months old was taken by his par- ents to Jefferson Co., N. Y. Here he lived at home until 24 years old, receiving a good education at the Belleville (N. Y.) Union Academy. At the age mentioned, he left home and engaged as traveling salesman for a New York wholesale es- tablishment. His route extended over various parts of tjie Empire State. In the fall of 1868 he came to Michigan. Spending one year in Shiawassee County, he came thence to Isabella and pre-empted 80 acres, where he now lives. It was then entirely wild. He had to go to Mt. Pleasant, a distance of 15 miles, for mail and marketing. The only work animals in the township at that time were an Indian pony and an ox team. For the first four years of his residence here he carried on his back all the sup- plies he purchased for home use. There was no work in his immediate neighborhood, and as money was scarce and times were hard, he would frequently take a cake of maple sugar and a loaf of bread and travel for days in search of employment. He gave what time he could to the improvement of his own (5^ ;>; c 1^' ISABELLA COUNTY. -4^^5«®V#' farm. He has erected necessary farm buildings and brought under cultivation 45 acres. He was married in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1858, to Miss Elina M. Burnham, daughter of Emer- son and Emily (Ellsworth) Burnham, natives of New England. She was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1839, and lived at home until her mar- riage, receiving a good common-school education. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. C: Mary E. (Brown), born Aug. 23, 1863, and married Sept. 20, 1883; and Julia E., born Dec. 19, 1875. Mr. C. is politically a supporter of the Republican party, and has been Township Clerk of Vernon two years. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. ■homas Judge, farmer and lumberman, section 1 1, Fremont Township, is a son of William and Catharine (Kelly) Judge, '4; ^{j^-Syrus H. Thompson, jeweler, at Mt. Pleas- pla ant, was born May i, 1818, in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., and is a son of Heath and f "^[J" Margaret (Anderson) Thompson. He was ( >• left fatherless when a little more than eight years of age, and his mother became the wife of a man named Samuel Miles, who removed with his family to Orwell Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Mr. Thompson acquired a good elementary educa- tion at the common schools, which he had attended until he was 16 years old. He subsequently entered Jefferson Academy, where he studied one term, and was a student some months afterward at Farmington Academy. He taught one term after leaving school, and at 18 went to Ashtabula to learn his trade, at which he served three years, most of the time at Cleveland, Ohio. At the end of the time mentioned, he went to Ashtabula and opened a shop, where he operated three months, going thence to Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich. He worked at his trade there a few months, and in 1839 went to Jackson, where he conducted his business six years. During that time he purchased a farm in the township of Leoni, adjoin- ing the city, and after a brief residence ujMn it he went to Adrian. A few months later he went to Lansing, then in its early days. He bought a lot in that small " city," which was all in timber, cleared it up and erected his dwelling. He located his store therein and managed his business there until the winter of 1849-50, when he went to Coldwater and formed a partnership with Henry N. Moore, a rela- tion which existed nearly three years. He next bouglit a two-thirds interest in a large brick store and continued in his business alone. In the fall of i860 he exchanged his property for that of a similar char- acter at Marshall, Mich., and continued its manage- ment until 1875. In October of that year he came to Mt. Pleasant and established the business in ;^; n[|;.>JU;i ^>^^ r \ % ^^yjj^ u/lju^^IcaaJI r. • • • ■ .-^ -^^^^ — erv<■>lln:^llIl^>^-r■ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^K which he is now engaged. His stock comprises a ■& well selected assortment of clocks, watches, plated ,'^ goods and jewelry. His business includes repairing T and engraving. Mr. Thompson owns considerable /•§. town property in Mt. Pleasant. He was married June 4, 1843, in Leoni Township, Jackson County, to Paulina, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Coon) Maxson. She was born in Ben- nington, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1824. Following is the record of the seven children that have been born to Mr. and / Mrs. Thompson: Cynthia Priscilla married first Wil- >fe liam H. Wells (of Marshall, now deceased) and is i now the wife of I. E. Wilcox, of Mt. Pleasant; Alice is deceased; Cyrus H. is a jeweler at Marshall; Ella G. married William H. Bryan, of Chicago (now Postmaster, express and station agent at Ravens- wood) and died in 1874; Eva is the wife of Samuel A. Foster, of Mt. Pleasant; May V. is the widow of Frank H. Dusenberry; Lizzie, the youngest, is deceased. The family attend the Presbyterian ) Church. >5 ^^^ 1 I [ibert C. Vredenburg, general farmer and ^ stock-raiser, section 13, Lincoln Township, was born in Ingham ("o., Mich., April 4, 1846. His father, George W., was a native of Newark, N. J., of German [larentage, was a I farmer, and died in Jackson Co., Mich., June 17, 1863; his mother, Rebecca {/we Williams) Vreden- burg, was a native of New England, of English de- scent, and died in Pennsylvania in 1852. Albert C, the second son in the above family of four children, was three years old when his parents moved from this State to Pennsylvania; they lived six years in Jefferson County, that State, during which time his mother died, and he came with his father to Jackson Co., Mich., in 1855, settling near the city. Here young Albert received a good education. When he was 16 years old his father died, and when 18 he threw himself into the jaws of death for the salvation of his native land, enlisting in Co. G, 29th Mich. Vol. Inf, Sept. 9, 1864, commanded by Col. Saylor, of the the Army of the CJumberland. He was in the battles of Decatur, Ala., November and December, 1864, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and many others. During his term of service he was promoted Corixjral, and was honorably discharged Sept. 20, 1865. jy^-f^^^pc He then made a tour through Wisconsin, came to this county and purchased a (juarter of section 14, Lincoln Township, made some improvements upon it and sold it. Previously, however, he had bought 80 acres on sections 13 and 14, to which he has added 50 acres by purchase, and the whole 130 acres are in a good state of cultivation. He has three large stock and grain barns, which cost nearly $1,500, and his large residence cost $1,300. Mr. V. is a member of the G. A. R. post at Salt River, holding now the office of Surgeon. In his township he has been Highway Commissioner, Su- pervisor two years, and held other minor offices. With regard to national questions he votes with the Republicans. Nov. 12, 1866, at Mt. Pleasant, this County, Mr. V. married Miss Martha J., daughter of Benjamin and Eunice (Calkins) Cole, the latter being natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, of Eng- lish ancestry. They were early residents of Lincoln Township. The father, a farmer, died in June, 1877, aged 69; the mother is still living, at the age of 68, at Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. V. was born in Ohio, Oct. 8, 1849. When she was two years old her parents moved to Allen Co., Ind., and in 1866 to this State, where she has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. V. have four children, namely: George H., born Nov. 21, 1868; Perry H., Aug. 29, 1872; Mary A., Oct. 5, 1877 ; and Fannie M., Sept. 29, 1879. Mr. V.'s portrait is given in this volume, as that of a truly representative agriculturist. ames Ayling, general farmer and dealer in r blooded sheei), section 6, Lincoln Town- ^^'^ ship, is a son of John and Sarah (Trusler) Ayling, natives of England, who came to Amer- ica in 1856, settling in Freehold, Warren Co., Pa., where they passed the remainder of their lives, the former dying in 1876 and the latter in 1880. James, the subject of this sketch, was born in Surrey, England, Jan. 15, 1823, was 14 years old when the family emigrated to this country; remained at home, working on the farm, until 22 years of age, when he was married. In the spring of 1867 he moved to his i)resent place, then comi)rising but 80 (f)) n c l C< v/ ^ t <>IlIi:-^|]Df>r -2i^^S^ 8€#i©^ (^ ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. S y ^ acres, to which he has since added by purchase 60 acres; and here he has erected, by his own hands, a small residence and several good farm buildings. Mrs. Ayling is a member of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ; Mr. A. is an active and influential Republican, has held the oflfices of Super- visor two and a half terms, Township Treasurer two terms, Justice of the Peace four years and minor public positions. Jan. 19, 1845, in Warren Co., Pa., Mr. Ayling was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of William and Jane (Cochran) Baker, natives respectively of France and America, who were married in Pennsylvania. Mrs. A. was born in the township of Baker (named after her grandfather, the first settler), Allegheny Co., Pa., May 25, 1828. In this family have been born the following 11 children: Sarah J., born April 23, 1846; Mary A., July 20, 1847; Rensselaer, April 12, 1850, died Feb. 19,1872; John W., July i, 1852; Ella R., Aug. 25, 1853; Herman J., May 15, 1855; Charles L., March 13, 1858, died Oct. 11, 1867; Henry H., March 13, 1859; Jesse G., Sept. 5, 1861, died Nov. 20, 1861 ; Estella M., Oct. 16, 1864; Minnie G., March 17, 1866, died Oct. 5, 1867. «\«aaar©^@» •^3l5wraOT>. i illiam L. Faunce, farmer, section 10, Coe Township, is a son of Alden and Lucretia (Coburn) Faunce, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. They first settled in Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he died ; Mrs. F. is still living. The subject of this sketch was born in the above mentioned county, Feb. 20, 1845, was educated at the common school, and two terms at an academy ; at the age of 20 he started out in life for himself, en- gaging in farming most of the' time he remained in Ohio. In Septen.ber, 1875, he came to this county, and, in company with Lewis Hutton, purchased the " Reynolds Mill," ran it for 13 months, sold it and bought 40 acres on section 10, Coe Township, to which Mr. F. has since added 46 acres. He now has 57 acres in good cultivation. Mr. Faunce is an esteemed citizen in his community. He was elected Treasurer of Coe Township in April, 1882, and was "^ re-elected in April, 1883; he is also School Assessor. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion botlK^ he and his wife are members of the Disciples' Churchff Mr. Faunce was married, in Trumbull Co., Ohio^,\ Sept. 23, 1875, to Miss Agnes, daughter of Joseph'? and Ann Young, natives of Scotland. Mrs. F. waSf^ born in I'rumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. 23, 1850. Their three children are Annie L , Garfield and an infant. -W-i^ffl^^^^i,^ " ^^^^ homas J. Fordyce, resident at Mt. Please ant, was born in the village of ClintoiR Greene Co., Pa., Sept. 4, 1834, and is th^ son of John W. and Sally (Bane) Fordyce. His father is a native of Greene County, where he was born Feb. 13, 18 13, and in early life was a tailor by profession. He is now a resident in section 27 of Coe Township, this county, where he owns 40 acres of land. His mother was a native o( ^ Washington Co., Pa., and died in May, 1880, in Co^ Township. /7s Mr. Fordyce was reared to the age of 17 years oii= his father's farm in Pennsylvania, and at that age li^* went to Preston Co., W. Va., and passed between=i six and seven years in railroading, about two-third^ of that time as superintendent of a construction corpy He was married while there, .Aug. 22, 1856,10 Eliza^ beth Turner, daughter of Z. C. and Sarah Turner. She was born Jan. 7, 1835. After his marriage Mr. Fordyce engaged with James Kane as foreman in the lumber woods of West Virginia and operated in that capacity until the spring of 1864, when he engagec as assistant superintendent of the Preston County Candle & Gas Coal Company. y>, He remained with them until Se|)t. 30, 1865, whMj' he came to Isabella County. He made the route lr> stage from St. John's to St. Louis and thence througl the woods to Coe Township, where he bought 40 acre; of timber land on section 26. On this he resided about eight years and cleared nearly 30 acres. He sold the place in 1872 and bought 80 acres of land on section 11, of Coe Township, .|o acres of whicft^ were improved and under cultivation. The plac^ was in his possession but one year, as he sold it i^'; the s|)ring of 1873. ^ In the fall of 1872 Mr. Fordyce was nominated q^^ the Republican ticket for Sh.erilif, and was elected over Cornelius Bogan by a majority of 273 votes. Ha' -^^^^^^ U=^^ <;n II ^ Iinv>A^ :s^?^c^ m £:^ r<>t]tl§IIIli^>v^ ISABELLA COUNTY. 277 fwas re-elected in 1874, and a year after the expira- tion of his term of office he moved to a farm of 80 »,^acres in Chippewa, which had previously come into T his possession by exchange. Sixty acres of the place i^.was under cultivation and he continued to reside on and manage it until Jan. i, 1884. He moved into Mt. Pleasant Feb. i, following, and has since con- tinned to reside there. He owns two residences and lots in town, situated on Bennett's Addition. He is a a member of the Order of Masonry and belongs to /the fraternity of Odd Fellows. He lias held numer- %ous township and school offices and has officiated as ^Constable. |rlando B. Thayer, farmer and blacksmith, residing on section 22, Vernon Township, was horn in Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., June 12, 1846, and is a son of Joel L. and Mary B. (Aslicraft) Thayer. His father was a native of New York, followed farming and ^died in Isabella County, Aug., 6, 1881. His mother, >;r^also a native of New York, yet lives in this county. ^Of their three children, Orlando was the eldest. The two others were named Clarence R. and Roddie. He lived in his native county till he was nine years old; then four years at Lansing, this State; five years in Eaton County; and ten years at Mason, Ingham County. In March 1876, they came to this y county and located on section 12, Isabella Town- •';;i) ship. In March, 1879, Mr. Thayer exchanged the '^\ 80 acres in Isabella for 80 acres in Vernon, which i is now his home. He has now 30 acres improved and suitable farm buildings. He was married at Eaton Rapids, Sept. 22, 1869, to Miss Melissa Disenroth, daughter of John and Anna E. (Fearer) Disenroth, natives of Oermany. X. The daughter was also born in the " Fatherland, " V April 4, 1847, and came with her parents to America A when seven years old. She lived some years in ■-^ New York State, and then came to Ingham County, •y which was her home until her marriage. Mr. and ^> Mrs. Thayer have four children living, who were born '\~^ as follows : Delphernia, Sept. 30, 1872 ; Leroy, Sept. 7" 23, 1874; J^ewis, Aug. 20, 1876 ; and Lorenzo, June Ma «))«^#« ^^'^^^ — ^A<^[i !i % iini> 10, 1878. Roddie J. was born July 20, 1870, and died Feb. 15, 188 1. The parents are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. T. is a Re|)ublican and has held various local offices. Sk^^I eal Morrison, farmer, section 11, Isabella tE^SiI I'o^^'iisliip, was born in the vicinity of JifiS? Montreal, Canada, Feb. 3, 1832. He g^ remained on the parental homestead, assist- Ib ing his father in the maintenance of the family, until he attained the age of 20 years. On arriving at this point in life he began working in the lumber woods and continued that vocation for two years. He then "ran " logs and lumber on Lake Erie for several years, after which he returned to his former occupation in Haldimand Co., Ont., and successfully continued the same for a period of seven years. In 1864, Mr. Morrison came to this State and located in Macomb County, and again entered on his chosen occupation. He continued farming in that county until the year 1876, when he came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land, unim- proved and heavily timbered, on section 11, Isabella Township. He immediately began the improvement of his homestead, determined to make it a pleasant home and a remunerative investment. He has cleared and improved 75 acres of his land, erected thereon a large stock and grain barn and a good resi- dence, and is content with the accumulation of his own industry. Oct. 7, 1857, Mr. Morrison was united in mar- riage, in Ontario, with Miss Sarah Gormley, a native of Ireland, where she was born Aug. 14, 1837. Her mother died when she was three years old, and she accompanied her father to the New World, where, in Haldimand Co., Ont., they located and where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are the parents of eight children. The living are: Jane, born Aug. 4, 1858; Christina, Sept. 17, i860; William, Oct. 8, 1862; Peter, Oct. 28, 1864; Neal, Jan. 24, 1867; Sarah, April 2, 1874; and Jane, March 16, 1880. Mrs. Morrison is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, while Mr. M. is a Presbyterian. Politically, he is a believer in and supporter of the [)rinciples of the Democratic party. V^ 9 i I ■^T^^$@>i ^278 z^^^^^s^-:- — cr-7<>o n ^^ D ^^ j>v ISABELLA COUNTY. A ^ V iH ,lvah D. Weston, mason at Dushville, is a sun of William and Lydia (Miner) Westoii, natives of the Empire State, residents for a time in Branch Co., Mich., from 1852 lo 1877 in Hillsdale County, since which time they 1 have resided onanSo-acre tract on section 12, Fremont Township. Mr. Weston, the father, was born Feb. 25, 181 2, and has been a farmer all hislife. Mrs. W. was born in 1827. Mr. W. has had 13 chil- dren, four by his present wife. The subject of this biographical sketch, Alvah D., was born June 30, 1854, in Hillsdale Co., Mich. At 20 years of age, he commenced and served a two years' apprenticeship at the mason's trade, since which time he has followed that business. In 1877 he came and settled in Fremont Township, on section 13, remaining there a year; was then one year in Mecosta County, and then located at Dushville. In 187,1;, Mr. Weston was married to Miss Nancy, daugliter of Ashley and Cordelia (Hunt) Wilson. Her mother died in 1870, in Lenawee Co., Mich., and and her father, a farmer, is a resident of Mecosta County, where he owns a farm. There are six chil- dren in his family, three sons and three daughters, all heads of families. Mrs. Weston was born March II, 1857, and she and Mr. W. are the parents of three children, viz : Fred E., born May 17, 1S76; Oren B., April 28, 1878; Grace, June 28, 1880. With reference to political ([uestions Mr. W. is a "National," and religiously both he and his wife be- long to the Methodist Episcopal Church. ^^Cohn L. Markley, blacksmith at Vernon Wl^ Cliy, was born in Germany, Oct. 24, 1817, and lived in the old country until 35 years of age. He learned his trade of his father, and at the age of 18 went out to work at the same, traveling over a good part of Germany. He received a good education in the schools of his native country. He was married at Frommare, Feb. 14, 1849, to Miss Anna M. Appier, who was born in Germany, May 12, 1827. She is the mother of 11 children, — seven sons and four daughters. Six of the children are living. ('oming to the United States at the age of 35, he first located in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. He established a large wagon and blacksmith shojj, in which he did an extensive business for nearly twenty years. In 1862 he had visited this county and selected 80 acres in Vernon Township; and when the F. & P. M. rail- road was built through his farm, he left Ohio perma- nently, to settle here. He laid out 40 acres in village lots, and named the place Vernon City. At that time no house was nearer than four miles. His house, a large frame one, was made at Flint, already to be put up as soon as hauled on the railroad to his future home. It was the first plastered house in the county. He afterwards erected a blacksmith shop, which he operated for a time. This he abandoned, however, to give his time to improving his farm and starting the village. He is a shrewd business man, and had been very successful in his residence in Ohio, but was opposed by several unfavorable circumstances, of which one was the impossibility of reconciling his wife and children to a life in a new country. He has given half his property to his wife, but still owns 20 acres in village lots. Politically, he is a Democrat. ? homas Hannett, real estate and lumbering, ^1 Salt River, is the son of John P. and Mary tjlilii^ ** Hannetl, natives of Lower Canada. They 'uP^ died in the Dominion ; the former was drowned in September, 1849, and the latter died in 1854. Their family consisted of four boys. The second son, the subject of this sketch, was born in Canada, Sept. 1 1, 1843. His school privileges being limited, his mental force was concentrated upon such practical education as he would gain by experi- ence ; and this has been considerable, as he has great energy and perseverance. He was about six years old when his father died, and at the age of ten he went to live with a farmer, until he was 17 ; he was then apprenticed for three years to learn the black- smith's trade, but, being very apt, he became profi- cient in a short time, and did not remain as an appren- tice the full term of three years. After working as a journeyman about two years, he started in business for himself, in Canada, but soon sold out and went to V&: i ^ ;<;>;!][]; ^A-Q i^hv^i^ e|^^-(,») m ISABELLA COUNTY. -^^^^^\J^ *S ^ V '^ a ^ ^^^ .^4^. 279 Ihe oil regions of that dominion, where he was em- ployed at his trade, and also engineering, for about two years. In 1868 he came and located in New Haven Township, (iratiot County, purchasing a farm and residing upon it about three years, when, about 1872, he moved to this county and purchased a farm of 400 acres in Coe Township; after owning this about five years he sold the whole tract except 80 acreson section 13, which he still retains. He also owns 40 acres on section 36, 40 on section i, 160 on section 12, 27 in Lincoln Township, and property in Salt River. About 70 acres of his land is in cultiva- tion and productive of good croiis. In the spring of 1881, Mr. Hannett was elected Supervisor of Coe Township, which office he now fills. In politics he is a Democrat, and in social mat- ters he is an Odd Fellow and a Good Templar. Mr. H. was married, at Maple Rapids, Clinton Co., Mich., Jan. i, 1869, to Caroline A.,daughter of Philip and Mary Burlingame, who was born in Wisconsin, Sept. 22, 1849, and died March 29, 1879; their five children are, Alice E., Emory H., Ella M., Royal J. and Claude H. Mrs. H.'s father is a minister of the United Brethren Church, and is located near Reed City, Mich. itandrew J. Clute, of A. J. Clute & Co., lum- ber manufacturers, residing on section 23, Vernon, was born in Erie Co., Pa., July 14, 1847, and is a son of Christopher and Martha C. (McKay) Clute, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The parents now reside in Clare. Of their five children, four are sons and one a daughter, and Andrew is the eldest. He liver" until 14 years old with his parents in his native county, then four years in the State of Ohio, and then they came to Midland County, tliis State. He received a good common-school education under his father's care, and on setting out for himself worked at lumbering for four years. Thence he went to Clare, and thence to Sheridan Township, Clare County. In 1876 he selected Isabella County as his home, and in partnership with his father-in- law, William Turbush, erected a saw-mill on section 23, Vernon, which they have since operated. The mill has a daily capacity of 8,000 feet, and the firm handle annually about 1,000,000 feet of lumber. He was married in Vernon Township, Dec. 24, 1 88 1, to Miss Ernstine Turbush, who was born in Ingham County, this State, Oct. 7, 1858. She came vvitli her parents to this county when eight years old, and was educated in the public school at Clare. She began teaching at the age of 16, and continued in that vocation until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs- Clute have a son, Christoi)hcr W., born Nov. 14, 1882. Politically, Mr. C. is a staunch Republican. . ^^ oren A. Houghton, M. D., physician and surgeon, of Blanchard, is a son of Loren and Esther M. (Scott) Houghton. The mother was born in Vermont, March 27, i824» and died April 13, 1855, in Woodland Town- ship, Barry Co., Mich. The father was born in New York State, July 30, 1 823, and adopting the voca- tion of farmer came to Barry County, this State, in 1852. Ten years later he moved to Ionia County and lived there until 1883. He then returned to Woodland Township, where he now resides, at the age of 61. The subject of this biography was born Jan. 30, 1845, in Pittsfield, Lorain Co., Ohio. At the early age of 10, losing his mother by death, he went out in the world to take care of himself. He lived with his grandparents until 17 years old, and then commenced working out for $5 per month. A few months later he went to Ionia County, where he alternately at- tended school and worked on a farm, until 22. He then commenced the study of medicine, remaining six months with Dr. Rawson, of Woodland Center, Barry County. For the next two years he studied with Drs. Perkey and Merritt, of Charlotte. He then took a course at Ann Arbor, and was graduated March 27, 1872; when he began the practice of med- icine in Ionia County. In the autumn of 1883 he located in Blanchajd, whore he is becoming po[)ular and has an enviable practice. In June, 1873, he married Miss Diana Foster, daughter of Lorenzo and Cordelia (Dusenberry) Foster. Mr. Foster was born Dec. 25, 1821, in New York, and Mrs. Foster was born Sept. 9, 1827, in the same State. They reside in Eaton County, this State-. V 0. '^, Si/ (i) I ml "^SiSi^'i^ v<^:nD^Dnr> ISABELLA COUNTY. 'J ^^ (0 Their daughter was born July 30, 1848, in Eaton Co., Mich., and was the oldest daughter in a family of six children, all but one of whom are living. Dr. and Mrs. Houghton have had a family of three : Earl, born Aug. 15, 1875 ; Edwin, born May 4, 1880; and Edith, born May 4, 1880, and died Oct. 24, 1880. Politically, Dr. Houghton is a National. =£S- obert Johnston, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, Isabella Township, and one of ^' the leading and representative men of the '}\v ^^"'^'^1 ^^^s born in the vicinity of Ottawa, On- tario, June 23, 1842. At ten years of age Robert accompanied his parents to Pontiac County, Province of Quebec, where they located on a farm. Here the father con- Ptinued the occupation of a farmer until his death, ■ i'. March 20, 1859. 1=1 On the death of his father Robert became heir to ^150 acres, mostly improved land. He lived with his =tmother until 1865, when he came to this State and "^engaged in lumbering in different counties for a ^period and then returned to Canada. v^ ) Mr. Johnston was united in marriage with Miss Lorena Le venture, March 12, 1874. She was a native of Renfrew Co., Can., where she was born Nov. 2, 1854. Her mother died when Lorena was in childliood's years and she lived with her father, in her native county, until she attained the age of 16 years, and then accompanied him to Upper Canada, iwhere she lived, assisting in the household duties and attending the common schools until her mar- riage. The husband and wife of this biographical notice are the parents of two children: Clara L., born Feb. 2, 1875; and Percy J., born June 15, 1883. After his marriage Mr. Johnston came to this State tand located in Clare, Clare County, and engaged in the lumber business, which he continued for some ^ months and then moved to Farwell, same county, ^and continued in the lumber business for two years. i^At the .expiration of this time, July, 1878, he came to ^this county and purchased 120 acres of land, on sec- ^tion 14, Isabella Township. He has since added 40 , Tacres to his original purchase and of his entire landed interest he has no acres in a good state of cultivation. Considering that at the time Mr. Johnston pur- chased his land it was all in its original state of nature, a wild and unbroken forest, he has certainly displayed great energy and perseverance in bringing his farm to its present state of improvement. He spent three winters of his time lumbering, and his estimable wife accompanied him to the camjj and did her part to wrest sufficiency from the hand of opportunity. Politically, Mr. Johnston is a believer in and sup- jxjrter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian Church, and are respected and esteemid citizens of the township in which they reside. athan S. Parmenter, farmer, section 32, ^ Coldwater Township, was born June 12, 1809, at Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt. His parents were natives of Massachusetts and are both deceased. Their family included three sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to mature years. Mr. Parmenter remained at liome several years beyond the period of his majority, and worked as he found opportunity until he was 28 years of age. When he was 32 years old, he purchased 80 acres of improved land in his native town of Brandon. After conducting the place two years, he sold it, and bought a farm in the town of Chittenden, 1 2 miles from the former. On this he resided two years, when his father died and he again sold his estate for the pur- pose of residing with and caring for his mother on the family homestead. She lived but two years, and he again bought a farm in Brandon. The place com- prised 85 acres, and he retained its ownership five years. He then went to the State of New York and bought a place in the county of Wyoming, in which he resided 16 years. In i88r he came to Sherman City, in the township of Coldwater. William W. Parmenter, his son, had previously bought 240 acres of land near Sherman City, and Mr. Parmenter of this sketch came here to reside with him. He is a Re- publican in political principle. He was married May *v I *>' V T 1 — r 1=3 1=1 ISABELLA COUNTY. -rr- 4J was born in Albany Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, '41/' 1833- He was the third child and second ^ son of a family of four. He lost his fatherwhen 14 years old, but his mother lived until 1882. At the age of 18 he moved to Wayne County, N. Y., and lived there three years, including one season which he passed as a sailor on the lakes. Coming to Ingham County, this State, in 1854, he learned and then worked at, the trade of carpenter and joiner, until 1S64. In August of that year, he enlisted in Co. I, ist Eng. and Mech., and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, under Sherman. He fought at Nash- ville, Tenn., but being employed mostly in mechan- ical work he escaped much actual fighting. Being taken sick the last of December, 1864, he was sent to the hospital at New York city, and while there he was transferred to the U. S. Regular Infantry, in which he served until June 29, 1865. On that date he was honorably discharged. He returned to Michigan byway of Albany, N. Y., where he paid a short visit to the home and friends of his youth. Arriving in Ingham County, he shortly resolved to come to Isabella County. He moved here Aug. 12, 1865, and entered the first 160 acres of land taken in Vernon Township. This was on section 34. He soon moved into the woods and commenced to improve his land. He has worked at his trade in Mt. Pleasant a ixjrtion of the time, and spent one season in "looking" pine land in this and adjoining counties. He has given a son 80 acres, and of the remainder of his farm he hasunder cultivation 5 acres. He was first married in the spring of 1854, i Wayne Co., N. Y., to Miss Clara Wells, who wasborn| in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in Dec, 1834. She diedL at her home in Ingham County, this State, in the falN^ of i86i, leaving three children, — Jesse, Ernest and Ellsworth. The first two are n.arried. He was again united in the bonds of matrimony in Ingham County, in June, 1864, with Mrs. Nancy (Hazelton) Hunt. She was born in Ontario, Can., April 15, 1832, and when six years old came with her parents to Ingharij| County. Hy her first marriage to a Mr. Reeves, sh^ had four children, — Elizabeth, Francis E., Stella M/ and William (deceased). By her subsequent mar- riage toMr. Hunt, she has a son, Elmer D., and of her present marriage there has been born one son, George. Mrs. T. is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. T. is a member of the F. & A. M. and the A. O. P. SC )) In political matters he is an earnest supporter of Re^ publicanism. .sS^- W4 m fii \ ichard Goodwin, farmer, section 32, Isa ■■^\ Ijclla Tovvnshii), is a son of Richard andl\ Laura (Jones) Goodwin, and was born iii4-^ '(^^ the vicinity of London, Eng., Feb. 28, 1834. The parents of our suliject are natives ol England and Wales respectively, and of Eng- lish and Welsh extraction. The father was a farmer by occupation and emigrated witli his family to the New World and located in Scio Township, Washtena\« Co., this State. He shortly went to the Empire StatS and died there, in 1858, aged 63 years. The mothef died two years afterward, in i860, in San Francisco, Cal. Richard was but six months old when his par- ents came to this country and settled in Washtenaw County. When seven years old, he accompanied them to Waterloo Township, Jackson County, and three years later went with them to Ann Arbor. <^ At this age in life Mr. Goodwin launched his life- boat on the sea of events and went forth to figlil the battles of the cold, unthinking world alone. Hi^ " roses " grew not without thorns, and, going to.Wash^ tenaw County again, he went to work as a commore laborer on the farm, which occupation he continued -^«^^^ ^^^f^m^MO^ d. -*4^ ^^^ -:^^^>i^ 6^T^UM^^ -#^^(®vS ISABELLA COUNTY. :\ ?■ /N I years. He then went to work for a gentleman in Lima Township, where he worked for 21 years, at the same vocation. Feb. 4, 1858, in Washtenaw County, Mr. Goodwin was united in marriage with Miss Susan, daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Lacy) Clements, natives of New Jersey and Maryland, and of Irish and English extraction. They came to Washtenaw County in 1826, and were among the first settlers in that local- ity, and Susan was the first white child born in Lima Township, that county, the date or her birth being Nov. 24, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin are the parents of four children, two of whom are deceased. The living children ure : Samuel C, born May 28, 1865 ; and Henry C, born Feb. 10, 1868. Charles, born Aug. 7, 1870, died March 22, 1872. One child died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Goodwin located a farm in Lima Township, Washtenaw County, and successful- ly prosecuted the occupation he had previously fol- lowed, farming, until the year 1877. In the summer of that year he sold his property in that township and came to this county. He purchased 40 acres on section 32, Isabella Township, all unimproved. When he first came to the township there was but little settlement, and the hand of improvement was hardly visible; and he entered on the task of improv- ing his land under the most embarassing circumstan- ces. He has succeeded in placing 20 acres of his land in a good state of cultivation. Politically Mr. Goodwin is a Republican. He is at present Justice of the Peace, and has held that position for six years. Religiously his wife is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church; ■ - ? ■-^^^^■'^^^ H — athaniel W. Struble, merchant, Salt River, is a son of Henry and Rebecca J. (Mur- phy) Struble. (See sketch of Henry Stru- ble.) He was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 185 2, received a common-school educa- tion and remained at home with his parents till nearly 24 years of age; came to Isabella County in fall of 1868 and assisted his father in the store until Oct. 20, T875, when he bought out his father. He still owns the place, and is carrying on the mercantile business with fine success. About a year after com- mencing here he formed a partnership with J. B. Struble, which continued about two years, when N. W. Struble bought out his partner's interest. He after- ward sold out to Isaiah Lomon and engaged in the real-estate business about a year, when he purchased the stock and trade of W. W. & J. B. Struble. After prosecuting business here about one year he sold out to S. S. & B. Smith, and bought the Lomon stock. In July, 1883, he sold a half interest in this stock to J. H. Struble, and the firm is now N. W. & J. H. Struble, who do a prosperous business, averaging $20,000 to $30,000 annually. Mr. S. is a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M., and also of the chapter, R. A. M., at Mt. Pleasant; is also a member of the I. O. O. F. In political matters he belongs to the Republican party. Jan. 18, 1879, in Salt Rivet, Mr. Struble married Miss Nettie T., daughter of James B. and Lucy H. Allen, natives of Oakland Co., Mich. Mrs. S. was born in Gratiot Co., Mich., May 12, 1856. They are the parents of one child, Myrtie Pearl, born Nov. 12, 1880. .) oseph M. Bradley, farmer, section 24, Isa- L^HI'r bella Township, is a native of this State^ ,.., and was born in Lapeer County, in March, iy '851. His parents were natives of the same county in which our subject was born, and when Joseph M. was about four years of age, came to this county and received a tract of land from the Government, on which ihey resided until their death, the demise. of the father occurring July 25, 1881, and that of the mother July 15, 1875. Joseph M. Bradley, the subject of our biographical notice, is the third son of 1 1 children of his parents' household, and remained with them until their death, assisting his father on the farm and attending the Government schools. Since that time he has become possessed of the entire homestead, and now has 55 acres of the same in a good state of cultivation. . By strict integrity and fair dealing with his fellow men, coui)led with energy and determination, he has at- tained the highest representative position of his race in the township. Mr. Bradley was united in marriage. May 15, 1875, V 9 A sy r % J A^. : t ^llllf>-^ _^^S>(^^ Leander J. and Nancy (Hudson) Forbes. His father was born in Erie Co., N. Y. and is still living, in Clinton Co., Mich. The mother was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., and died in Clinton Co., Mich, about 1868. Their family included, one daugh- ter and seven sons. The sister was the eldest. Mr. Foster was the third child of his parents. He spent the first 14 years of his life in liis native county, and remained under the home roof during his minor- ity, except two months, during which he was occu- pied as a farm laborer in Oakland County, and one farming season, when he managed a rented farm in Livingston County. On the 14th of October, i86i, V^ i f? ^Je^tl" ris^'^s: 6V4-^D D^' D tlr:>:— ^ >tf^^t^ ISABELLA COUNTY. Mi f A >: V <^ I he enlisted in Co. A, Tenth Mich. Inf. His com- mand was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi and connected with the 14th Corps. In the fall of 1862 the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and was under Sherman in his historic march to Atlanta and the sea. He was mustered out of the army service Feb. 6, 1865, after a long and arduous connection with the military service of the United States. On receiving his discharge he came back to Clinton County and bought a thresher, which he managed one season. In June, 1866, he entered a claim of 80 acres of land, where he has since resided. He has cleared and improved 50 acres, and has placed his farm in a fine agricultural condition. He is a man of sterling traits of charac- ter, sjx)tless repute and acknowledged ability. He was married April 13, 1866, to Mary A. Ham- mond, daughter of Carmi and Mary A. (Willett) Hammond. She was born July 20, 1846, in Oak- land County. Her father was a native of Vermont and died in the township of Coldwater. Her mother was born in New York, and died in Clinton Co., Mich. The nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Forbes were born as follows : Isolina M., Nov. 1 8, 1 867 ; L J, Feb. 16, 1868 (died Nov. 11, 1880); L V, April 30, 1869; \Vm. H., July 28, 187 i; Lizzie E., Jan. 24. 1873 ; Alfred J., July 16, 1875 (died Nov. 8, i88o); Nora A., Sept. 2, 1876; Effie M., April 2, 1881; Myrtie, March 26, 1883. Mrs. Forbes is one of ten children — six sons and four daughters — born to her parents. Mr. Forbes is a Democrat in political connection. He has held the office of Supervisor of his township three terms, has been Treasurer seven years and Highway Commissioner two years. -^ v.'WS g'trajit ewis Stringer, farmer, section 9, Lincoln ;l Ls^ji Township, was born in Norfolk Co., Ont., y.v'i/T March 3, 1843, of American ancestry ex- fiKy tending back into Scotland and Germany. A His mother died in 1877 ; his father is still liv- ^ ing, in that dominion, having been in earlier life a farmer. Young Lewis was 18 years old when he set out for Michigan, to work as a common laborer in the lumber'woods. In February, 1868, he settled upon 80 acres where he still resides, and has improved 40 acres, erected a fine barn, etc. This place was an unbroken forest when he came. In political matters Mr. Stringer is counted among the Republicans. In his township, he has held 5he office of Drain Commissioner and School Assessor two terms. He was first married in his native county in Ontario, Jan. 7, 1867, to Miss Ellen V. Ryersee, who was born in the same county, Dec. 12, 1840, and died at her home in this county, July 30, 1880. She had two children. Dexter D. and Ada A. Jan. 29, 1882, Mr. S. again married, this time Mrs. Mary S. Austin, /it-e Banister, a native of Woodhouse Township, Norfolk Co., Ont., where she was born March 29, 1846, and came to this county in 1882. She is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. -<— - : H ^-^i-ife' t : " *- lark H. Sutherland, merchant at Clare, ^^tj was born in Deerfield Township, Living- ston Co., Mich., Sept. g, 1852. When he ^[[t was only two years old, his father, a black- smith, removed to Genesee County; and here Clark lived with his father until 1870. Go- ing in that year to Ithaca, he was for one year em- ployed as clerk in the store of John Jeffry. Next he was engaged as salesman for the Monroe (Mich.) Nursery, and was on the road for three years. In the spring of 1874 he came to Clare County and purchased 40 acres of wild land in Hayes Township. Here he farmed for 18 months, after which he worked a short time in a saw-mill. In the fall of 1875 he came to Clare and with his father started a blacksmith shop. He continued in this work until July, 1876, when he began to read law with E. D. ^Vheaton, an attorney of Clare. He studied until January following, when he assumed the duties of the double office of County Clerk and Register of Deeds, to which he had been elected. He served the county with credit for three terms, or six years. Immediately after the expiration of his official life, he established a hardware store at Clare, in company with Henry Trevidick, with a stock worth $3,000. They do an annual liusiness of $10,000. He was married at ("hire, May 6, 1877, to Miss Rose B. Alger, a native of Ontario, Can She was f ^ A c-^: 1-^^^- ATA ^ m (b 1 I 290 ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^^5f®\«' born July 25, 1858, and came to this county when quite young. Her three children are all living: OthoM.,born March 21, 1878; Roy L.,June 6, 1880; and Edwin C, March 3, 1882. Mrs. Sutherland is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. S. is a member of Farwell Lodge, No. 335, F. & A. M., and Harrison Lodge, No. 331, L O. O. F. He is now President of the Village Council of Clare. In politi- cal affiliation he is a Democrat. lornelius Bogan, merchant and Postmaster at Calkinsville, Isabella Township, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Dec. 4, 1833. When 13 years of age he was apprenticed by his father to a flax dresser, and remained at that vocation for three years, until he was 16. On arriving at that age, he joined the English regular army and served with it four years. During that time he was engaged in the Caffre war. At the expiration of four years he left the service, his term of enlistment having expired, and came to this country. He arrived in the New World April 7, 1852, and came almost direct to Osceola Township, Livingston County, this State. Here he followed the occupation of a farmer for three years and then went to Wayne County, where he was engaged in farming and burning charcoal until the year 1861. That year he moved to Washtenaw County, and was there occupied in "job ditching " until the breaking out of the late war. No sooner had the news flashed along the wires " that Sumter had been fired on," and a call was made for strong hands and loyal hearts to battle for the perpetuity of the Nation's flag, than Mr. Bogan offered his services. He enlisted in Co. E., Seventh Mich. Vol. Cav., and was assigned with his company to the Army of the Potomac. After his discharge, in 1862, he joined the construction corps and was engaged in East Tennessee and Georgia, until the close of the war. After the war Mr. Bogan came to Washtenaw County, this State, where he remained until the fall of the same year and then came to this county and purchased 200 acres of land in Vernon Township. He entered on the task of improving and cultivating this land. He improved 50 acres of it and erected thereon a good residence, and then sold it and went to Calkinsville. At that place he engaged in the mercantile business, and has continued the same to the present time. Mr. Bogan was one of the first settlers of Vernon Township. He helped to organize the same and was elected the first Township Clerk, which office he held for two years. He was afterward elected Supervisor and held that position for five terms. He also held all the minor offices of the township and gave general satisfaction in each. Mr. Bogan was first married at Manchester, Eng., Aug. 13, 185 I, to Miss Ellen Farrell, a native of Ire- land, where she was born about the year 1833. She was the mother of seven children to Mr. Bogan, five of whom are living: Edward, born Nov. 21, 1853; Cornelius, May 6, 1856; Margaret, Dec. 8, 1858; Mary, June 5, 1865; and Lydia Nov. 7, 1867. The deceased are: Ellen, born July, 31, 1861, died July 27, 1866; and John, born Aug. 5, 1863, died July 25, 1868. Mrs. Bogan departed this life at her home in Calk- insville, May 23, 1880, leaving a host of friends and relatives to mourn her loss. She was a good wife, a kind and a loving mother. In April, 1881, in Saginaw, Mr. Bogan was a sec- ond time married, choosing for his life partner Mrs. Mercy A. Miller {nee Curtis.) She is a native of Ontario, Can., where she was born in 1858. She is the mother of two children by her former husband (B. Curtiss), — Jeannette and Frank. Mr. Bogan is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public for a considerable length of time. He is a member of the Order of Masonry, Lodge No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant, and is an esteemed and respected citizen of his township. (^ 'r^ 4 -i ^^A,^^■|^S•V^/^-5- eorge B. Alger, farmer on section 15, Ver- non Township, was born in Northumber- land Co., Can., June 11, 1847, and lived in his native county on his father's farm until 16 years old, when he went to Houston Co., Minn. After a time he returned to Canada and spent two years there, when he came to St. Clair, this State, and with a brother enlisted in the ^ r >s ^'5$§^«»- JS!^'^^;'^ ■^m ^ i]d;i>-=-^ — ^='^' -f^^'^f^^M: "^ m r^^ ^ (o\m :-.■■ V i. J 291 army, enrolling in Co. H, ist Conn. Heavy Art. He was at the storming of the gun-boats on the James River, and was also present at Lee's surrender. He was honorably discharged Oct. 10, 1865. Returning to St. Clair County in 1867, he and his father and a brother came to this county, locating on 380 acres of land on section 15, Vernon Township. The two sons afterwards removed to Kansas aud for two months carried on farming in Osborne County. Thence they went to Colorado, and then returned to Isabella County. He bought 80 acres on section 2, and in 1875, selling this, he bought his father's homestead of 80 acres. He has since added greatly to the value of the place by making improvements. He was married March 25, 1875, in St. Clair County, to Miss Eva Ledsworth, who was born in Ontario in 1855, and died at her home in Clare, April 5, 1877, leaving one daughter, Cora, born June 16, 1876. He was again married, in Clare, March 18, 1880, to Miss Maggie Murdock, born in New Bruns- wick in i860. She died in Vernon Township in March, 1881, leaving a son, George, born March i, 1 88 1. He married his present wife April 18, 1882, being united with Miss Ann Jane Greenaway, who was born Jan. g, 1852, in Ontario, and came to this State in the spring of 1881. She has had one child, Morley, born March 22, 1883, and died Dec. 6, 1883. Mr. A. is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, L O. O. F He is politically a Democrat, and has held the office of Township Clerk for two years, being the present incumbent. ■-^Si' ^amuel C. CoUey, farmer, section 34, Cold- water Township, was born Nov. 26, 1841, ^* in China, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is the son of Charles and Polly (Chase) Colley. They were both natives of the State of New York. His mother died in August, 1841. His father was twice married, and lives in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. Tiie issue of the first marriage was two sons, both now living in Isabella County. Five children were born of the second marriage, three of whom are deceased. Mr. Colley became the master of iiis own fortunes at the age of 20 years, and passed the first summer thereafter as a farm laborer, working by the month. The civil war broke out about the time he engaged in his opening struggle with independent life, and, as soon as his summer's labors drew to a termination, he resolved to enter the military service of the United States. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 78th N. Y. Vol. Inf, and in 1863 his regiment waston- solidated with the i02d N. Y. Inf. The command was assigned to the 12th Corps in the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Colley was wounded twice at the battle of Chancellorsville, one bullet passing through the right lung and another striking him under his left arm. Both bullets passed through to the shoulder blade. He lay on the field until the third day after he was wounded, when he was taken prisoner, and was placed in a field hospital. He was iiaroled two weeks later, and went to Acquia Creek hospital, go- ing thence a short lime after to the Chestnut Hill hospital. He was next transferred to the Convales- cent Hospital in Virginia, and as soon as sufficiently recovered he joined his command at Raccoon Moun- tain. The regiment proceeded to Stevenson, Ala., where its main body re-enlisted. The surgeon re- jected Mr. Colley, and he was mustered out Oct. 31, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga. Immediately after his discharge he came to Barry Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land, wliere he entered upon the work of the pioneer. He resided there nearly two years, when he sold out and entered a claim of 80 acres of land in Coldwater Township. The tract was wholly unimproved, and the pioneer experiences were as severe and full of privadon as are in the records of others that have been transcribed a countless number of times. Mr. Colley's arrival in the township was preceded by but one individual, Harry Brubaker, but he did not bring his family until after Mr. Colley came. Prices of provisions at the points where they were to be ob- tained were fabulous. Pork was 30 cents a pound, and flour sold at $22 per barrel. The only means of locomotion were furnished by ox teams, and the settlers were obliged to obtain all their su]ii)lies fronr Mt. Pleasant and Millbrook, traveling thither with oxen and camping out over night in the woods. One of his first crops was millet, which he sold for $40 per ton, and bought potatoes for $2 a bushel. Dur- ing the first winter after their arrival they sold a piece of land in the southern part of the State. The nearest official by whom the papers could be made out lived at Millbrook, 18 miles distant. The ox ^^ C^: St/ % '<^y^ s^^gJJKl 4^^$(®>(H 292 ISABELLA COUNTY. :^ ^) team had been sent away to be kept through the win- ter, as they had no feed. Mr. and Mrs. Colley put their baby in a hand-sled and walked to Millbrook, in order to conclude their business engagement. It was midwinter and the journey was most wearisome. Mrs. Colley became so fatigued that she sat down on the sled with her little child in her arms, and her husband drew the double burden to enable her to recover her strength and obtain a little rest. Mr. Colley is a Republican in political faith and action, and has been prominent in the affairs relating to the progress of the township since he became a resident. He has served two terms as Justice of the Peace and one term as Township Treasurer, in which office he is now serving. Mr. Colley was married July 25, 1865, to Lucia M. Harper. She is a daughter of Benjamin F. and Delilah P. (Chase) Harper, and was born Dec. 10, 1845. Mr. Harper's family included 13 children, nine of whom are living. Both parents are still alive and reside in Isabella County in the near vicinity of their daughter. The record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Colley is as follows : Charles F., born Aug. 7, 1866; Lloyd Clayton, July 26, 187 i ; Guy G., Nov. 5, 1875; Walter Eugene, Jan. 13, 1882; Eva, Aug. 5, 1876 (died March 6, 1877); Iva, Feb. 7, 1878 (died Aprils, 1878); Lloyd David, Sept. 19, 1868 (died Aug. 5, 187 1); Myron, July 14, 1879 (died Sept. 16, 1879). >y^^5^; illiam Ross, general merchant at Clare, '^jli^^ilil was born in the town of Mentz, N. Y., jl^iP^^''^ Dec. 9, i84r, and lived in his native place ^> until 1 86 1, with his parents. His father, Hon. Giles Ross, came to this State and located in Livingston County, where he still re- sides, at the advanced age of 70. He has held various local offices, and has been Representative in the Legislature two terms. His wife, A. Melvina (Forshee) Ross, is also living. At the age of 1 3, the subject of this biography en- tered Auburn Academy, and took a course of five years, academic and collegiate. He lived with his parents on the home farm until 1872, when he came to Clare as State Road Superintendent, his father being a contractor. At that time the main street had only been "logged out;" wolves and deer were plentiful in the woods around, and were often seen in the town ; and there were but three mercantile establishments. His brother owned one of these, — ■ a general store, and here he worked while he erected a building for himself He often worked at night. He started first a flour and feed store, and three years later commenced the sale of general merchan- dise, on Main Street. He has done an annual busi- ness of $22,000. He owns a fine frame residence, and has in various ways contributed towards the building up of his town. He vvas married June i, 1865, in Hartland, Living- ston Co., Mich., to Miss Laurie A. Smith, who was born in that county about September, 1840. She re- ceived a good education, finishing at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, and followed teaching as an oc- cupation until her marriage. The following chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross are living: Junius, Derward, Giles and Charles (twinsj and Maud. Willie and Maud are the names of two who died. Mrs. R. is a memberof the Congregational Church. Mr. R. is politically independent, and was the first Trustee of the village. i ^' 'homas J. Root, fiirmer on section 29, Union Township, owning 100 acres on the eastern part of the northeast quarter of section 29, is a son of Collins and Hannah (Parker) Root, and was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, May 29, 1839. He was reared on his father's farm and followed agriculture in Ohio until December, 1870, when he came to Union Township, this county, and bought his ])resent farm, ten acres of which were then cleared. He now has a fine farm, with 80 acres under cultivation, a valuable orchard, substantial barn and other improvements. He intends to make a specially of fine shee|), and has already 79 head, including 25 merinos. He takes an interest in horse-flesh also, and owns five good colts, besides a fine stallion sired by Henry Clay, Jr. At the Mt. Pleasant fair of 1883, he took two prizes for a span of roadsters, one aged two years and the other 13 years. At St. Louis, he took first prize for the two-year old as a roadster, and a second prize for his stallion. A >; n .^3!!l;gg;«3^ <^n!i:^in;>^ £1^. -^'^ io^- 4^^^((^J^} 1^ i;'5«v^tf**- -^if^ ^ crv C>iiii^n[i^->r 4^^f®V^ ISABELLA COUNTY. A >5 293 He was married in Andover Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, March 7, 1864, to Miss Martha C. Butler, daughter of George and Ruth E. (Cochran) Butler. She was born in the same locality where she lived until marriage, April 21, 1840. Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Root, all are living but one. Lena E. was born in Andover, June 26, 1865 ; Lem- uel J., .Vpril 10, 1868; Gertie, in Union Township, this county, April 5, 1870; Clinton L., July 29, 1874; Nina P., July 27, 1873; Claudie E., April 4, 1878; Bessie, and an infant which died unnamed, Aug. II. 1882. Mr. R. and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been Highway Commis- sioner for two years, and is the present incumbent. He enlisted Jan. 10, 1861, at Meadville, Pa., in Co. I, Tenth Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private under Capt. Ayer. He enlisted for " three years or the war," but was taken with erysipelas and fever at White-House Landing, in front of Richmond, and was discharged at Newark, N. J., Dec, 13, 1862, on account or disa- bility. June 18, 1864, at Galena, 111., he again enlisted, in Co. C, 140th 111. Vol. Inf. He held the appoint- ment of Third Sergeant, and served six months, fighting in a number of skirmishes with the guerrillas in Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi. He was finally discharged at Chicago, Oct. 27, 1864. •'^tsJiSfS^Sr'-'^^^^^ 4^f®«ra?[>v .ames M. O'Brien, farmer on section 22, Vernon Township, was born in Ireland, in December, 1827, and at the age of 15 came with his sister to New Brunswick, where he yi lived for five years. Thence he went to the State of Maine, and three years later he came to Ontario, where he operated a saw-mill until 1865. In the spring of that year he came to Sagi- naw, and in March, 1867, he settled on 80 acres of wild land in this county. Here they had many thrilling pioneer experiences and suffered many pri- vations incident to a life in a new country. Deer, foxes, bears, wolves and other animals were often near the house. Supplies could not be i)urchased nearer than 12 miles away, and extortionate prices were charged for the necessiries of life. Meat frequently sold at 25 cents per pound. Mr. O'Brien has now imjiroved about half his farm, which includes a fine orchard, six acres in extent. In December, 1846, at St. John's, N. U., he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Sullivan, who was born in that city March 2, 1833. Nine children have been added to the household, seven of whom are now living. Their record is as follows : Bar- tholomew, born Aug. 12, 1847 ; Simon, Aug. 3, 1853; Anna, Jan. 17, 1856; Frank, May 5, 1857; Mary, April I, 1859; Irwin, May 11, 1S65 ; Margaret, July 1, 1869. The deceased were Catherine, born March 2, 1851, and died Feb. 17, 1868; and James, born in January, 1855, and died Aug. 19, 1877. Mr. O'Brien is politically a Democrat. He has held various local offices in his townshii). t '°. hineas J. Jakeway, carpenter and joiner, ___.K- section 6, Lincoln Township, was born on f^ the site of Saratoga, N. Y., May 4, 1812, 5'^ when but a few log huts comprised the build- ings of the place. When 14 years of age he was apprenticed to Chauncey Kidney, of Saratoga, to learn his trade; in 1828 he went with Mr. K. to Rochester, N. Y., remaining with him in his employ- ment ; at 2 1 he was made foreman, with the promise that, if he remained faithful, he should come into possession of all his master's property at his death, which provision was carried out, the property amount- ing to $5,000. After the deatli of Mr. Kidney, Mr. Jakeway continued his trade in Buffalo, N. Y. July 4, 1832, at Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., he married Eui)hemia Kerr, a native of Newark, N. J. The following year he moved to Calhoun Co., Mich., and completed some mills and bridges which had been contracted for previous to Mr. Kidney's death. Then he did some work in Branch County, while making his home in Calhoun County, in which latter place his wife died, in 1835, leaving two children, Calvin and Cynlhia, both of whom now reside in Wyoming Co., N. Y. In 1840 he built his last flour- ing mill, the first erected in Saginaw City, Mich. He then was in Buffalo, N. Y., until 1851, when he came to Detroit Mich., and built the residence of the noted millionaire, Capt. E. B. Ward. Next, he moved to Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where, Oct. 10, 1858, for his second wife, he married ^' A 1 i V) -jcj^^^^^sr ISABELLA COUNTY. -2»3^ ^^t>^SV^ 1 f t Mrs. Harriet E. Chapman, nee Edwards, who was born in Covington, Genesee Co., N. Y., Dec. i6, 1827, resided in Ohio from 1840 to 1854, and since that time in this State. By her first marriage her children were, Adelia, Henrietta J., Martha A., Seldon and John, — the second and third of whom are married and reside in Lincoln Township, this county, and the two latter are deceased. By the present marriage the children are Miles and Fred J. July 4, 1 86 1, Mr. Jakeway enlisted in Co. A, First Mich. Vol. Inf , in the Army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner in July, 1862, during the seven- days battle at Gaines' Mill. After a confinement in Libby prison for five weeks, he was exchanged, and he was finally discharged at the hospital at Wash- ington, D. C, by Dr. Starr, in the fall of 1862. In December, 1863, he re-enlisted, in the Sixth Heavy Artillery, in the Department of the Gulf, under Gen. Banks. On his discharge, Sept. 5, 1865, he went to Ann Arbor, Mich. In February, r866, he came to this county and bought 40 acres where he still resides. He has con- tinued to work at his trade, having built most of the houses in Ml. Pleasant up to 1875. In 1874, his leg was mashed, in the erection of J. Q. A. Johnson's block. He erected the first self-supporting bridge across the Chippewa. Most of his land is improved, by his sons. In regard to national issues Mr. Jakeway votes with the Democratic party. ^^^Eenry H. Graves, attorney at Mt. Pleasant, I was born Jan. 12, 1847, in Warsaw, Ky. fil,te#'** He is a son of Lorenzo and Virginia(Hamp- ton) Graves. His father was an attorney and died Feb. 13, 1873, at Warsaw. The mother is a native of Kentucky and resides at Mt. Pleasant with her daughter, Mrs. C. E. Westlake. On the breaking out of the Southern insurrection the family removed to Cincinnati, as they were not in sympathy with the rebellion. Two daughters, now Mrs. J. W. Long and Mrs. John B. Doughty, were placed at school in the Oxford Female College, at Oxford, Ohio, and Mrs. Westlake at a preparatory school. Mr. Graves, of this sketch, only son, Wiis sent to the Miami University at Oxford. After the war the family returned to Warsaw, where they re- sided until the death of the father, when, in 1873, they removed to Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Graves read for his profession with his father and became thoroughly familiar with office work under his direction. Later, he entered the Law De- partment of Louisville University, where he prad- uated in 1869. He was admitted to practice Feb. 8, 18615, when but 18 years of age, and prosecuted the business of an active attorney until he received his degree. In the same fall he came to Detroit and en- tered the office of his brother-in-law, J. W. Long, then Indian agent. In 187 1 he came to Mt. Pleasant and opened an office for the practice of his profession, combining this with dealings in real estate. He was associated with S. J. Scott in the practice of law from 1873 to 1876, and from that date until June, 1882, pursued his duties singly. He then became associa- ted with Cyrus E. Russell, which relation existed un- til March 4, 1884, when his partner withdrew. Mr. Graves has seen much public service in the affairs of his county. He was appointed Supervisor of Isabella Township in November, 187 i, to fill an unexpired term. He was also Highway Commissioner of that township one term. In 187 2 he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Isabella County, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Albert Fox, and dis- charged the duties of the position until Jan. i, 1874. In 1876, and also in 1878, he was the candidate on the Democratic ticket, in opfxisition to S. W. Hopkins, for the position of Representative in the Legislature of Michigan. He was appointed Village Attorney in 1S83, and re-appointed in 1884. In 1880 he was ap- pointed Chief of the Fire Department, which posi- tion he ha? filled continually to the present time. He was editor and proprietor of the Isabella Times during the years 1877-8, and sold his journalistic in- terests to Major Long. He managed the paper in the interests of the National Greenback party, and its later proprietor has converted the sheet into a Re- publican journal. Mr. Graves is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Wabon Lodge, No. 305, at Mt. Pleas- ant, and St. Louis (Gratiot Co.) Chapter, No. 87. He owns his residence at Mt. Pleasant and about 100 lots in the village of Longwood, north of the former place; also eight acres on section 15, of Union Town- ship, which he designs converting into a vineyard. Y. U 9 V ^i (j^cyuA^. q/ a^^i^^i-y^-^^-t^^ I 1 If •^ V ISABELLA COUNTY. 297 He is connected with a company that owns 1,200 acres of land in the counties of Leelanaw and Ein- mett. The marriage of Mr. Graves with LuUi B. Robin- son occurred April 18, 187 1, in Warsaw, Ky. She was born in that city and is the daughter of Frank S. and Martha P. Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Graves have had six children, two of whom are deceased. Their births occurred as follows: James R., April 18, 1872; Henry, Jan. 12, 1874, and died Nov. 30, 1876; Lulu, Aug. 18,1876; and died Oct. 14,1883; Archibald, June 17, 1878; Thurman, Dec. 3, 1880; Nellie, March 22, 1883. (5^ Si enry Struble, retired merchant, Salt River is a son of John W. and Sarah (Laycock) Struble, who were natives of New Jersey, and settled first in Morrow Co., Ohio, where the former died, about 1834. The latter afterwnrd I removed to Fulton Co., Ohio, and in i86r died at the residence of her son Henry, in Williams County, that State. Their family comprised seven children. The subject of this sketch was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Nov. i8, 1824, and when ten years of age his father died; he remained at home with his mother until of age, working for the support of his mother and the younger members of the family much of his time until 16 years of age. In the meantime he learned the tanner's trade, and when of age he em- barked in the business with his brother William, in Morrow County, and also in Williams County. The partnership continued about seven years; Henry then carried on the business alone for about five years, when, on account of failing health, he aban- doned the vocation and engaged in the butcher's business for about four years. He then entered the mercantile trade, first in Fulton County and after- wards in Williams Co., Ohio. In three or four years he sold out and returned to butchering for about two years. In June, 1868, Mr. Struble came to this county and embarked in mercantile business at Salt River, and, although he met with many heavy losses, he prose- cuted a flourishing trade imtil 1874, when he sold out to his son, N. W. Struble, and purchased a farm of 40 acres in Chippewa Township, managed it about two years, sold, and moved to Salt River, where he has since resided. He was once elected Highway Commissioner for a term of three years, but, on account of business, he resigned after one year. He has oflen been urged to accept various public trusts, but has generally refused such positions, never aspir- ing to office. In national affairs he acts decidedly with the Republican party. He is a charter member of the blue lodge of Freemasons at Salt River, also of the Royal Arch Chai)ters at Mt. Pleasant and St. Louis, and of the Salt River Lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. Struble was first married, in Fulton Co., Ohio, to Miss Rebecca J., daughter of Barrett and Guthrie Murphy, who were natives of New England. Mrs. S. was born in Richland Co., Ohio. In this family were born three children, namely : Nathaniel W., Rebecca J. and Sarah L., — the latter dying when 18 months old. Mrs. S. died in Fulton Co., Ohio, and Mr. S. was again married, in the same county, to Eliza, daughter of James H. Wickham. She was born in England. By this marriage, there are four children, viz. : Catherine M., Jason H., Albert and Kenneth. % eter Sanford, general farmer, section 3, Lincoln Township, was born near Mount .,|,|l!^i«--^ Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 'j:'.'^ 1831. Excepting a few years spent in Canada .jljil and Michigan, he remained at home with his '\^ parents until 30 years old. Being the eldest of seven children, three boys and four girls, he had in a great measure to care for them and a widowed mother. He was married in 1855, to Miss Rlioda Ann Campbell, a native of New York, who died at her home in Allegany Co., N. Y., seven years afterward. Slie had one child, Melvin, who was born May 27, 1857. Two years after her death, Mr. S. came to Michigan and located a quarter of section 3, Lincoln Township. Aug. 22, 1865, he was again married, in C"oe Township, this county, to Miss Sarah E., daugh- ter of Isaac E. and Margaret (Withum) Hunt, natives of Ohio, where Mrs. S. was born, in Bennington, Morrow County, June 22, 1845. When 16 years of ®)^#- ^'^^ @7H'>D !1 '^Mt^y^ ^"^§3^^ 4^ (S)$^#^' ~^iiif%^fi^ ISABELLA COUNTY. age she came to this State, and devoted some years to teaching. She is a member of the Free Methodist ''X^ Church. Their children are, Minnie M., born Feb. I 15, 1867; Hattie E., April 14, 1873; and Floyd I., (5; Sept. 6, 1 88 1. Mr. Sanford has disposed of half his original pur- chase, and improved 50 acres; has held the school oflfices of his township, and in politics is a decided Republican. Mr. Sanford's portrait is given on a previous page. 1=3 ^ ^''^^ Hh i^li^i^ Horning, farmer on section 36, ^l i^^l lr Vernon Township, was born in Jefterson ^^^ Co., Pa., Nov. 14, 1848, and went with his ^) parents when six years old to New York State ; three years later, to Lorain Co., Ohio; and in 1866 to this county, locating on the town- ship and section above mentioned. In 1874 he purchased 40 acres of land, all wild, and of this tract three-fourths is now cleared and under cultiva- tion; and he has also erected good farm buildings. Jan. I, 1876, in this county, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Angic Matthews, who was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Nov. 8, 1857, and came to Isabella in 1874. Two children have been born: Quincy E., Jan. 27, 1877; ^"d Myrtic M., Nov. 27, 1879. In political faith, Mr. H. is a zealous Republican. ames Kinney, farmer, section 3, Isabella i^ Township, was born in St. Nicholas, Prov. ince of Quebec, Canada, June 7, 1856. While quite young he accompanied his parents to Cornwall, Ont., and there lived for seven years. From Cornwall the family moved to Dickinson's Landing, Stormont Co., Can., taking James with them. He lived with his p.irents in this county, assisting his father in the maintenance of the family and receiving the advantages of the com- mon schools, until he attained the age of 16 years. On arriving at this age, Mr. Kinney left the parental home and engaged to learn the art of cooking, which he readily actpiired and followed, being engaged as cook in lumber camps a number of years. In the fall of 1874, Mr. Kinney came to this coun- ty and purchased 1 20 acres of land on sections 3 and 10, Isabella Township. He did not settle on this land until the spring of 1881, when he located on 40 acres of the original 120 he had purchased. He has cleared and improved 36 acres of the 40 and the remaining 84 acres is heavily timbered. On the 14th of November, 1881, Mr. Kinney was united in marriage at Mt. Pleasant, this county, with Miss Mary, daughter of James and Alice (McHaney) Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland. Her father died in Evart, Osceola Co., this State, and her mother lives in Deerfield Township, this county. Mary was born in Ontario, March 11, 1863, and came to this county with her parents, where she has constantly resided since 1878. The husband and wife are the parents of two children ; Frederick J., born Aug. i, 1882; and Ellen L., born Dec. 23, 1883'. They are both members of the Roman Catholic Church, and have been connected with the same from childhood. Po- liticall) Mr. Kinney is a Democrat. it,'*a';mos r. Albright, farmer, section 24, Gil- }j fi"ifi ii nioreTownship, wasborn May 15, 1801, in J-Ijfc^ Seneca, N. Y. His parents were natives of "''ilf Germany ; and the son is the sole survivor of .% a large family. While he was a babe, his parents 1 removed to Genesee Co. N. Y., where he re- mained a resident until he was 31 years old. In 1832 Mr. Albright went to Ross Co., Ohio, where he resided four years. While there he buried his first wife, two children, mother and brother. He was a miller and millwright by trade, and he built and owned several mills in Michigan. He went to Oakland Co., Mich., in 1836, where he remained un- til 1838. His next remove was to Livingston County, this State. He built there a flouring mill, which proved an unfortunate investment, and, not long af- ter his property passed out of his hands he went to Davisonville, Oakland Co. .where he remained two years, going thence to Northville, Mich. While liv- ing there he buried his second wife. He made an- other remove to Milford, where he built a flouring mill. He next went to Linden, Genesee Co., Mich., where he spent a year occupied in building a grist- mill. In 1864 he became Superintendent of the V&' A 4 1^> r? -si^^>^ fc i m M:^r^)^m^ -as^^^ I ISABELLA COUNTY. ri^^ 4^^5(<®V(^ (A> A ^ I 299 Government mills at Indian Village in Isabella County, which furnished the milling supplies for the Indians. He operated in that capacity until 1870, when he entered a homestead claim of 80 acres and has since devoted his attention to farming. Mr. Albright was married in 1822 to Olive Wheeler, by whom he had six children. Three of these met with death by accident, one by scalding, one by drowning and one by laudanum poisoning. His sec- ond marriage, to Miss Marietta Blackman, occurred in 1837. The issue of this union was four children, the youngest of whom lost his life in the battle of the Wilderness. The third marriage of Mr. Albright oc- curred in 1846, and his wife Lore him seven children. He is a Baptist in religious connection and a zealous Republican in politics. One of the most prominent positions of his life was that of member of the con- vention at Jackson, Mich., when the Republican party was organized. He has held several local offi- cial positions. i^ L than Button, farmer, section 9, Ueerfield ®'*llt) Township, IS a son of Ethan and Lois (Beels) Button, the former a native of St. j|f^ Lawrence Co., N. Y., and the latter of Connec- ticut. They first settled in Oswego Co., N. Y., where the former died, May 26, 1862 The widow afterward came to this county, and died Aug. 2, 1879, at the residence of her son Ethan, in Deer- field Township. In this family were 14 children, seven of whom grew up, si.x sons and one daughter. Tiie subject of this sketch was the 13th in the above mentioned family. He was born in Oswego Co., Jan. 22, 1843, educated at the common school, and at 15 years of age was employed on the Erie Canal, where he continued for 15 seasons. He then settled on a farm in Oswego County, which he had purchased some time previously, and which he car- ried on for two seasons, and then exchanged it, in 1878, for a quarter of section 9, Deerfield Township, this county, where he resides. He has since bought and sold different tracts of land, but he still owns 160 acres, 22 of which is subdued to cultivation. In Oswego Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1865, Mr. Button married Miss Eunice, daughter of Lorenzo and An- nette (Porter) Bartlett, natives of that county, where they still reside. Mrs. B. was born in the same county, May 30, 1847. The children of Mr. and Mrs. B. are: George L., Annie E., James E., Ida May and Harvey R. One died in infancy. 'I'lie par- ents are of the Methodist persuasion, and in politics Mr. B. is a Republican. ;ra*P illiam W. Cox, of the firm of W. W. Cox jM^;, & Co., druggists at Mt. Pleasant, was born ^i»v_i'>^'^* April 12, iSci, in Princess Anne Co., vkSn Va , and is the son of Isaac and Virginia J4^ (Williamson) Cox. His father was born in X, Albany Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, 182 i, and was a physi- cian by profession, graduating in 1848, at the Wood- stock (Vt.) Medical College. He died Jan. 23, 1865, in the city of Philadeljihia. His mother was born Nov. 12, 1830, in Norfolk Co., Va., and is now living in Berkeley, in that county. When he was. less than two years old the parents ot Mr. Cox went to Southampton Co., Va. He attended common schools until he was about 14 years old, when he came to Michigan and entered the drug store of his uncle, Dr. W. G. Cox, at Ypsilanti. He remained there five years, meanwhile attending the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Michi- gan, one term. About 1872 he opened a drug store in Detroit, which he continued to manage 18 months. He went thence to Howard City, Montcalm County, where he was similarly engaged two years, after which he went to Norfolk, Va., and was employed in that city four years as a clerk. In April, 1879, he entered the naval service of the United States, en- listing at Norfolk for special duty as first-class aix)the- cary. He officiated in that capacity three years, and came thence to Milan, Monroe Co., Michigan, where he opened a drug store. He continued in business there eight months, when he returned to Norfolk and spent two years as a clerk. In February, 1884, he opened his present business at Mt. Pleasant, where he is now meeting with satisfactory success. Mr. Cox is a member of the Order of Knights of Pythias, the American Legion of Honor, Chosen Friends and Knights of Maccabees. His marriage to Mary E. Winnigder took i)lace in Berkeley, Va., Oct. 16, 1879. She was born May 17, 1859, in Portsmouth, Va., and is ihedaughter of Jacob il % ))«^|« ^^^^^^ jzi^ A<^D!]^nnr>^ -4^^ ■:2^^ 6V<^^I1 tl § n Dn>V^e« :J^^ 4^^f ISABELLA COUNTY. and Virginia (Smith) Winnigder. Tiie children of Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born as follows: Clarence B., in Portsmouth, Va., Nov. i8, 1880, and William G., Nov. 9, 1883, in Berkeley, Va. 2 % V eorge E. Dixon, farmer on section 8, Den- ver Township, is a son of Joseph and Eliz- p{ abeth (Summons) Dixon, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Quebec in 1843 and lived there till their death. He was born in Quebec, June 23, 1847, and when quite young went to live with an uncle in Petersboro Co., C. W., where he remained three years. He came to Saginaw in 1865 and was employed in a saw-mill about three years. He then spent a year in Manitoba, and returning to Saginaw was employed on the river handling logs most of the time until January, 1882. He then came to Isabella County and settled on 80 acres of wild land in Denver Township, which he had bought the year previous. He built a good log house and other buildings, and now has 25 acres cleared. He was married in Saginaw City, Nov. 25, 1875, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Richard and Mary (Raggart) Pearson, natives of Ireland. She was born in Canada, Sept. 25, 1851, and is the mother of one son, George E. Mr. Dixon is politically a Reiniblican. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. eorge B. Horning, farmer and carpenter, residing on section 36, Vernon Township, was born in C)swego Co., N. Y., March 20, 1S46, and is a son of Adam N. and Mary A. (Waldon) Horning, natives of New York, and of German-English descent. Mr. Horning, Sr., was by occupation a farmer, moved when George was very young to Lorain Co., Ohio, and after several other moves died, in Texas, in 1880. His wife died in this county, in 1872. The subject of this biography lived with his par- ents, attending the school and growing up after the manner of most farmers sons until 18 years of age. He then followed the lakes as a sailor for about K-V®)5«^# ,>Ci^ seven years. He was on the " Black Swan" when she sunk near Cleveland, in 1862, and escaped un- hurt with the rest of the crew. The succeeding three years he was employed in a vineyard on the banks of Lake Erie; and in August, 1865, he selected this county as his permanent home. The following year he bought 40 acres on section 13, Vernon. This he did not occupy ; but he afterwards bought 40 acres on section 36, where he has since resided, and has improved the whole tract. He was married Aug. 19, 1870, in Vernon Town- ship, this county, to Catherine Curtis, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Miller) Curtis, natives of Ontario, Can., where the daughter also was born, Oct. 10, 1853. Losing her father when two years old, she lived with her mother until her marriage, coming to this State when 1 1 years old. Three chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. H., only one of whom is living. Irvin VV. was born March 21, 1876 ; and Myrtle A. was born Oct. 25, 1879. Mr. H. is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, 1. O. O. F., and is politically an earnest Republican. He has been School Inspector, Highway Commissioner two terms and Justice of the Peace. This last office he has held four years. homas McGuire, farmer, section ir, Gil- more Township, was born March 10, 1844, ^ in Canada. His parents, Charles and Re- becca (Boyd) McGuire, are natives of Ireland and reside in Ontario, Can. Mr. McGuire re- sided with his parents until he was of age, and when he began his struggle in life on his own respon- sibility, he engaged in lumbering, in which he was in- terested five years. At the expiration of that time, he removed to Saginaw, where he was engaged in similar business ten years. About 1873 he purchased 80 acres of land in Isabella County, of which he took possession Oct. 13, 1870. At the time he located upon it, it was wholly unimproved, but diligent and persistent labor has placed 55 acres in creditable farming condition. Mr. McGuire is a Democrat in political connection. His marriage to Sarah McKnight occurred Sept. Vr, C <}n%iw> w f^#^ r^m^ ISABELLA COlfNTY. •zz^^^ ^^m^^ 301 4 V 24, 1878. She was born April 10, 1858, and is the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Mills) McKnight. Robert B., only child, was born Nov. 12, 1879. ewis C. Hawkins, farmer on section 7, Denver Township, is a son of Jacob and ^^ Margaret Hawkins, natives of Steuben and |j Dutchess Cos., N. Y. His father died in Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 15, 1861, and his mother yet survives. The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 14, 1835. He attended the common schools in his youth and lived in his native county until 26 years old, employed in farming. He after- wards removed to Ingham County, where he worked at different occupations nearly 17 years. He then lived a short time in Kent County, and in November, 1876, he came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres where he has since lived. He has about 35 acres improved. He was married in Ingham County, Mich., Oct. 13, 186 1, to Emily, daughter of Alexander and Emily (Bailey) Moore, he a native of Ireland and she of the State of New York. Mrs. Hawkins was born in Schuyler Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1846, and is the mother of one son, Claud L., born March 4, 1878. Mr. H. has been Township Treasurer two years. Justice of the Peace four years, Supervisor three years, and has held various school offices. He is the present Supervisor of Denver. He enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, in the 24th Mich. Vol. Inf., and served till Dec. 31, of the same year. He was honorably discharged for disability. Ofhomas Phillips, farmer, section 3, Deer- field Townsliip, was born in Ontario, Can., Oct. 3, 1834; his father, Matthew Phillips, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died when he (Thomas) was a year and a half old. The latter was adopted by William Cosgrove, of West Gillensbury, Ontario, Can., and lived with him until 15 years old. The next four years he worked by the month, after which he cuUivated a rented farm for five years. He then was employed l)y the ^ At2c^i?.,. -^^f:. ^A< ■i H !] month for six years, after which, in his 31st year, he moved to Michigan, arriving in West Bay City May 3, 1S65, where lie resided five years, and in South Bay City, nearly five years ; in 1874 he came to this county, where, on section 3, he has since resided as a farmer, except one year at Bay City. When he made his present location the only white men within six miles were two lumbermen ; so that he is truly a pioneer. Sept. 27, 1853, Mr. Phillips married Miss Jane Alexander, who was born in Ontario, Can., Nov. 12, 1S36. Eight children have been born in this family, six sons and two daughters, namely: Joseph, William Henry, Thomas Albert, Frankie and Annie, living; Mary Jane died March 27, 1865 ; Edmond (" Eddie "), in March, 1872 ; an infant died at birth. if#|jk illiani I. Simmons, general farmer, section ^.wUl) [jj Lincoln Township, was born in Novi, jj_»Y~i Oakland Co., Mich., May 22, 185:. His v^K.' father, Richmond C, was born in Wayne County, Mich., of New England ancestry and has ever been identified with the agricul- tural interests of Wayne and Oakland Counties ; is one of the most prominent farmers of his county. His grandparents were people of unusual force of character, and possessed a large amount of property in Wayne County, this State. His mother, Hiildah (iiee Power) Simmons, is a native of the Empire State, of New England ancestry, and is still living, in Oakland Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of four children, — three sons and one daughter; lived with his parents until 30 years of age; was educated at the Northville union school, at Ypsilanti, Pontiac and Ann Arbor. During the summer he worked on his father's farm until he was 20 years of age, when he began teaching in the public schools. He graduated at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti in 1872, and until 1882 he alternated between teaching and at- tending college. His last school was in the district where he now lives. He has had two union schools, namely, at Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., and at Pewanio, Ionia County. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Repub- lican. Sept. 8, 1880, in Plymouth Township, Wayne Co., 9 1 ISABELLA COUNTY. i >5 ISC Mich., Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Hattie E., daughter of John and Sarah (Gumming) Shoesmith, natives respectively of England and Canada, and of English ancestry, who now reside in Ingham Coun- ty, this State. Mrs. S. was born at Almont, Lapeer Co., Mich., Jan. i, 1857, where she lived until six years old, and then went to Wayne County, where she grew up and was educated. She is a member of the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one child, Floy L., born May 2, 1882. fames Reed is a farmer of Wise Township, re- \\t siding on section 16. He is a native of the Dominion of Canada, where he was born in October, 1842. His parents, James and Margaret (Erwin) Reed, were born in Ireland and emigrated to Canada, where the father died, in 1842. The mother still survives Mr. Reed remained in his native province of Lower Canada until 14 years old, and then in Upper Canada until 7866, when he came to St. Clair Co., Mich., and resided there 12 years, on a farm of 40 acres which he owned. In November, 1877, he sold his property and came to Isabella County. He re- sided some time at Loomis, but eventually bought a farm in Denver Township. On this he pursued agriculture about four years, when he bought 120 acres of improved and in Wise Township. He has cleared about 18 acres. In politics Mr. Reed is a Republican. He was married March 25, 1864, in the county of Victoria, Can., to Sarah A. Hook. They have had ten children, eight living. Robert E., William J., Charles W., Margaret J., James H., Almina M., Albert Allen and Alice Ann. The two last named are twins. Mary R. and an infant are deceased. " ieholas Phillips, farmer, section 36, Gil- ls' more Township, was born Aug. 25, 1834, in West Kent, England, and is the son of W> \y Jos^l'l'' ^"d Mary (Johnson) Phillips, both of 0^ "/^ whom were natives of England, The mother died Dec. 25, 1881. ^ Mr. Phillips emigrated to this country in Novum- bar, 1855, and he first took up his residence at Marshall, Mich., where he spent six months farming- and chopping. At the expiration of that time he went to Detroit and worked for a butcher seven months. In January, 1866, he purchased 80 acres of land in Isabella County, whither he removed his family Oct. i, 1868. Not long afterward he entered a claim of 80 acres under the provisions of the Home- stead Act near the land he purchased and where he has since resided. He is one of the earliest settlers of Gilmore Township, and has held various town- ship offices. Mr. Phillips was married July'5, 1S61, to Cynthia Jane, daughter of Isaac P. Terry. She was born Nov. 28, 1844. Following is the record of the six children born of this union : Mary E. was born Oct. I, 1864; George Edwin, May 14, 1866; Emma Ger- trude, born April 26, 1868; Francis Warren, June 24, 1874 ; Joseph Henry was born Nov. 7, 1862, and died May i, 1877. Thomas A. was born May 14, 1866, and died June 25, 1870. eorge M. Quick, carpenter and lumberman, . I .- resident at Loomis, was born April 23, 1839, "viv *" '" Canada, and is a son of James and Sarah J. (Loranay) Quick. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. The first 20 years of the life of Mr. Quick were passed in his native place, and during that period he attended school, worked at farming and was also occupied in lumbering. At the age mentioned he went to the city of New York, where he remained about three months, and at the end of that time he came to Saginaw County, Mich. He spent three years there in lumbering, and in 1863 he went to Kentucky and other Southern States in the employ of the United States Government, and worked as a carpenter about two years, when he returned to Saginaw County and for a few months followed his trade there. He went thence to Grand Haven, Ottawa County, where he remained until 1869. In that year he again returned to Saginaw County. In the spring of 187 i he came to Isabella County and located at Loomis, where he has since resided with the exception of 1 8 months, which he spent in Saginaw County and the northern counties of Michigan. Since he became a resident A 5>; s:/ f r i^)^/^l»«^#- ■r:r-7 ^nn^iiny> T" "sas^^^sT i ^ A ISABELLA COUNTY. Z°Z ~\ J, of Loomis he has been occupied' as a carpenter and lumberman. Mr. ()uick belongs to the Democratic i)arty in pol- itics. He has been prominent in public life and was first elected Supervisor of Wise Township in the spring of 1873. He served one year, and in the spring of 1876 was re-elected and continued in the incumbency of that office until the spring of 1S81. He has been Higliway Commissioner two years, Jus- tice of the Peace two years, and in 1876 was ap- pointed Notary Public, which position he still holds. He is a member of tlie Masonic Order and belongs to VVaubon Lodge, No. 305, at Loomis. He vas married March 10, 1865, in East Saginaw, to Abby A., daughter of Russell and Loretta (Fan- cher) Lytle. The parents were natives of the State of New York, and the daughter was born Jan. 14, 1848, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. Of five children born to them three are living, — Effie M., Charles M. and Ella L. Martha J. and Vida are deceased. , ames ]j. Bush, farmer and proprietor of the ^- " Half-Way House," between Clare and )unt Pleasant, at present residing on section 10, Isabella Township, was born in Petersboro Co., Ont., June 25, 1837. He is the oldest of a family of nine children, and was reared on the farm, assisting his father in the maintenance of the family. He remained under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of man- hood, when he engaged on a steamboat and soon became a pilot on a Rice Lake boat, which position he held for ten years. Among the reminiscences of his life during his vocation as a pilot, he relates that on one occasion a lady passenger missed her footing and fell into the lake, and he, being a good swimmer, jumped in and rescued her from a watery grave. On another occa- sion, — having from boyhood turned his attention to music and become proficient in the use of the violin, — while a large dance was in progress, he began play- ing on his violin in the immediate neighborhood, and' soon the hall was vacated, and the dancers stood listening to the sweet music of our subject's skillful performance rather than keep time to that of a first- class string band which was playing for them. Three years after the death of his father, Mr. Bush brought his mother, brothers and sisters to this State and located in Midland County. At this time he became proprietor of the "Half- Way House" between Midland City and Mt. Pleasant, and for si.x years successfully conducted the same. At the expiration of that time he went to Clare, Clare County, and es- tablished the first hotel ever built in that place. At this period in the life of Mr. Bush he received a very severe injury, which was undoubtedly the cause of his mother's death and came very near costing him his life. He was at Mt. Pleasant, and while there and engaged in moving a house, a beam struck him, breaking his jaw and also his shoulder. Few men could have received the injury he did and recover, and to his hardihood and iron constitution he is in- debted for his life. In December, 1873, he came to tiiis county and located on section 10, Isabella Township, and en- tered at once on the laborious task of improving his land. The purchase he made was all wild land — a forest — and with his usual energy and perseverance he entered on the arduous though pleasant task of clearing and improving it, determined to make a permanent home for himself and family. Mr. Bush was united in marriage at Sidney, Ont., Dec. 23, 1873, to Miss Nancy J. Hanna, a native of the same county in which Mr. B. was born, and of Scotch extraction. She was born Aug. 5, 1839, and lived with her parents until the date of her marriage. Mrs. Bush is the mother of five children born to her husband. The living are Jerry T., born Nov. 25, 1873; and Emily J., Sept. 28, 1882. Mary J., James H. and Hattie M. are deceased. The husband and wife are members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Churches respectively, and in ])olitics Mr. B. is a Republican. ?^? 'i5-i5^^i£2i50^0£^;t^i,,f^ l^jharles W. Robir.son, fujner and mer- -117 -^ chant, section 2^, Rolland Townshii), is a p'lP son of Barton C. and Henrietta (Ransford) VI, Robinson, natives of Ohio. His father, an 'jV agriculturist, emigrated to Gilead, Branch Co., Mich., and afterward to Calhoun County, where he now resides, in the city of Marshall, en- gaged in gardening for the city. His mother died in 1S59, in Blanch County. i t ©) v<^WmUr>r ISABELLA COUNTY. > Mr. R. was born Aug. 22, 1852, in the last named county; was nine years old when the family returned to Calhoun County; was in Iowa two years; then in Branch County a year; then worked on a farm in St. Joseph County four years, and finally came to this county, setding on 80 acres of section 23, where he now resides ; but half of ihis he has since sold. Politically, Mr. R. is a Republican, and he has held the official position of Cons'able. In 1875, Mr. Robinson married Elizabeth Kreigh- baum, who was born May 25, 1858, a daughter of George and Caroline (Dougherty) Kreighbaum, natives of Ohio. Her mother died in 1876, in this county; her father, who has been a farmer and a carpenter, is still living with this family. Mr. and Mrs. R. have three children, namely : Charles H., born March 29, 1877 ; George F., May 28, 1879; and Barton, July 7, 1881. ■^aeaeriSiC-' ^^^^;^. .^Qfumn^ onas C. Cope, farmer on section 9, Vernon Township, was born in Brant Co., Ont., Feb. 7, 1831 ; and is the son of David and ), Amanda (Patrick) Cope, natives of Canada and r New York. The parents are yet living in Brant County, aged respectively 85 and 83. They have reared six children, — -Melinda M., Frances L., Charlotte C, Ransom M., Jonas C. and Lewis C. All are living and reside in Ontario, with the excep- tion of Ransom M., who served four years in the army and now lives in Nebraska, and Jonas C, the subject of this sketch. The father of the family is worth about $15,000, and his sons are well-to-do farmers. The subject of this sketch attended school and worked on his father's farm until 16 years old, when he apprenticed himself to Messrs. Fisher & McQues- tion, of Hamilton, Ont., to learn the trade of molder. After serving his time (four years), he came to this State, first locating at Romeo, Macomb County. Here, for some five years, he worked at carpentry, which he had learned without special preparation. Returning to Ontario, he lived nine years more in his native country, working at the same trade. In April, 1869, he came to Ovid, Clinton County, and for the next four years he carried on farming. In the fall of 1873 he came to this county and settled on 160 acres, the northeast (juarter of section g, Vernon Township. This farm, covered with an unbroken forest, he had purchased in 1869. By industry and perseverance, he has redeemed a large portion of his farm to a condition of usefulness, has erected good buildings, and is now beginning to reap the rewards of his labor. He was married in Romeo, Macomb Co., Mich., Jan. I, 1856, to Miss Orpha Beagle, who was born in that county .April 19, 1837. Her parents, Charles B. and Salomi (Inman) Beagle, were natives of New England, followed farming, and died in this State, the mother in 1839 and the father in 1878. Mrs. Cope lived with her fatherand step-mother unul mar- riage, receiving a good English education. Follow- ing is the record of the children of this marriage: Roselta M. E., born June 4, 1858; Chades D. M., Dec. 29, 1859; Ella A., May 4, 1865; Lewis Frank- lin, Nov. 21, 1866: Ransom M. W., Dec. 31, 1870; and Cora E., Nov. 30, 187 i. The two deceased are : a child which died in infancy ; and George A., born Nov. 21, 1861, and died Oct 22, 1863. Rosetta M. E. was married Jan. i, 1878, to John A. Allen, a farmer of Vernon Township. Charles D. M. is em- ployed in a mill at Mt. Pleasant. The otiiers are at home. Mr. and Mrs. C. aic members of the Free Method- ist Church, with which denomination he has been long connected. He filled the pulpit for ten years. Hf is politically an "Andrew Jackson Democrat." Being no office-seeker, he has invariably declined the positions of trust and honor which have been ten- dered him. Ijfimothy Dingman, farmer, secliun 26, Isa- bella Township, was born in Lexington, ^ Co., Ont., June 15, 1834. His parents % died when Timothy was only two years old and he went to live with his uncle in North- umberland County. He remained with his uncle, working on the farm and a portion of the time attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 14 years. On arriving at this age, Mr. Ding- man went to work in tlie lumber woods, which voca- tion he continued until 26 years of age. He then Di-^A-^r '^^^^—, 4^^^ '^ V. ^5 1 V) I: ''^^^■^^ y^h^,/fj^^^z^€ '€^ ^ CO A 1 ? — 4 ISABELLA COUNTY. went to Clearfield Co., Pa., and there engaged in the same occupation for one year, when he went to Niagara Falls and ran a saw-mill for five years. On leaving Niagara Falls, Mr. Dingnian came to this State and settled in Ovid, Clinton County. Five years later, in 1S73, he came to this county and after a year at Mt. Pleasant, rented the " poor farm," which he cultivated for three years with a moderate degree of success. Leaving that farm, he moved to Isabella Township. He had purchased 40 acres on section 26, in 1873, and in 1874 purchased 40 acres on section 22, that township, and it was on this land he moved and began the arduous task of improving it. The land was heavily limbered, a perfect forest ; and yet, having a firm faith in the future development of the county and the neighborhood, the enormous amount of labor necessary to clear and improve it did not daunt him. He has battled against obstacles and trials, and now has 40 acres of his land under a good state of cultivation. He has met with considerable disaster, his house, which cost him $1,000, having been destroyed by fire May 23, 1883, with almost all his household goods; and yet he never gave way to despair, but went manfully to work and soon had the burnt structure replaced. His energy and persever- ance, coupled with integrity and fair dealing, has given him a prominence in his township, and his prosperity in the face of adversity has demonstrated his right to be denominated one of the progressive farmers of the township. Mr. Dingman was united in marriage, May 7, 1865, with Miss Maggie J. McKnight, a native of Ireland, where she was born Oct. 15, 1846. When six years of age her father emigrated to Canada. Mrs. Dingman, though young when she crossed the waters, remembers well the seven-weeks voyage. A terrible storm arose and daylight was almost dark- ened by the overhanging clouds, when the vessel became disabled by losing her main-mast, bulwarks and cook's cabin. The storm came on with all its fury, and the Captain said "One more wave and we shall all be lost!" The passengers fell on their knees, and then, in the center of the mighty ocean and in the midst of the raging elements, oflfered their united prayers to the Ruler of the Universe for deliverance. Their prayers were heard, and the disabled vessel, with its thankful passengers, landed safely at its destination. Mrs. Dingman remained with her father in Canada until 17 years of age, when she went to Niagara Falls. On arrival at that place she engaged to learn the profession of dress-maker. She acquired the knowl- edge of that art and followed the same for 16 years. In 1868 they returned to Canada, but did not remain long, believing they could do better in the " States;" and the following year, 1869, they moved to this State and settled at Ovid, Clinton County. The husband and wife are the parents of three children, born and named as follows: Ida K., April 13, 1867; Lorena E. M., April 23, 1869; Harry J., Aug. 12, 1875. The father and mother are both connected with the Presbyterian Church, and are s)^ respected and esteemed citizens of their township. Mr. Dingman, politically, is a Democrat. He has been honored with the district offices of his township, and is prominent for the stand he lakes in the advo- cacy of temperance. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 97, Ovid, Mich. i (f i! IJji illiarn H. Whitaker, Justice of the Peace Aji? _!^J^Sg in Broomfield Township, and farmer on ?jp section 23, is a son of William and Lepha ^ (Morrison) Whilaker, natives of New York. O; \ s^^^^^^l- '%^^. > The father was born in Hamilton County, April 26, 1804, came to Michigan in 1854, and is now living in the State of Indiana. His wife was born in 1802, and died in Branch County, this State, in 1866. Their son William was born June 24, 1833, in Hamilton Co., N. Y., and attended school until 16 years old. He then came at that age to Branch Co., Mich., and worked by the month one year. He then shipped on board the barque Samuel Thomas, on which he sailed six years. During this time he visit- ed Africa, the Western Islands, West Indies, and Cape Verde Islands, and landed at New Mattipoisett, Mass., in Sept., 1851, after a three years' trip. Re- shipping on the same vessel, they visited nearly the same places, and went on a whaling expedition, cap- '^ luring a great number of those animals. After a trip i of three years and four days, he landed once more at ^'i' the same place. He then shipi)ed at New Bedford ^ as second mate of the "Oliver Crocker," also a whaler. ^ This voyage lasted four years and nine days, and (y) took them through the Indian Ocean, China Sea, to ^ Sfe^^®^^^^ I T >J V A ^ New Zealand and Australia. He came to this county in 1879. He was married in the State of New York, Feb. 14, 1859, to Miss Mary Steele, who was born April i, 1843, in Fulton Co., N. Y., the daughter of Simon and Amy (Van Wart) Steele, natives of New York. Mr. S. was born in 1805, and died in 1877. Mrs. S. was born in 1806 and died in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have three daughters, — Mary B., born June 26, 1861 ; Lydia M., Nov. 18, 1862 ; andHattie, born March 15, 1876. Mr. Whitaker has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and is now Drain Commissioner, to which office he was elected in the year 1882. He is a Re- publican, and a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union Army, and was assigned to the navy, on board the monitor Mahopac. This vessel was engaged at the battle of Fort Fisher, N. C. He was discharged at City Point, Va., Nov. 26, 1864, for disability caused in the line of duty. We take pleasure in adding Mr. Whitaker's por- trait to the " art gallery" of this Album, as that of an exemplary citizen of Isabella County. ohn A. Wolfe, farmer on section 2, Broom- afield, is a son of Eli and Nancy (.*\llen) Wolfe, natives of New Jersey and Pennsyl- vania. The parents were born respectively in ^L 1806 and 1 8 14, and mad their home in New Jersey, where the father died in 1S76, and where the mother yet lives. Mr. Wolfe was born May 10, 1834, in Warren Co., N. J., and lived at home until 23 years old. He was at that age, Aug. 30, 1856, married to Miss Harriet Garrison, who was born July 11, 1839, in Sussex Co., N. J., the daughter of Henry and Mary A. (Brush) Garrison, natives of New Jersey, .\fter marriage, Mr. W. lived in his native slate until 1867, then was seven years in Ionia County, this State, and then moved on his present 80 acres, of which 40 are im- proved. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have two children, — Matilda A., born May 17, 1858, and Eli E.,born Oct. 29, 1863. Mr. W. is politically a Republican. He has been Highway Commissioner, Superintendent of Schools and Justice of the Peace. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. ames Ostrander, Postmaster and general ^ merchant at Loomis, Wise Township, was born May 13, 1821, in Elgin Co., Ont., and is the son of William and Sarah (Ryckman) Ostrander, both of whom are natives of Can- ada. The father died July 24, 1875; the mother is still a resident of the Dominion. Mr. Ostrander passed the period of his minority in the fulfillment of his filial duties, aiding his parents in the support of their family and working on his father's farm. On reaching the age of 21 years he undertook the management of his grandfather's farm, which he continued two years. His next enterprise was as a peddler of tinware and agricultural imple- ments, in which he was engaged five years. Mean- while, he bought 100 acres of land in Howard Town- ship, Canada, on which he commenced operations as a pioneer, building a log house and entering vigor- ously into the work of clearing and improving his land. He remained on the place about eight years and had placed about 30 acres under improvements when he sold his farm, for $1,400, wliich he invested in 200 acres in the same town. He occupied this place until 1862. In i860 he opened a daily stage route from Thamesville to Ridgetownand Morpeth. He opened business as a general merchant at Ostrander ]X)st- office, where he was appointed Postmaster. He con- tinued his operations three years, but, meeting with adverse fortune, he found himself under the neces- sity of arranging for a different line of business, and he sold his stock. In 1864, he came to the city of Detroit, where he remained through the winter. During tliat time he encountered further disaster in the form of severe illness, which dissipated his entire means. In the spring of 1865 he came to Saginaw City and kept a boarding house one year. The en- terprise did not prove an encouraging success, and he rented a small tract of land near Saginaw and commenced gardening. The season was unfavorable and he gave up that business. He was again afflict- ed with illness during the winter of 1873, and in the spring following he employed himself a short time in the sale of fish at Saginaw, by which means he ob- tained something of a start ; and soon afterward se- A \i/ -.ff^ -^"^^ — '^T^<^D!lsna^t>A^ (";■'■ m ®>)^#«-- ^ r4^llll^:llllv> ^v ^ 1=1 ISABELLA COUNTY. 309 cured a situation as a peddler of tinware, in which he was engaged three years. In 1876 the Saginaw capitahst and lumberman, Amrai W. Wright, engaged him to take charge of the business owned by him at Loomis and managed under the firm style of Wells, Stone & Co. He operated in that capacity two win- ters. In 1878 he rented a small building at Loomis and began business for himself. He gradually ex- tended his field as his relations multiplied and wid- ened, and he is now doing a good business. In 1881 he received his appointment as Postmaster from President Arthur. In political affiliation Mr. Os- trander is a Republican. He belongs to the Order of Good Templars, and is a member of the Masonic Order, Farweil Lodge, No. 335. He was married Dec. 10, 1859, at Orford, Canada, to Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Webb) Gos- nell, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where Mrs. Ostrander was born, May 20, 1830. Ten chil- dren, born to Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander, were named as follows: Rachel, Mary, William L., George H., Sarah E., Eliza A., James H., Frances C, Ellen J. and Ida A. George and Ida are deceased. All are married except Ellen J., and all are sober, industri- ous and happily surrounded. — 5- #-# ^— I tenry E. Ward, farmer, section 5, Deerfield Township, is a son of Charles L. and Emily (Parmelee) Ward, natives of Genesee Co., N. Y.; she died in September, 1S54, and he af- terward moved to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he still resides. They have two daughters and two sons. The eldest son, the subject of this biographical notice, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 185 1; when about six years of age his father came to Mich- igan, where he remained at home with him until about 30 years old, the last nine years of which time he worked his father's farm on shares. In the spring of 1 88 1, he came to this county and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in Deerfield Township, where he now resides and has about 33 acres under culti- vation. He is an exemplary farmer and citizen, a man of sterling principle, and in politics is inde- pendent. He was first married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Nov. 26, 1876, to Miss Susie L.; daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth Dunn, who died the 7lh of the following September; and Sept. 27, 1880, in the same county, Mr. Ward married Miss Clara R., daughter of Lewis and Rosanna (Brower) Hagcr, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. Mrs. W. was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1859. By this marriage there are two children, — Lewis M. and Ethel M. K^ -^ -T^ €S- oderick Campbell, farmer, section 2, Gil- more Township, was born March i, 1828, on Tiree Island, on the west coast of Scot- land. His parents, Daniel and Njincy (Mc- Donald) Campbell, were born, reared and lived nearly their entire lives in the Scottish Highlands. Mr. Campbell left Scotland in July, 1845, and land- ed at Halifax, N. S. He went to Sidney, Cape Bre- ton Island, where he remained three years, working one year as a farm laborer, and the two years fol- lowing, in ferrying by the month. He came thence to Boston, Mass., and went to Springfield in that State, where he stayed less than a year. He then moved to Wayne Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming at %\ I per month. Two years after, he emigrated to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and worked on a farm three years, at $144 a year. At the expiration of that time he commenced to work land on shares, and he spent about eight years as a farm assistant and renter. In 1867 he purchased 40 acres in the town of Augusta, Washtenaw County, for which he paid $600. On his arrival in Washtenaw County he had but 50 cents in money and a few household articles, which collec- tion did not include a stove. In the upper part of the first house they lived in, Mrs. Campbell found an old baker which she scoured bright and made serviceable for six months. The farm purchased by Mr. Camp- bell was in an unbroken state of wildness, and he sold it 14 years later for $1,700. In February, 1882, he purchased a farm of 160 acres of partly improved land in Isabella County, for which he paid $1,000 cash. On this he is expending his strength and ener- gy with all the effectiveness of good judgment and laudable purpose. Mr. Campbell was married June 4, 1846, to Mary r f^^f^ u^uil. mmM<>^ a. .^^s^^^ -^^JflXM ^ Jane, daughter of Herman and Mary (Thompson) •0 Calhoun. She was born June 25, 1824, in Nassau, ^v5» Rensselaer Co., N. Y. The following is the record y of the six children born of this marriage : Josephine, (Suborn Aug. 6, 184-; John C, April 24, 1852; Mary Ann, Aug. 19, 1855 (died July 10, 1861); Eliza Jane, July 26, 1858 (died July 16, i86i);Mar)^ E., Oct. 11, 1861 ; Benj. H., June 18, 1864. ■'enry Adams, farmer and shoemaker, re- wi siding on section 35, Isabella Township, was born in Hesse, Germany, Sept. 29, 1840. When six years of age he was brought to the New World by his brothers and sisters, the parents having both deceased. They first located in Erie, Pa., and three years later moved to Ashtabula ■ ) Co., Ohio. When 15 years of age, our subject ap- ^ prenticed himself to a Mr. Nehemiah Phillips, for ^ four years, to learn the shoemaker's trade, and con- ° tinued in that vocation until the expiration of his ap- J^; prenticeship, working the last year as a "jour." He ° then came to Alma, Gratiot County, this State, and ^ engaged with Mr. James Gargett. S During the civil war, Mr. Adams enlisted in Co. I( -s A, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., Feb. 25, 1864, commanded by Col. Ely, of Gratiot County. The company was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He partici- pated in the battle of the Wilderness (six days) and all the battles in which his company was engaged up to the time of the battle of Petersburg. During the latter named action he was taken sick and sent to the hospital at Philadelphia, where he remained until the close of the war; and he was honorably dis- charged May 5, 1 865 . He was several times wounded but received no injury of a serious nature. At the time the war opened, Mr. Adams was not a citizen of the United Stales, never having taken out his pa- pers, and he took tliem out mainly for the purpose of joining the army. I After his discharge, in 1865, he came to Alma, this State, and in the fall of that year went to Mt. Pleas- 't^ ant and worked at his trade for Mr. L. Bently for one fgjr year. He then worked for himself, at Alma, and irS continued to carry on his trade at that place until , ^ the summer of 1874, when he dis|)osed of his village 7" property by trading the same for 70 acres of wild land on section 35, Isabella Township, this county. He immediately n.oved on his newly acquired land and entered on the task of improving it, and now has 55 acres under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Adams was first married in Alma, Sept. 17, 1863, to Miss Hannah S. Rogers, a native of Ohio, where she was born June 22, 1844. She bore to Mr. Adams three children: George, born Feb. 27, 1866; Frank W., born Aug. 14, 1868; and William H., born April 12, 1873. Mrs. Adams died at her home in Isabella Township, of a congestive chill lasting one hour, April 27, 1876, mourned as a loving wife, kind mother and generous friend. The second marriage of Mr. Adams occurred Sept. II, 1876, at St. Louis, and the lady of his choice was Miss Augusta Buchholz. She is a native of no country, being born on the "bosom of the waves" while her parents were en route from Germany to this country, Aug. 21, 1855. She has borne her hus- band two children: Minnie, Oct. 23, 1S77; and Charles, Oct. 27, 1883. Polirically, Mr. Adams is a believer in and sup- porter of the principles of the Republican party. He has held the position of Director of his school dis- trict, and is a progressive citizen of his township. -— ^' rrin Moody, farmer on section 24 RoUand |ft is a son of Israel and Abigail (Tubbs) V^ A c-<^; V Moody, natives of New Hampshire and South Carolina. The father was first a resi- dent of New Hampshire, but moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he died in 181 9. His wife died in the same county. The subject of this biography was born July 22, 1814, in the State of New Hampshire, and lived at home until 18 years old. Coming to Michigan, he lived in Washtenaw County three years, then in Livingston County three years, and then settled in Eaton County, where he resided 40 years. He came to this county in 1880, locating on 80 acres on sec- tion 24, RoUand, where he has now 24 acres in a good state of cultivation. He was married in 1835, to Desire Carr, who was born June 25, 1816, the daughter of Nathaniel and Esther (Conger) Carr, natives of New York, where the father died Nov. 21, 1865, and the mother in 1^ r I ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^^^\l^ 3" 1 ^ ^ /N >r V ^ I846. Mr. and Mrs. Moody have had nine children, whose record is as follows : William H., born May 13, 1838; Sylvester, born \iig. 7, 1840; Edward W., born July 14, 1842, and died Dec. 2, 1883; Esther A., born Jan. 27, 1845 ; Israel VV., born March 14,1848; Augustus E. and Augusta, born Nov. 21, 1850; George L., born Jan. 30, 1856; Ellen J., born May 27, 1858, and died Nov. 21, 1858. Mr. Moody is politically a life-long Democrat. fjlK}|; eter J. Marthey, merchant at Leaton, Den- l E^ IJ; ver Township, is a son of Peter E. and JliU^ Margaret (Jennelte) Marthey, natives of Jipj^ France. The parents emigrated to America 7,J\ in an early day, married and settled in Holmes Co., Ohio, where she died, July 3, 1872. He sur- vives. The subject of this sketch was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Sept. 30, 1851, and lived in his native county until the spring of 1882, engaged in farming. He then came to Isabella County and bought 77 acres of wild land in Denver Township, where he now resides. He has 48 acres improved. In June, 1883, he bought out the stock of goods at Leaton, then owned by W. A. Chatterton ; and he now car- ries on that business. He was married in Holmes Co., Ohio, Nov. 22, 1877, to Josephine C, daughter of Joseph and Mary Trahan, natives of France. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 6, 1854, and is the mother of three children — Edward E., Angela M. and Francis C. Mr. Marthey is politically a Democrat. He and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. ■^^^■\/y^ J- , f'-^avid W. Brooks, farmer, section 34, Cold- ^^^> water Township, was born Aug. 20, 1834, '^-^ in Sumpter Township, Wayne Co., Mich. 'f^ His parents, David and Susannah W. (Allen) j^ Brooks, were nativesrespectively of Vermont and New Jersey, and died in Wayne Co., Mich. Their family comprised nine children. Mr. Brooks is the youngest child of his parents and remained with them until their deaths, caring for them in every filial manner and securing to them the ease and freedom from responsibility which was the just reward of their laborious and well-directed lives. In return for this devotion Mr. Brooks received from his parents the deed of the home farm. In 1865, soon after the decease of his father, Mr. Brooks sold the homestead and bought a farm in Van Buren Town- ship, Wayne County, where he resided until 1873, when he bought the place which is at present his homestead, consisting then of 80 acres of land in a wholly unimproved state. The place now includes 45 acres of improved and cultivated land. Mr. Brooks is a Republican in political sentiment, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace one term and has acted one year as Supervisor. He was married May 4, 1856, in Van Buren Town- ship, Wayne County, to Miss Elsie M. Carpenter. She was born May 4, 1837, and is the daughter of John and Lucy (Bennett) Carpenter. Her father died in November, 1874, and her mother is still liv- ing, in Belleville, Wayne Co., Mich. The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Brooks is as follows : J. Elmer, born Dec. 7, 1858; Leone W., Feb. i, 1862 ; Florence, Oct. 8, 1863 (died Oct. 27, 1867); Freder- ick C, April 6, 1869; Eva, March 2, 1874. ~»*'i£fi'®^-^— ^^ m * '^^ z^^ ^'V<^WSU^^>¥^ :^^^ ^^^fsVM 312 ISABELLA COUNTY. > ^ i 6 He enlisted Aug 17, 1861, in Co. I, 20th Ohio Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He fought at the second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, South Mountain, Antietam, Vicksburg, Mission Ridge and all the battles involving the 15th Corps, and also in numerous skirmishes. He escaped unhurt except by a bruise from a piece of bursted shell, which dis- abled him for a few days, and he was honorably dis- charged June 5, 1S65, being in the service nearly four years. He came direct from the army to this county, and secured 80 acres of land, of which 55 are now improv- ed. He was married March 1 1, 1850, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, to Miss Mary Render, who was born in England, July 15, 1825. Her father, Francis Render, died in Ohio in 1875. Her mother, Elizabeth (Sut- tle) Render, died in the same State, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Stine have six children, — Ann, Francis, Diana, Thomas, Rose and George. One, William, is deceased. The parents are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Mr. S. is a member of Clare Lodge, No. 333, I.O. O. F. He is politically a supporter of the Republican party ; has been High- way Commissioner three years and is now School Assessor. !^rank D. Pierce, farmer on section 6, Rol- j land Township, is a son of Leroy and iv' Cynthia (Husted) Pierce. The father was iffe born in Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y., in 3^ 1827, and has been a carpenter and farmer. 4 The mother was born in Oxford, N. Y., in 1828. They moved to Pennsylvania, then to Illinois, wheie they lived two and a half years ; then to New York State ; and finally seven years later to Tioga Co., Pa., where they now live. Their son Frank was born Dec. 9, 1856, in Tioga Co., Pa., and lived with his parents until 19 years old, when he came to this State and county and lo- cated on 220 acres on section 6, Rolland Township. He has now 170 acres well improved and good farm buildings. He was married Dec. 26, 1880, to Miss Jennie Seely, who was born in 1855, in Tioga Co., Pa., the daughter of Lewis and Mary (Burr) Seely. Mr. Seely was born in New York in 1829, and has fol- lowed farming in Tioga Co., Pa., up to the present '^ time. Mrs. Seely was born in Penny slvania in 1843. '^] They had eight children, six of whom are now liv- Z^;. In political sentiment, Mr. P. is a Rep\iblican. ^ ared H. Doughty, of the firm of Doughty ^^ Bros., hardware merchants atMt. Pleasant, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1839. His parents, George W. and Emeline (Storm) Doughty, removed to Van Buren Co., Mich., in 1842, where his father bought a farm, including 200 acres of land. Mr. Doughty passed the years of his minority at home, working as his father's assistant on the farm during the warmer portion of the year, and attending school winters. On attaining the period of his legal freedom, he went to Lane, Ogle Co., 111., and there engaged in acipiiring a preliminary knowledge of the tinner's trade. He remained thus occupied one year, when he returned to Michigan and finished the acquisition of his trade with Parsons & Wood, of Kalamazoo. He remained with them over three years and then, associated with his brother George, opened a hardware establishment at Paw Paw. The relation was brought to a close by his brother's being drafted in 1865, when Mr. Doughty sold out. He remained in Paw Paw two years longer, and went thence to South Haven. His stay at that place was brief, and in the fall of 1869 he came to Mt. Pleasant with his brother, Wilkinson Doughty, driving to this place from Big Rapids with a horse and carriage. The trip oc- cupied two days. They found a small village with no tin shop or hardware establishment of any kind. They at once founded a general hardware business, and continued its management until Sept. i, 1877. In 1876 they erected a brick block on the corner of Main Street and Broadway, two stories in height and 48 X 77 feet in dimensions. At the date named, the brothers dissolved partnership, each establishing him- self in business in one-half of the new building. Mr. Doughty, subject of this sketch, associated his brother Frank with him in a general hardware business, in the corner store, where they operated until January, 1884. In the summer of 1883 they erected a fine ft A C< 1^ r >i A^a. I— I I ■23''4e)^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^>r^ :^ftP^ 4^^5(^x|i 3»3 I brick block 32 X 77 feet and three stories in height above the basement ; of which they took possession at the date mentioned They rent iheir former quar- ters. Their stock is estimated at a value of $S,ouo, and includes stoves, agricultural implements, sash, doors, etc., and they manufacture tin and sheet iron. Their business is thriving and requires the aid of four assistants. Their rooms for the manufacture of all kinds of tinware are above their general sales- room, and a shop for reparing^ is connected there- with. Mr. Doughty is the owner of his residence and grounds. He has been a member of the Town Council one year. He was married Sept. 29, i86g, in Mattawan, Van Buren Co., Mich., to Julia Sutton, daughter of Alden and Isabel Sutton. Nettie B. and Glenn H. are the names of the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Doughty. They were born June 5, 1874, and Oct. 21, 1883, re- spectively. The parents are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. S>*H^S<: "Slsfe^ 14 ■I |i ylvester C. Hammond, farmer, section 26, Coldwater Township, was born in Essex, f^^ Clinton Co., Mich., Dec. 7, 1854. He is a son of Carmi and Mary A. (Willett) Ham- mond, both of whom are deceased. His father was born May 3, 1807, in Vermont, and died July 9, 1883, at the residence of his son in Coldwater. His mother died Feb. 20, 1876. Mr. Hammond grew up under the care and guid- ance of his father until he was of age. A short time previous to obtaining his majority he began to learn the carpenter's trade in Clinton County, which he completed after he was 21 years old. He is a natural mechanic, with an aptitude for tools and little taste for farm labor. He owns 80 acres of land and has 25 acres cleared and improved. He first came to Isabella County in the fall of 1866, returning in a few weeks to his home. He decided on establishing a permanent residence in the county, and in the fall of 1875 he bought his farm in the township of t'old- water. He was married March 5, 1876, to Jennie F. daughter of Martin M. and Harriet Isabella (Van- tine) Ryerson. (See sketch of M. M. Ryerson.) She was born Oct. 11, 1859, in Huron Co., Ohio. Following is the record of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammond: Orton Claud, born Jan. II, 1877; Orville .Sylvester, Aug. 4, 1878; Mary Belle, March 19, 1880; Evalena, May 5, 1881. A child, yet unnamed, was born Sept. 8, 1883. -i ^^Sp-i^S'vv — *■ i^C'M/'.aniel Wallace, farmer, section 74, Isabella HiaMaliL Township, was born in Perth Co., Ont., '^ May 1, 1837. The parents of Daniel were ^Jiy" Timothy and Maria (Parker) Wallace. His father was a native of Malone, N. Y., of Scotch extraction, and by occupation a fanner. He died in Washtenaw County, this State, June 9, 1877, aged 71 years. His mother was a native of Genesee Co., N. Y., and of Pennsylvania-Dutch ex- traction. She is the mother of 11 children, five sons and four daughters living, and one son and one daughter deceased, and is still living, in the vicinity of Ann Arbor, this State. Daniel is the oldest of the 1 1 children, and re- mained under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of 23 years. He assisted on the farm and in the maintenance of the family, receiving the advan- tages afforded by the common schools of the county, and developed into manhood. July 5, 1857, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage with Miss Amy J. Brundage, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Ann (Arnold) Brundage. They were na- tives of Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, of New England parentage, and the father was a f;irnier by occupation. He died in Ontario, April 25, 1846, and the mother died in tiie same place. Amy J. was born in Ontario, Sept. 26, 1837. Her father died when she was nine years old, and she lived with her mother, assisting in the household duties and the maintenance of the family, and attending the com- mon schools, until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents of nine chil- dren, all living and born and named as follows: William M., Sept. 15, 1858; Daniel E., Nov. 28^ i860; Ann J., Oct. 3, 1862; Edward, Jan. 9, 1865; Charles T., Feb. 4, 1867 ; Nellie M., Sept. 2, 1869; Amy A., Feb. 14, 1872; Alice M., Jan. 17, 1875; Frank A., Dec. 15, 1877. Three years after his marriage, Mr. Wallace moved to Iowa and there followed the occupation of farm- s % :^tltlv>^-^ ^i^^^¥^ ■-4?^((®A^ sii/\s^ ^^(<®vii I fO 5$ 314 ISABELLA COUNTY. ing until 1861, when he came to Washtenaw County, this State, where he followed the same vocation, en- gaged a portion of the time in running a threshing- machine, for 1 8 years. He has threshed 67,000 bushels of wheat, besides oats and barley, in one season. His next move was to Livingston County, this State, where he remained, engaged in farming, for three years. In March, 1876, he came to this county and bought 80 acres of land in Isabella Township. The township was at this time an " Indian reserve," and the Indians proved to be very friendly to the settlers. Mr. W., from the first, gained their confidence, and by fair and honest treatment always retained it. To his original purchase Mr. W. has added 80 acres, and of his entire area of land he has 1 10 acres in a good state of cultivation. The improvement was mostly accomplished through his own energetic labors. He has erected a fine barn on his farm, the material costing him $600, the labor being performed exclusively by himself. Religiously, the father and mother are strict moral- ists, and take considerable care in the cultivation of the minds of their children in that direction. Politically, Mr. W. is a believer in and supporter of the principles and doctrines of the Repubhcan party. He has held the minor offices of the town- ship, and has often been solicited to accept the high- est office in the gift of his townsmen. He is also a strong temperance man, and holds a [xisition in the esteem and respect of the citizens of his township not undeserved, but as a reward of past acts of integrity and honest and fair dealing. dward Dubois, general farmer and stock- raiser, section 12, Lincoln Townsliip, was born in the ('anton of Berne, Switzerland; ^^ was only one year old when his mother died and three years old when his father died, and thereafter until he was six he lived with his grandparents, and then until 16 with an unci;. He then worked at the butcher's trade four years, two years for his grand uncle, and then came to America, alone, locating as a farm laborer in Wayne Co., Ohio. At Mt. Eaton, that county, March 22, 1855, he married Miss Mary Burkhardt, who also was born in ^ Berne, Switzerland, Nov. 2, 1832, educated there and P-. emigrated to .\merica in her 22d year, leaving par- ••, ents and friends. The children of Mr. and Mrs. D. have been 12 in number, three of whom are deceased, v^ namely : Edward, born Jan. 6, 1856 ; Fred, May 1 1, 1862 ; Emma, Feb. 29, 1864 ; Albert and Alice (twins), April 20, 1866; Celia, June 8, 1868; Mary, March 29, 1870; Ellen E., June 10, 1873; Carrie, June 8, 1875 ; tlie deceased are, Mary, born Aug. 6, 1857, died Sept. 7, 1861 ; Anna E., born Jan. 13, 1859, died Sept. 7, 1861 ; Lena, born Aug. 21, i860, died Nov. 29, 1 861. After they were married, Mr. and Mrs. D. "worked out " until the next fall. In the spring of 1856, they bought 40 acres in Wayne Co., Ohio, resided upon it until 1864, and then came to this State and purchased a quarter of section 12, Lincoln Township, where he now resides. Only a small portion was then im- proved. Mr. Dubois has now no acres in a state of good cultivation, a good stock and grain barn, and a X residence lately erected, at a cost of nearly $2,000. ^ He has proven himself an industrious and judicious ^ farmer and a worthy citizen. Is a member of the ^ Farmers' Club of Coe Township, is a Democrat, and ?=? he and wife are both connected with the Dutch Re- v^ formed Church. ^' Ij?^ tephen Hart, farmer on section 18, Denver 1^ Township, is a son of Stephen and Ann ^^ (Stephens) Hart, natives of England. The \\^ father died in that country about 1843, and i the mother, emigrating to Canada, survived till about 1870. The subject of this record was born in England, in December, 1837, and was five years and a half old when he crossed the waters with his mother to Can- ada. He lived with her until 1872, then came to Clare County, this State, where lie was employed at ^ teaming and in the woods until the spring of 1880. '^ He then came to Isabella County and bought 40 }. acres of wild land on section 18, Denver Township. ^^ This has since been his home, and he has now about ^^f 30 acres in cultivation. 5*^ He was married in Canada, Oct. 30, 1859,10 Mar- \J garet, daughter of Duncan and Mary (McKinnon) > !f^ -VC^ ^^, ^. ^/3z^Z^t^a>^^^^ (P ^ (ycJyt-Z^l^iy^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. 'V -^t-?*!^^ t -J 1 McMullen, natives of Scotland. She was born in Canada in July, 1S37. Often children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hart, the following seven survive: Stephen, Hugh, John, Allen, Annie, Samuel and Thomas. The three deceased were named Margaret, Mary and Maria. Politically, Mr. Hart is a Republican. eorge A. Ferris, farmer, section 36, Union Township, was born Nov. 18, 1835, in Broome Co., N. Y., and is a son of Albert G. and Betsey (Conkling) Ferris. He was reared on a farm, and in 1855 his family came to Saginaw. Not long after their arrival Mr. Ferris set out with A. M. Merrill, Jolin M. Hursh and five Indians for a tract of land in Union Town- ship, including the whole of section 32, and owned by Mr. Merrill. The Indians were employed to carry provisions and every man in the procession had a load. The red men carried 125 pounds each, Mr. Hursh had a load of 120 pounds of pork and Mr. Ferris, then about 20 years old, had a burden of 75 pounds weight. Mr. Merrill carried a iX)nderous bundle of leather done up in a woolen blanket, un- der which he staggered and groaned to such an e.xtent that his companions forgot their own burdens in sym- pathy for his sufferings. At their journey's end the bundle was investigated and weighed, and exhibited only 15 pounds avoirdupois! The party carried their loads from Midland, 25 miles through the woods, consuming two days in the trip, traversing a trackless route to Chippewa Township, and cutting their way. They camped there five weeks and then cut a road through to the claim of Mr. Merrill in Union Town- ship, driving an ox team. Mr. Ferris returned sev- eral times to his father's home in Saginaw ('ounty, two miles northwest of the city of Saginaw. He was employed by I. E. Arnold, of Isabella C'ounty, in the building of four Indian shed-houses. His father superintended their construction. In October, 1862, Mr. Ferris "squatted " on 160 acres of land, where he has since resided ; and when the property came into market he entered his claim according to the regulations of the Homestead Act. On taking possession, he cleared a small patch and erected a log house, which is now a part of his dwell - s®))«^t|'5» ■^^^€ ^ Qj^ mm ing. He was engaged in the labor of a carpenter during the first five years of his residence and spent several winters in lumbering, meanwhile improving his farm. He has 95 acres cleared and cultivated land, well supplied with orchards, etc. He is a Re- publican in political sentiment ; has been Drain Com- missioner four years and Road Commissioner 12 years. Mr. Ferris was married March 8, 1862, in Union Township, to Susan, daughter of George and Sophia (Bidler) Miser. She was born March 4, 1835, in Wayne Co., Ohio. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Ferris were born on the homestead as follows : Laura A., Feb. 13, 1863; Eli L., Aug. 29, 1864; George I., Oct. 15, 1865 ; Nettie, April 22, 1870. The parents of Mrs. Ferris came to Michigan from Ohio about 1858 and settled two miles northwest of the village of Salt River in Coe Township, where her father had previously purchased 160 acres of land. He lived on the homestead during the remainder of his life. A. Brubaker, farmer, section 30, Gilmore Township, was born July 8, 1834, in Wayne Co., Ohio, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Buikett) Brubaker. The parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, and the father is deceased. The mother is living in Ohio. The year after he attained his majority, Mr. Brubaker went to California and remained there between three and four years employed as a miner. He returned to Ohio, and from 1859 to 1866 was engaged in farming and operating a thrashing-ma- chine. In the year last named he came to Coldwater Township, Isabella County, when that section of Michigan contained within its limits not a vestige of cultivation nearer than Millbrook. Mr. Brubaker en- tered a homestead claim of 80 acres in the township of Coldwater, where he was the first white resident. He built a board shanty ; and the condition of the country may be estimated from the fact that one night, as he lay asleep on the floor of his abode, his dog sprung across his face, having been driven in by a wolf! When he raised his log house, he went 13 miles and hired 13 men to aid him, to whom he paid $1.50 per day for three days' work. His house was the shelter and home of many of the first settlers as ^ c>: (I f^ I^S/^^))^^' -:2i%;^ K o V <>DO>:ilIl>> ■>ij'Nis,^^^>sr 320 ISABELLA COUNTY. -^ >^ V ^ 1^ they came into the township, and he extended all the aid, sympathy and encouragement in his power to them, while they were preparing shelter and making ready for citizenship. Sometimes three or four fami- lies were under his roof at the same time, and at one period 21 children inhabited his home for several days. Mr. Colley (see sketch) was three miles distant, and Mr. Summerton resided about a mile away. These were the nearest neighbors. The next in proximity were located at a distance of 12 miles. The first boarding-house at Farwell, Clare County, was kept by Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker in 1870. The first meal was cooked over a log heap, and the table was set in a railroad shanty. The meal was eaten by the light of a torch held by Mr. Brubaker. The value of that gentleman as a pioneer settler of Isa- bella County can be ascertained from the sketches of several of the early settlers in Coldwater Township, each of whom pays grateful tribute to his sympathy and rare abilities, as he was for some time the facto- tum of the township in emergencies, when timely aid and advice were imperative. There was no physi- cian nearer than Mt. Pleasant, and Mr. Brubaker was supplied with medical books, a stock of medi- cines and a clear head and sound judgment, which obtained their full value in the straits in which his neighbors sometimes found themselves. He resided on his place in Coldwater Township 1 2 years, when he sold out and purchased 280 acres in Gilmore. Of this tract about 100 acres are under first-class improvements and in a state of progressive cultivation. He was married May i, 1859, at Indian Diggings, California, to Elizabeth E. Gilbert, daughter of J. W. and Abigail (Bradley) Gilbert. The parents are deceased ; they died at Plymouth, California, on the same day, their deaths occurring about six hours apart. Mrs. Brubaker was born May 7, 1844, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker, six survive. The record is as follows : Orel G. was born April 8, i86o; William B., March 21, 1862 ; AbbieC.,Feb. 24, 1864; Charles L., July 14, 1869; Harry, July 8, 1875; George O., May 28, 1879; Gary R. was born Dec. 13, 1881, and died Feb. 16, 1883 : Mary L. was born April 9, 1866, snd died Aug. 23, of the same year. Another child died in infancy. |\®)fe-'K-- As the subject of the foregoing record is one of the most prominent pioneers of Isabella County, we give in this volume a portrait both of himself and his estimable wife. jichael McGihon, farmer on section 32, Nottawa Township, is a son of Robert ' and Margaret (Morgan) McGihon, natives of Ireland, both whom died in Canada. He ■^^ was born in Wellington, Can., July 20, 1836, and made his home with his parents for some years after he was of age. He learned the carpenter's trade soon after attaining his majority, but he has worked more at farming than at carpentry. Leaving home, he came to Detroit and spent four years in the lumber woods. He bought his present farm of 160 acres in this county in 1869. He has since sold 40 acres, and of the remainder 65 acres are improved. He was married Jan. 11, 1872, to Miss Sarah Ben- nett, daughter of James J. and Priscilla (Margeson) Bennett. Mrs. McGihon was born Oct. 25, 1859, and is the mother of seven children, — five living : Robert James, born Oct. 2, 1873; John Thomas, Dec. 2, 1875 ; William Francis, Dec. 8, 1877 : George, July 19, 1879, and David, May 22, 1882. Mr. McG. was the first white settler in Nottawa Townsliip, and was its first Supervisor. At the time it was organized there were five white and 28 Indian voters within its limits. He has held also the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk. -4-ww^Sp- ^ <-^DIi:<^^ sl^a^^yron Winters, of the firm of Rowlader & j^^ip Winters, general merchants at Blanchard, S^*^ is a son of William and Susan (Brown) |l Winters, natives of Canada and New York. The mother was born in 1829, and died in 1877 in Lincoln Township, this county. The father was born in 1826 in the State of New York, went with his parents to Canada, and in 1862 came to this State and county [and settled in Fremont Township, where he died, in 1863. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 5, 1853, in Canada, and came to Michigan with his parents, A C< -v 4^' ^ 1=3 1=3 V J (c^ ? ISABELLA COUNTY. ">>'^" 32 1 at whose home he remained until 23 years old. He was then married to Maggie Rowlader, who was born in 1856, in Barry Co., Mich., and is the daughter of John and Mary A. (Wooley) Rowlader. The father was engaged in farming and in sawing lumber until 1884, when he bought an interest with his son-in-law at Blanchard. Mr. and Mrs. Winters are the parents of two chil- dren living: Zenith, born Jan. i. 1877 ; and Jay, born Nov. 14, 1878. A son, Johnnie, was born Feb. 2, 1881, and died Dec. 28, 1881. Mr. W. is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and is politically a Republican. ^ allaoe M. Van Decar, farmer on section 22, I^^Mi Nottawa, is a son of Cornelius F. and Lucy jte??^ (Bailey) Van Decar. The father was born V in Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., near the Mohawk River, and died at the same place June 15, 1852. The motherwas born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N. Y., and is now living at Ballston Spa, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Their son Wallace was born in Waterford, Sara- toga Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1844, and resided with his parents until 24 years of age, when he was married and went to keeping house at Green Island, Albany Co., N. Y. Here he was employed as a machinist. He served his apprenticeship with Elias Ander, manu- facturer of the Button Steam Fire Engine, for whom he worked four years. He was for five years at Troy, following his trade; then two years at Lansing- burg ; then a year and eight months at Canajoharie. Thence he went to Ilion, and thence to Troy, and for over one year had charge of the machine shop of S. H. Brown. From there he went to Herkimer, and Nov. 5, 1879, he made his last move, coming to Isa- bella County, where he has since been engaged in farming and lumbering. He is buying logs and pre- paring to erect a saw and planing mill. He enlisted in the Union army in January, 1864, and served until Aug. 21, 1865. He was first married July 4, 1867, to Miss Jennie E., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Van Antrop) Gosline. She was born Aug. 12, 1848, and died Dec. 8, 1876, having been the mother of four children : Joshua B.,born Nov. 4, i86g, at Green Island, N. Y., and died at the same place, Dec. 29, 1869; George Wallace, born Nov. 17, 1870 ; at Green Island, and died at the same place, April 27, 1871; James W., born Aug. 28, 1872, in Waterford, N. Y., and died March 26, 1873, at Canajoharie, N. Y. ; Jennie L., born July 10, 1875, at Ilion, N. Y., and died Nov. 5, 1882, at Van Decar. Mr. Van Decar's second marriage occurred June 3, 1877, to Miss Carrie A. Vanderpool, daughter of Sam- uel Smith and Henrietta (Gould) Vanderpool. Of this marriage three children have been born: Bennett T., born April 28, 1878, in Herkimer, N. Y. ; Evalina, born March 29, 1880, at Van Decar, and died at the same place, Nov. 19, 1882; Edward M., born May 27, 1883, at Van Decar. Mr. Van D. is a Presbyterian in religious faith, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ^ I r (i ■?>. ( >; ilbert Johnson, farmer, sections 31 and 6, Coldwater Township, and merchant at Sherman City, was born July 31, 1845. He is a son of Amos Stanton and Eliza (Gil- bert) Johnson. His mother is still living, in ^ Wyoming Co., N. Y. His father died when he \y was three years old, and he went to live with his grandparents, with whom he remained until he was 17 years of age, when he began his single-handed contest in life. In the spring of 1870 he came to East Saginaw, Mich., where he engaged in lumbering about seven years. He spent the winter in the woods, and during the summers he looked for pine woods for lumbering. In 1880 he purchased a half interest in his brother's store at Sherman City, and they pass- ed two years lumbering, in company. Mr. Johnson is enjoying the run of a fine mercan- tile business at Sherman City, and owns 240 acres of land, with nearly 100 acres under good improve- ments and well cultivated. He takes great pride in his agricultural operations, and devotes much atten- tion to the improvement of his farm. He was mar- ried Dec. 10, 1872, to Clara, daughter of Joseph and Lucy A. (Lamson) Dotson. Her father was born in November, 1820, and her mother Nov. 28, 1821. Both parents are living at West Bay City, Mich. Their family included three sons and threedaughters: Alexander D. and Orbison S. are twins ; Charles H. '^ died Nov. 17, 1880; Alice A. died Nov. 30, 1873 J>-^ r i ^< Rose N. is the wife of Henry B. Allen, of Chicago. .;': Mr. Johnson had three brothers, two of whom died in iT:» the army. Amos Johnson, sole surviving brother, re- T sides in the county and village of Mecosta. Mr. /§ . Johnson's household includes an adopted child,--Mat- tie M., born July 4, 1876. N. Boyden, farmer, section 15, C Deerfield Township, is a son of Francis E. and Jerusha (Redman) Boyden, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massa- chusetts. The latter died in February, 1867, and the former Feb. 9, 1884. The subject of this biographical notice, the young- est of eight children in the above family, was born Dec. 12, 1842, in Lapeer Co., Mich., and came to this county in March, i860. He has a tract of 120 acres, 65 of which are under cultivation. Feb. 22, 1870, at Ovid, Clinton County, Mr. Boy- den was married to Miss Lacy Groesbeck, daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Fonda) Groesbeck. She has by a former marriage a son, Harry A., born Dec. 25, 1864. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in political matters Mr. B. is independent but inclines to the Democratic party. ,0 >'^ V 'h ohn M. Ford, farmer, section 26, Gilmore '^ Township, was born in Independence, Alle- gany Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1845, ^"d is the son of Levi and Susan (Herrick) Ford. The parents were natives of the State of New York, and the mother survives. The father started for Calfornia about 1850, and was never heard from. Mr. Ford remained on his father's farm until he was 16 years of age, when he entered the military service of the United States. He enlisted in the 85th N. Y. Vol. Inf , and was mustered out about a year later, because of disability. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he partic- ipated in all the battles in which McClellan's forces were engaged, until the time of the engagement at Fair Oaks, when he was sent to Douglas Hospital, Washington, where he remained two months, after which he was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. On being discharged he returned to Allegany Co., N. Y., and spent a year working by the month when he and his parents came to Allegan Co., Mich. He passed the ne.xt two years working alternately in a saw-mill and on a farm. He then sold his farm and entered a homestead claim of 160 acres in Mason Co., Mich. He also engaged in lumbering and re- mained there about eight years, when he came to Isabella County, reaching here in the spring of 1881. He located on a farm he had bought six months be- fore. Mr. Ford is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Order. He has been Highway Commis- sioner one term and held the various school offices of his District. He was married Nov. 12, 1865, to Lucy, daughter of David and Emily (Jones) Allen, both of whom are still living. She was born in the State of New York, in '1848. The six children born of this mar- riage have been named Emma (deceased), Levi, David (deceased), Delia, Elmer and John. Aeaae/©^' K4— »©§>S)^aOT»v. V^ ^^ iram Barrett, farmer on section 30, Denver ^. Township, is a son of Hiram and Mary " (Fox) Barrett, natives of the State of New York. The parents removed to Ohio in 1836 to Oakland Co., Mich., in 1S41, to Washtenaw County three years later, and still laterto Mont- calm County, where they died. His departure took place Dec. 17, 1867, and hers Jan. 23, 1S75. Their fifth son, Hiram, was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, 1831, and was ten years old when the family removed to this State. He left home at the age of 18, and two years later took up the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed seven years. He then engaged in farming in Montcalm County, where he lived 21 years. He sold out in March, 1880, came to Isabella County and purchased 80 acres, nearly all wild land, where he now lives. He has 35 acres under cultivation. He was married in Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 2, 1856, to Miss Mary M., daughter of Abraham and Barbara M. (Haner) Vanderpool, natives of Herki- mer Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderpool left the Empire State in 1855, and came to Monroe County, i< h r "T^k' •ST rC>IlIl§.Illl^>^ /^ 5^= Y ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^m\W^ 323 this State, soon after removing to Washtenaw County. Two years later they removed to Wayne County, where they now reside. Their eldest daughter, Mrs. Barrett, was born in Yates, Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1834. Cora and Ida are the names of the two daughters that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. B. Ida died May 15, 1874, aged 14. Mr. B. is politically a Republican. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. C. Caldwell, farmer, section 9, Deerfield Township, was born in Clayton Co., Iowa, Oct. 8, 1856; his father, Harris H., was native of Massachusetts, and his mother, Louisa, nee Boyden, was born Oct. 10, 1837. In this family were three children : the eldest died in infancy ; Herbert C. and Alice. The subject of this sketch came to this county with his parents when quite young, and has lived in Isabella most of the time since. He was married Aug. 6, 1882, to Miss Mary J., daughter of Samuel P. Roberts, the latter of whom was born Oct. 31, 1832, in England, and emigrated to this country with his parents when he was only six months old. Her mother, Jane, «dv Dugan, was born Dec. r3, 1838. In that family were eight children, the youngest of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Caldwell was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1858, and is the eldest of her father's family who are living. Mr. C. has 40 acres of land, on section 9, 235^ acres of which are improved. In politics he is a Re- publican, but as to religious matters he is not a mem- ber of any Church. Mrs. C. is a member of the Disciples' Church. Mr. and Mrs. C. have a son, William H., born. May, 31, 1883. -^-v^^i ^'j'A'^tT.'/ , ,-,., I ,' ^?5-?i- fames H. Lloyd, farmer on section 30, Den- ver Township, is a son of Benjamin and Keturah (Peterson) Lloyd, natives of Penn- sylvania and New Jersey. The parents settled in Mahoning Co., Ohio, where the father died, in September, 1879. The mother survives. The subject of this biographical outline was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, March 23, 1854, and received a limited education in the common schools. He was engaged in farming in his native county until the spring of 1882, when he came to Isabella County and bought 72 acres of partly improved land on section 30, Denver Township. • He has now 60 acres under cultivation. He was married in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Jan. 23, 1879, toMary, daughter of John S. and Mary (Reahm) Rukenbrod, natives, the one of Germany, the other of Pennsylvania. The father died in Carroll Co., Ohio, Sept. 5, 1856, and his widow now lives in this county. Mrs. L. was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, April IT, 1854. She is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Politically, Mr. I,, is a Republican. ohn Hyslop, farmer on section 10, Nottawa Township, is a son of Robert and Mar- garet (Marshall) Hyslop, natives of Scot- land. The parents died but si.x weeks apart, in the year 1873, at Coldwater Lake, Isabella County. The subject of this record was born in the town of Forres, Scotland, June 5, 1838, and lived with his parents until his marriage, in August, 1855, to Mar- garet Bain, daughter of Alexander and Margery (Nory) Bain. She was born May 24, 1838, in Forres, Scotland. The young couple at once emigrated to America. Landing at New York, they proceeded to Beamsville, Can., where they lived about two years on a rented farm. Removing then to Bothwell, Can., Mr. H. purchased a farm of 50 acres, where they lived seven years. At the expiration of that time they removed to Teeswater, Can., and purchased a farm of 100 acres. Two years later they came to Ridgeway, Mich., and worked a rented farm for seven years. Their next move was to Coldwater Lake, this county, where they purchased 40 acres and lived five or six years, when they settled on their present home- stead of 40 acres. He follows farming in the sum- mers and lumbering in the winters. Nine children have been added to the household, and seven are yet living, though mostly in homes of their own. Following is the record : Margery M. was born Oct. 16, 1856, in Beamsville, Can., and married David Ford in 1873; Margeret was born June 3, 1858, in Bothwell, Can., and married Eugene Nich- ') c^: t ols Dec. 25, 1883; Jessie was born Feb. 25, i860, in Bothwell, Can., and married Fred Speck in 1878; Robert A. was born Dec. 6, 1862, in Teeswater, Can.; Orpha O'Dail was born Aug. 30, 1864, in Ridgeway, Mich., was married to David West in 1879, and died in 1880; Eliza M. was born Aug. 20, 1866, in Ridge- way, Mich.; Alice J. was born March 31, 1868, in Ridgeway, Mich., and died April 29, 1869; Ellen Lorinda was born June 5, 1874, at Coldwater Lake, this county; and Estella was born Feb. 5, 187 1, in Ridgeway, Mich. Mr. Hyslop helped organize the first school district in Nottawa Township, and was its first Director, holding the office two terms. He is ix)lilicaily a Democrat. '^ Aaejec/S^-w— {§1 g^-^w^-a/ZfaOTw I^Stenry C. Dodge, farmer on section 20, Ver- 5:|j^^4.* "on Township, was born in the vicinity of (1» Utica, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1836. His father died when he, Henry, was nine years old, and his mother removed three years later to the north- ern part of New York, where he was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade. This calling, and other mercantile pursuits, he followed in Jefferson County for nearly 20 years. During this time he was Post- master at Millen's Bay, in Cape Vincent Township. In the month of September, 1864, he enlisted in the i68th New York Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was after a short time transferred to the Pioneer Corps, under Gen. Griffin. He was at the capture of Petersburg, being in one of the first companies which entered that long besieged city, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865. During the service he was run over by a wagon which crippled him for many years. Returning to Jefferson Co., N. Y., he shortly dis- posed of his property there, and went to Ontario, Canada, where he was engaged in agriculture for a year. Then for three years he managed a hotel at Gananoque, Frontenac Co., Can. At the expiration of this time (in 1873) he came to Isabella County and purchased 80 acres on section 20, Vernon Town- ship, where he has since made his home. He was at the time of his first settlement surrounded by the natural forest, and his nearest neighbor was miles away. He has improved a large portion of his farm, and has also erected suitable dwellings. He was married in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 28, 1846, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Silas and Martha (Van Cura) Mosher. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher were of English-German descent, followed farming and died in the State of New York. Mrs. Dorlge, theii daughter, was born in Prescott, Ontario, Nov. 5, 1823, and when a young girl went with her parents to the county where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have had ir children, four of whom are not living. The survivors are : Alwilda E., born Nov. 12, 1847; Lois Georgianna, July 4, 1849; Delia C, Aug. 4, 1851; Frances C, Feb. 6, 1855; Orsa Jane, March 8, 1859; Carrie E., March 14, 1865; Willie F., Aug. 27, 1867. The deceased were born and died as follows: Martha A., born Sept. 8, 1853, and died Dec. 11, 1877 ; Dulcin H., born March 15, 1857, and died Oct. 9, 1866; Ambro, bom June 30, 1869, and was drowned May 17, 1864; Nettie E., born Sept. 19, 1863, and died Nov. 20, 1866. Mr. D. is in political sentiment a Republican. He has been Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, and is now School Director. v^ m f^^ - V <^iia>: Loomis, 2, 1826 ames A. Burwash, merchant at aWf," Wise Township, was born March ^^^"^ in the county of Argenteuil, Quebec, and is the son of Stephen and Sarah (Flint) Bur- wash. His parents were born in Vermont, of Welsh ancestry. They resided in the Green Mountain State a short time after marriage, and re- moved to Canada. They settled about 45 miles north- west of Montreal, where they engaged in farming and remained during the last years of their lives. They had seven sons and three daughters. Mr. Burwash was the si.xth son of his parents, and remained at home until he was 1 1 years old, when he obtained a position as clerk in a country store, in his native province, where he was employed until he reached his majority. During the last five years he was head salesman and book-keeper of the establish- ment. He went to the county of Granville, in Upper Canada, where he embarked in mercantile affairs in /s r ^^mj^^.^ ^^^ J > >J V ISABELLA COUNTY. "^^ivi^ 325 his own interest, and conducted his business at that point with gratifying results. At the end of five years he removed his stock to Lanark County, purchased property and continued to operate as a tradesman. His business did not prove satisfactory, and at the end of two years he closed out his stock and went to St. Andrews, situated near the Ottawa River, where he entered into partnership with his brother Stephen, and again sought prosperity in the sea of trade. He sold his claim to his brother at the end of a year and engaged in a publishing enterprise at Goderich, Can. He conducted that three years with success, when he sold out and went to Southampton, Ont., where he formed an association with the mercantile firm of Van Every & Rvmiball, under the style of J. A. Bur- wash & Co. Their connection closed at the end of three years. Mr. Burwash interested himself in the grain commission business and met with success. He conducted that line of business seven years. In February, 1872, he came to Loomis and en- gaged as book-keeper with the lumbering and mer- cantile firm of Wise & Loomis, also acting as man- ager. In the fall of that year he erected the building in which his business is at present established, and which was occupied by the firm in whose interests he was employed, until the death of Geo. W. Wise, the senior partner, in December, 1879. On the occur- rence of that event the entire stock of goods of the firm of Wise & Loomis passed by purchase into the possession of James K. Durling, who retained Mr. Burwash as salesman. He remained in his employ one year, when he interested himself in a general commission business. This continued about a year, and in the fall of 1882 he purchased the stock of Mr. Durling, establishing his business under the firm style of J. A. Burwash & Co. He has continued in trade with satisfactory results, his business interests repre- senting yearly about $10,000. In addition to his private duties he has been active in public capacities, serving as School Trustee and Notary Public, and is at present officiating as Treasurer of the Township. He is a member of St. Lawrence (Can.) Lodge, No. 131, F. & A. M., and also of Loomis Lodge, No. 1772, K. of H. He is a communicant in the Church of England, and is independent in political faith. The first marriage of Mr. Burwash took place at St. Andrews, Can., to Mary Beattie, a native of that place. She became the mother of nine childeren, six of whom attained maturity, — Mary, Eliza M., Annie Belle, Kate, Sarah and John. Their mother died and Mr. Burwash was again married, to Catherine Mc- Neill, who was born in Scotland. Five children were born of this marriage, two of whom, Frank M. and Stephen, survive. Mrs. Burwash is a member of the Baptist Church. ^fWw^ illiam M. Peterson, farmer, section 18, Deerfield Township, is a son of Peter and j:^/;; Deborah (Moslander) Peterson, natives of Ic^' New Jersey. They died in Indiana, within nine days of each other, in 1849. William J M. was born near West Creek, Cape May Co., N. J., May 6, 1823, He accompanied his parents, when 12 years of age, to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and there remained, •; ' (^ ^ S :.^ >:i assisting on the farm and attending the common schools for three years. He then accompanied them to Stark County, same State, and again engaged with his father in the vocation of farming, at which place he remained for r2 years. His next move was to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and, after following his occu- pation in that county for eight years, he moved to Kosciusko Co., Ind., and farmed for ten years. Sept. 3, 1865, he and his family came to this county and settled on the northeast cjuarter of section 34, Rolland Township. He lived there for ten years, until 1875, when he moved on his present farm on section 18, Deerfield Township. His farm consists of 200 acres, 80 of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Peterson was united in marriage, Aug. 9, 1846, to Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Tom) Richardson, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. Her father died in 1834 and her mo- ther in 1846. Mrs. Peterson was born April 15, 1828, in Stark Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of ten children, all living but one, namely. Orlando, born Sept. 19, 1848; Angelina, May 24, 1850; Geo. W., July 25, 1854; James R., Jan. I, 1857; Alice L., Jan. 14, 1859; Lucinda, March 17, 1861 ; Wm. Henry, April 13, 1863; Jo- sephine, June 29, 1865, John M., Nov. 11, 1867; Mary, March 14, 1852, died Oct. 21, 1880. Mr. Peterson was a soldier in tiie late war, enlist- 326 -^^V^DD'^liDf^v-^ :^^^ 4^^^K<^vf§ I (L ISABELLA COUNTY. > I ing in the S7th Ind. Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles of LaVergne, Stone River and Hoover's Gap, and was mustered out of service in August, 1863. Mr. Peterson has held the position of Supervisor of his township for eight years since coming to the county. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Mt. Pleasant, and he and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. P. is a Republican. He is a repre- sentative man of the township, and an honored and respected citizen. lahlon H. Malcomb, farmer, section 10, Gilmore Township, was born Dec. 20, -iWiSir^ 1842, in Mill Township, Grant Co., Ind., yl^^ and is the son of Samuel and Beulah Mal- comb. The parents were both natives of Indi- ana; the mother died in Grant Co., Ind., and the father in Osceola Co., Kansas. At the age of 18 years Mr. Malcomb entered the military service of the United States. He enlisted Sept. 5, i86i,in the 34th Ind. Vol. Inf, and was mustered out Oct. 20, 1864, at Auburn, N. Y. He was in the engagement at Port Gibson and Champion Hill, and was in the skirmish at New Madrid, Mo., and at Jackson, Miss. At the latterhe was wounded in the left arm and passed nearly a year in the hos- pital. On his discharge from the sick list he was as- signed to the 19th Regiment, V. R. C, in the In- valid Corps. When he was discharged from .the service he returned home and assisted his father about one year, and in October, 1865, came to Isa- bella Co., Mich., where he homesteaded 80 acres of land on section 2, which he afterwards sold and bought 80 acres on section 14, and also 40 acres on the section on which he resides. This latter tract he purchased with $100 which he received from the U. S. Government. Mr. Malcomb was married Sept. 11, 1866, at Mt. Pleasant, to Rachel M., daughter of William and Sarah Phipps. She was born Nov. 10, 1848, and died Dec. 27, 1879. Six children born of this mar- riage are recorded as follows : William Jasper, born Feb. 2, 1868, died July 26, 1870; Florence Louisa, July 13, 1869, died July 30, 1870; Reuben Uriah, ^amuel C. Zeiter, lumberman, resident at Loomis, Wise Township, was born May 11, 1^^^ 1843, in Erie Co., N. Y. His parents, Joseph and Sophia (Schafer) Zeiter, were na- tives of Pennsylvania and resided in that State a short time after their maraiage, when they removed to the State of New York. In 1855, they came to Genesee Co., Mich., and eight years later became residents of Gratiot County, where they now reside. Mr. Zeiter was a boy of 11 years when his parents came to Michigan, and he remained at home, assist- ing his father, until he was rg years of age, when he entered the military service of the United States. He enlisted Aug 11, 1862, in the 23d Mich. Vol. Inf. He was in the service three years, and received an honorable discharge at Salisbur)', N. C. He was on continual duty during the entire period as private, Corporal and Sergeant, and received two slight injur- March 6, 1870, and died Aug. 2, 1870; John Wesley, Sept. 5, 1872; Mary Amanda, Dec. 15, 1874; Martha Eunice, May 10, 1878. The second mar- riage of Mr. Malcomb occurred Nov. 7, i88o, to Mrs. Susan A. (Powell) Bugbee. She was born May 31, v^ 1845, in Perry Co., Ohio. They have a twin son and daughter, Arthur and Artie, born July 19, 1882, and a daughter, Ive, born April 24, 1884. Mrs. Malcomb has been married three times. Her first husband was George W. Blackstone, to whom she was married in Perry Co., Ohio. They emigrated thence to Kansas, where the husband died, Aug. 17, 1866, one year after removal there. One child, James Orlando, was born June 14, 1866, and died Oct. 2, following. She was a second time married Feb. 22, 1874, to G. E. Bugbee, who died May 18, 1879. Of the second marriage three children were born, whose record is as follows : Elinora, born Dec. 18, 187s, and died March 8, 1876; Eli was born Oct. 29, 1876; Freddie, born Aug. 30, 1878, and died in October, 1878. Their parents are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. Mr. Malcomb is a Republican in political sentiment and has served two terms as Highway Commissioner. He owns 120 acres of land and has 20 acres improved. Mrs. Malcomb owns 40 acres in Coldwater. 9 1 ( ^ WlM^/^^ ^"^^ — ^7^nii^iitifi>A:^^ — ^^^^- ^^fi^m>M^ Wi OJftc^ ^' ^.rz^OLciL^-^ m -^^K — ^v<4ii n^ n n^^r ^ ro A I (^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ies. While on picket before Atlanta he was hit in the head by a spent ball, and at the charge at Resaca he was slightly wounded in the right shoulder, but in neither instance was he incapacitated for duty. On receiving iiis discharge he returned to Gratiot County, and soon after became interested in lumber- ing, which has occupied his attention since that pe- riod. He settled at Loomis, Isabella County, in October, 1882. He formed a partnership with J. T. Horning, of Flint, and the firm are extensively inter- ested in lumbering. They own and operate a saw and shingle mill and employ a working force of 60 men during the winter season, and about 16 through the remainder of the year. Their mill has a producing capacity of 25,000 feet of lumber daily. Mr. Zeiter is a Republican in political principle. He was married Jan. 10, 1868, in Gratiot Co., Mich., to Annie J., daughter of Robert and Lucy (Shatton) Webb. She was born Sept. 5, 1850, in Norfolk Co., Can., and is of English parentage. Frankie A., only child, was born June i6, 187 1. Mrs. Zeiter is a member of the Baptist Church. : elson Wellman, farmer, section 26, Gil- more Township, was born June 3, 1837, in Wayne Co., N. Y., and is a son of Eli and Harriet (Fowls) Wellman. They were natives of Vermont, and both died in Barry Co., Mich, the demise of the father occurring in July, 1872, and that of the mother Dec. 28, 1881. Mr. Wellman accompanied his parents to Barry Co., Mich., when he was 19 years old. His father purchased a farm and he worked as a farm assistant by the month. In i860 he purchased a farm of his father in Barry County, and he has owned three oth- ers of 40 acres each at different times. He disposed of his Barry County property in March, 1879, and soon after purchased 80 acres of land in Isabella County, under partial improvements. He is a Re- publican in political sentiments, and is now a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Wellman was married July 6, 1859,10 Caroline, daughter of John and Zilphia (Crippin) Duffey. She was born April ?6, 1842, and is the mother of six children, whose record is as follows : Belle was born June 19, i860; Efifie, Aug. 20, 1862; Charles W., Aug. I, 1864; Violet, Feb. 7, 1877; Alta V., Aug. 28, 1879; Clyde, Nov. 14, 1883. Mr. Wellman became a soldier of the United States during the civil war, enlisting April 23, 1862, in the 23d Mich. Inf , and was assigned to Mulligan's Brigade. He was mustered out June 23 following, at Camp Douglas, Chicago, on account of disability. -^taaa^S^-^—fel ^•^.sywjrav U Ifred C. Rowlader, farmer and teacher, sec- _ lion 15, Lincoln Township, was born in ^° Woodland Township, Barry Co., Mich., April 21, 1856. His father, Washington Row- lader, was a native of New York State, is farmer by occupation, and is still a resident of Barry County; his mother, Permelia (Myers) Rowla- der, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German ances- try, and died at her home in Barry County, in 1865. Alfred, the subject of this biographical notice, lived with his parents in his native place until 22 years of age. Having received a good common-school edu- cation, he began teaching at the age of 19, in Ionia County, and taught four terms of school. In the spring of 1878 he came to this county and ])urchased 80 acres of land, owned previously by Nelson Ives, on section 15, where he now resides. After spending one year on the place, and boarding, he returned to Barry County and married Miss Cora J., daughter of Israel and Elizabeth (Smith) Cooper, natives of New York, of New England ancestry and of German ex- traction. They both died in Barry County, he in 1864 and she in 1867, aged respectively 57 and 42. Mrs. R. was born in Woodland Township above mentioned, March 26, 1858. Being young when her parents died, she qualified herself with a good education, and began leaching at the age of 16, and followed this profession and that of music until she was mar- ried. The young couple immediately settled at their new home in this county, where they have since lived and prospered. Their children now are, Bessie P., born Jan. 5, 1880; Inez L., June 22, 1881 ; and Alfred W., March 10, 1883. Mr. R. is a skillful farmer, although young, having now about 60 acres in a good state of cultivation, with •^^Miy^ ^^^^^^ H ,f(^ s '^l/®))«^#- 330 ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^^^ S-f comfortable residence, barn, etc. He has held the >^ . . 'i|] office of Township Clerk, and is now Supervisor, ^^ being elected to the latter office in April, 1883. On * national affairs he is counted in the Republican party. V /?S :— {^ ^i^^to'oseph A. Graham, farmer and County Sur- lii^^lEr veyor, residing on section i5,IsabellaTown- T-jS^^"' ^ ship, was I)orn Jan. 23, iS38,andis the son ^'tM. '^^ Andrew and Maria (Shaw) Graham, natives ^|F of Ireland, and of pure Irish extraction. The \ parents are both deceased, the father dying near Toronto, Can., in 1881, aged 70 years, and the moth- er in the same place in 1S75. Joseph lived with his parents, assisting the father in the maintenance of the family and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 24 years. During this time he spent two years attending commercial college at Buffalo, N. Y. He completed his course there in 1856, and then entered on the profession of teaching, which he followed seven con- secutive years in his native county. In 1874 Mr. Graham purchased So acres of land in this county, and the following year (1875) arrived here and at once began its improvement. The land was all heavily timbered, and the hand of improve- ment in his neighborhood was hardly visible. He ^ A ^i<>. c ■■-J ir-.£:45^B <^Da^Dni>^r9- ^:^^ «^^5$@y^^^ -:2i^^ 6^V<^Iltl^Hll>>r-e^ :2J^i^' A 1=3 I ISABELLA CO UN-TV. ^ nevertheless was firm in the belief that the near future would witness a wonderful development in the county, and, armed with this faith and energy, he began to clear and prepare his land for a future and permanent abode for himself and family. He subse- quently added 40 acres to his original purchase, and of his entire landed interest he now has 80 acres un- der first-class improvement, and on it is a fine orchard of 200 trees. He has erected a large stock and grain barn on his farm, at a cost of $900, and also built a commodious and comfortable residence, and is, with his family, enjoying the fruits of his own energetic labors. Jan. 30, 1862, Mr. Graham was united in marriage at Toronto, Can., to Miss Mary A., daughter of Hugh and Catharine (Cook) Graham, natives of New York and Connecticut, and of North Ireland parentage. She was born in the vicinity of Toronto, Can., Oct. 18,1838. The husband and wife are the parents of three children: Hugh A., born Jan. 28, 1863; Frederick, born April 18, 1865; Catharine E., born Dec. 14, 1866, died Nov. 7, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of long stand- ing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. G. is a memberof the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant. He is the present County Surveyor and has held the position for four years. Politically, he is a Republican, and has creditably held the offices of his township and school district. ^^ ^harles W. Gaumer, farmer, section 10, jlf^^^ Coldwater Township, was born April 17, Jg' 1852, in New Jersey. His parents, Isaac and JC; Mary (Metz) Gaumer, were natives respect- M^ ively of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In 1855 they came to Michigan, and rented a farm in Rochester, in Oakland County. Ten years later, they rented a place in the vicinity of St. John's, Clinton County, where they remained five years, when they came to Coldwater, Isabella County. The father died April 13, 1879, at the residence of his son; his mother is still living and is cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Jesse E. Forbes, of this township. Mr. Gaumer was under the control of his parents during his minority, and in 1881 he became the pro- 7^^ prietor by purchase of 80 acres of unimproved land. He has converted about 38 acres from the condition in which it was placed by nature, and has a valuable and profitable farm. Mr. Gaumer belongs to the Republican party in political sentiment. He was married Sept. 10, 1879, to Florence A., daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Shoemaker) Isanhart, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Her mother died in November, 1876, in Sheridan Township, Mecosta County. Eula, only child, was born Nov. 18, i88q. ^5 #-# ^ V i^^ -K^ eter Conley, farmer, section 23, Coldwater .. .aa^n- Township, was born June 24, 1833, in j|©^ County Tyrone, Ireland. His parents were jijj''"-' both natives of the Emerald Isle, and emi- Jlf. grated to the New World in August, 1849. His father bought 200 acres of land in Sheffield, Canada. Mr. Conley remained with his parents, and in the Dominion, until 1852, when he went to Charlotte, Monroe Co., N. Y., where, and at Clarkson and Brockport in the same county, he remained three years. In 1855 he returned to Canada, where, in company with his father, he purchased 200 acres of land. After a few years, they divided the estate and Mr. Conley sold his half. During his residence in Canada, he had been engaged alternately in Mich- igan and Canada, working as a lumberman and on the Ionia & Houghton Lake State Road, working in the interest of E. Hall. In July, 1871, he sold his property in Canada. Three years previous, in March, 1868, he made a homestead claim in Michigan and returned to the Dominion. Through the species of "1 chicanery known as "jumping," which has wrought so much miscliief and against which struggling set- tlers have been so powerless in the whole history of Michigan, Mr. Conley lost his claim, and, on coming to Michigan to make a permanent settlement, he bought 80 acres of land of the Flint & Pere Mar- quette Railroad Company, which he yet owns, and to which he has since added 80 acres by purchase. Of this he has cleared and improved all but 60 acres. Mr. C. is a Democrat in political faith. He was married June i8, 1873, to Mary Helen, daughter of Jackson and Louisa (Wilson) Alexander. She was born in Minnesota in 1857. The children :m^j^ — ^<:::.^ — C-0. /O #^- <^Da>KDD.>r ISABELLA COUNTY. -4^^5f of Mr. and Mrs. Conley are three in number and were born as follows: Richard Arthur, April i6, 1875; Frederick Henry, July 23, 1877; Owen Thomas, Sept. 27, 1880. Two children died in infancy. i^ohn Miller, farmer, section 16, Deerfield 1^- Township, is a son of William and Rosan- na Miller, both natives of Ireland, who came to Canada in 1830, the former dying there the same year and the mother in 1854. John lived there until 1868, when he moved to Iowa, and ten years afterward he came to this county, purchasing 80 acres from the State and his sons buy- ing 240 acres of land from Brown & Goodale. He has 100 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Miller was born Sept. 15, 1828, in Ireland; was married April i, 1853, to Miss Mary Kating, daughther of Nicholas and Julia Kating. (Her father died Aug. ig, 1877.) Mr. and Mrs. Mil- ler have had 12 children, 11 of whom are living, namely: William, born Jan. 19, 1854; Rosanna, March 18, 1855; James, June 7, 1857; John, Feb. 24, 1859; Ella, Feb. 17, 1861 ; Stephen, Jan. 13, 1863; Thomas, Dec. 28, 1864; Mary, Dec. 21, 1856; Sarah, Aug. 15, i86g, Elizabeth, Aug. 2, 1873; Julia, June 2, 1875; Eliza, Nov. 9, 1870; died Aug. 19, 1872. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Catholic Church. fhomas W. Bobinson, farmer, section 8, Wise Township, was born Feb. 13, 1839, in Canada. His parents, John and Margery ^ (Montcreaf) Robinson, were natives of the State of New York. Mr. Robinson came to Saginaw when he was eight years of age, where he remained four years. In 185 1 he went to Iowa, where he continued to reside until he was 23 years old, and was chiefly engaged in teaming. At the age named he returned to Can- ada and became interested in mercantile business at Hastings, in the county of Peterborough. In 187 i he came to Saginaw and engaged as a check clerk in the employment of the Flint & Pere Marquette Rail- road Company. In the fall of 1873 he located at JI'V^)^^^- ^^^- — ^^-^^n a :^. no v> Loomis, and since that time has been chiefly inter- ested in lumbering. In 1880 he bought 80 acres of wild land on section 8, in which he settled in the spring of 1882. Of this he has cleared and improved 35 acres. Mr. Robinson is a Republican in political sentiment and has officiated eight years as a Justice of the Peace, as School Director three years, and two years as Notary Public. He is a member of the Order of Masonry and belongs to Lodge No. 1772, Knights of Honor, at Loomis. He was married Feb. 25, 1861, at Norwood, Ont., to Eliza Weston, a native of England, where she was born Feb. 22, 1845. Of seven children born of this marriage three are deceased, — Maud, Ray and Eliza. George W., John S., Thomas B. and Violet A. are living. The mother died Jan. 18, 1876, at Loomis. • — ^-j— M'M^'i^- j::^. 334^ ISABELLA COUNTY. $ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 6 cated at the common school. When of age he came to Jackson County, this State, where for two years he worked on a farm by the month. In October, 1854, he came to this county and entered 240 acres of land in Coe Township. He has since disposed of all but no acres, and he now has 90 acres in good cultiva- tion, with a good residence and Sne farm buildings. He was a pioneer, commencing with a log cabin in the wilderness, and has prospered as an industrious, economical husbandman, having now the essentials of a comfortable home. He has been Pathmaster for several years, and is at -present School Director, which office he has held for 15 years. In national politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he, as well as wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In September, 1864, he enlisted in the 15th Mich. Inf and served about nine months, receiving an honorable discharge at Washington, D. C. During his military experience he received no wound and met with no serious accident. Mr. Campbell was married, in Jackson Co., Mich., Jan. 18, 1855, to Euphemia, daughter of John and Rachel (Bloat) Neely, who were natives of New York State. Mrs. C. was born in Manchester, Mich., May 17, 1834. The children born in this family are, Isa- bella, Rachel A., Nettie, George B., Ada and Ella, besides Hattie and Charlie, deceased. harles Bobbins, farmer, sec. 14, Gilmore 3(1 Township, was born April 23, 1847, in ■*" Montcalm Co., Mich., and is the son of Noah and Eliza (White) Robbins. His father is deceased and his mother is living, in the south part of Isabella County. When Mr. Robbins became of age, he entered his first papers to a homestead claim of 40 acres of land where he now lives. The entry was made in 1868 and his patent was granted him in 1873. H!e has placed his entire farm under cultivation. He is a Republican in political connection. He has been twice married. His union with Keziah, daughter of William and Sarah Phipi)S, occurred June 6, 1872. She was born Feb. 26, 1839, and died Dec. 9, 1879. Following is the record of the children born of this marriage: Albert P., born Aug. 9, 1873, died Dec. 13, 1879; Alfred S., born July 10, 1875, died Dec. 30, 1879; James was born Sept. 12, 1878, and died soon after birth. Lucy K. was born Dec. 2, 1879, and died nine days later. Three children died within 22 days and the household was desolated with the exception of the father. He was a second time mar- ried March 17, 1881, to Nancy A., daughter of George W. and Esther Jane (Powell) Brown. She was born Nov. 18, 18153. The two children now included in the fanaily circle were born as follows: Melinda, Jan. 28, 1882, and George W., born Feb. 22, 1884. E ^ ---'vv^Sf- 'homas Carroll, farmer and present Super-, visor of Isabella Township, residing on ^ section 1 1, was born in Ireland, March 15, 847. The parents of Mr. Carroll, Patrick and Mar- garet (Kelley) Carroll, were natives of the " Emerald Isle," and of pure Irish blood. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed his calling in his native country, and there died, about the year 1848. The mother also died in the same country, about the same year, within a week of the demise of the father, and when Thomas was only one year old. Soon after the death of his parents, Thomas was brought by his relatives to this country. They lo- cated in Seneca Co., N. Y., and a few years after their settlement, Thomas was adopted by a Mr. John D. King, a farmer of that county. He lived with Mr. King, working on the farm and attending the com- mon schools until 187 1, when he came to this State and settled in Branch County. Here he worked a farm on " shares " in the county of Coldwater, and then went to Bay City, where he worked for a Mr. H. O. Fisher, an extensive lumberman of that place. Six years later, in 1875, Mr. Carroll came to this county and purchased 40 acres of land on section 11, Isabella Township. The land was heavily timbered, and by honest industry and energetic effort he haj, unaided, placed 30 acres of it in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Carroll was united in marriage, in Clare, April 5, 1875, to Miss Udella, daughter of John S. and Margaret (Weaver) Skinner, natives of New York and residents of Michigan almost all their lives, in 9 A 3=1 T — ! i. n 4^ > X i a(K <«iin:-!?iiii->^ ::^. — ^\>> r /N V .^ ISABELLA COUNTY. "^Sf^i 4^^(<^-l® 335 which State ihey both died, the father in Hillsdale and the mother in Branch County. Udella was born in Branch County, Sept. i6, 1858. Her father dying when she was 14 years of age, she was thrown upon the mercies of an unthinking world and compelled to earn her own livelihood. She engaged as a do- mestic, and in that capacity battled against pride and earned her own living until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll are the parents of three chil- dren : John D. K., born July 25, 1876; Genoa S., July 27, 1878; and Thomas F., May 13, 1883. Politically, Mr. Carroll is a "liberal " Democrat. He has held the office of Township Clerk for three terms and Supervisor for five years; and is an esteemed and respected citizen of his township. j|l!J^rank H. Tyler, M. D., homeopathic physi- cian and surgeon at Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 28, 1855, in St. Joseph Co., Mich., on a farm eight miles north of Sturgis. He is a son of Ansel and Harriet (Foote) Tyler, the former a native of Onondaga Co., N. Y., and a farmer all his life, until the past few years, which he has devoted to his lumber interests at Sturgis. The mother was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., and is still living at Sturgis. The parents both came to Michigan with their respective families about 1833 or 1834. Three children were born to them. Dr. Tyler is the eldest; Minnie M. is Pre- ceptress of the High School at Sturgis; Justin R. is the youngest. Dr. Tyler was reared as a farmer's son, alternating the labors of the summers with winter study, until he was 16 years old, when he went to Evanston and entered the Northwestern University, where he studied two years. He went thence to the State Normal School of Michigan at Ypsilanti. Leaving there, he became a teacher and passed two years in that capacity at Nottawa, after which he began read- ing for his profession in the office of Dr. W. E. Clark, of Three Rivers. In the fall of 1878 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, where he was graduated in the spring of 1880, at the Homeopathic College. He passed a year as As- sistant to Dr. Franklin, Professor of Surgery in the College named, and afterwards opened an office at Sturgis, where he remained until he established his own business at Mt. Pleasant in September, 1 883. His practice is popular and extending gradually and permanently in the village and surrounding county. He has the county appointment of Physician for his district, which comprises the townships of Union, Deerfield, Isabella and Nottawa. i -~*'^^Si~i^ — ^ s:/ % heodore Hengesbach, farmer, section 3, Deerfield Township, is a son of William and Catherine (VVeber) Hengesbach, who were natives of Germany, and was born in Clinton Co., Mich., Sept. r4, r846, and was educated at the common school. At the age of r5 he began to learn the trade of shoemaker, which he followed until 1880. In March, 1S80, he came to Isaljella County and settled on a half of section 3, Deerfield Township, which he had pur- chased the previous fall. He has since disposed of 200 acres, and has about 35 of the remainder under good cultivation. In the summer of 1883 he built a modern residence, which will compare favorably with any in the township. Aug. 29, 1870, in Clinton Co., Mich., Mr. H. was married to Miss Anna, daughter of John J. and Cath- erine (Miller) Schafer, who were natives of Germany. Mrs. H. was born in the above county, Aug. 15, 1854. The children in this family now are, Tracey, William, Eda C. and I^awrence G. ; Catherine, AUie and an infant are deceased. The parents are members of the German Catholic Church, and Mr. H. in political views is independent. terling A. Hursh is a farmer on section 17 ^ of Wise Township, and was born in Clyde, i?^^ Wayne Co., N. Y., May 25, 1849. His parents, John M. and Elizabeth (Brown) Hursh, were born respectively in Steuben and Chenango Cos., N. Y. Later in life they came to Michigan and settled in Isabella County. The father died in November, 1877, in Loomis. The mother is a resident of Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Hursh accom[)anied his parents to the Penin- sular State when but seven years of age. He passed the years of his life previously to the age of 20 years i\iIlll^IlDr> ^ ^§1 1 t 336 ISABELLA COUNTY. "5s!syi*tsr in attendance at the common schools and engaged in farming. At the age named he became salesman in a store at Mt. Pleasant, where he remained a year, after which he worked some time in the woods. In the fall of 187 I he opened a country store at Loomis, in partnership with his father, and continued its management until the summer of 1875, when he went to Fentonville, Genesee Co., Mich., where he engaged 18 months in the hotel business, after which he sold trees about six months. In the spring of 1877 he returned to Loomis, and was engaged in the woods chiefly until 1881, when he bought 120 acres of wild land on sections 17 and 18 of Wise Town- ship. On this he has since lived and pushed the work of clearing and improving. He has placed 30 acres under improvements, and has it all in tillage. In politics Mr. Hursh is a Republican, and has been active in the public welfare of Wise Township since its organization. He held the position of Township Treasurer one year. He was married at Loomis, Dec. 25, 1873, to Alice G., daughter of James and Charlotte (Bailey) Tubbs. (See sketch of James Tubbs.) She was born June 21, 1853, in Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., Mich. Of this marriage four children have been born, one of whom survives, — James. Eddie L. died when three years old and two children died in infancy. ff§(Ji!illiam Horan, lumbeunan, section 16, Denver Township, is a son of Michael '!/■ — and Rosanna (Donahue) Horan, natives l> of Ireland. The parents came from the Emerald Isle when quite young, and were married and settled in the Dominion of Canada, where he died, in September, 1881. She survives. The subject of this biography was born in Canada, Feb. 26, 1850, and lived in the Dominion until 20 years old, engaged in farming. He then went South, where he spent two years in different places. He then lived a year and a half at Marquette, Michigan, and in 1875 came to this county and bought 80 acres in Vernon Township, which he still cultivates. He has 60 acres nicely improved. In the fall of 1883 he removed to Denver Township and bought a saw-mill, which has a capacity of 12,000 feet daily, and em- ploys seven men. WiNi^^^^ r -V:; He was married at Mt. Pleasant, May 31, 1876,10 Margaret, daughter of Cornelius and Ellen Bogan, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Horan was born in Wash- tenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 8, 1858, and is the mother of four children, — Rose E., Vincent L., Mary, and one V> yet unnamed. Mr. H. has been School Inspector in Vernon Township two years, and is politically a supporter of the Democratic party. ohn Kinney, resident in Clyde Township, ^ St. Clair Co., Mich., was born Oct. 13, 1837, in the township where he now lives. He is a so\i of Arnold and Laura M. (Babcock) Kinney. The father was born in 1804, in the State of New York and spent his life in agri- culture and lumbering. He came to Clyde Town- ship in 1828, and was among the first of the pioneer settlers of that section of Michigan. His wife fol- lo5ved him in 1830. She was born in Bath, Steuben Co., N. v., in i8ro and died in Clyde, March 9, 1849. Their family comprised seven children, as follows : Daniel, a carpenter at Grand Rapids; George, who died in infancy ; John, of this sketch ; Charles, deceased ; Francis, living on the home- stead in Clyde Township; Chester, a resident of Port Huron, Mich.; Laura, deceased. She married Wil- liam Gardner, a farmer of Clyde Township. Two children survive her. Mr. Arnold Kinney died Dec. 8, 1872. Mr. Kinney, of this sketch, was reared on his fa- ther's farm and trained to the same pursuits. At the age of 12 years he became a valuable assistant in the lumber interests of his father, commencing his career as a lumberman by driving the teams in the woods, and pursuing the business on their own ex- tensive tracts of timber land. He began life on his own responsibility when he was 20 years old and spent the winters of 1860-1 and 1861-2 in lumber- ing in his native township. In the fall of 1863 he came to Mt. Pleasant, where his father had, in 1854, bought 320 acres of land, and on this he spent two winters securing the lumber in part. The land is now included in the east part of Mt. Pleasant, with- in the village corporation. In 1865 he returned to his home in Clyde Township, which he purchased in (5 (^ I I, ♦/ . cxI. >:; v ^ ^ I ISABELLA COUNTY. '";i^^isr 4^^^(®vS 339 1858. It included 1 10 acres of land and was partly improved. He sold the place about the year 1867, and a year later purchased 160 acres on section four, in the same township, in which he has since resided. It had been improved to a limited extent. It is now' in a state of advanced improvement and under the best type of cultivation, with 100 acres in tillage and supplied with creditable and valuable farm fixtures. The buildings are of the best order and the or- chards contain fine assortments of fruit. He is the proprietor of two farms situated respectively at Clyde Center and on section 22 in the same township. The first contains 130 acres, with 40 acres cleared, on which is located the Custer House, under the control of Jerry Dorsey. The second has 160 acres, with 40 acres under culture. He also owns 40 acres of land adjoining Mt. Pleasant village and 100 lots within the corporation and situated on Kinney's Addition. He holds, besides, a half interest in lands in Wise Township, which includes a claim of 1,000 acres of wild land. Mr. Kinney is at present pushing his lumber in- terests in Cummings Township, Oscoda County, where he was similariy engaged in 1883. He em- ploys a working force which includes about a score of assistants. He is intimately connected with the history of the village of Mt. Pleasant. He opened the first regu- lar bona-fide store in 1864, by buying a stock of goods of Henry Dunton, who was selling them from his house. John Carter constructed a building, which Mr. Kinney rented and utilized as a store. He continued the management of the enterprise from the spring of 1864 until the spring of 1865, hauling his goods from Saginaw with a four-ox team. He became Postmaster Jan. i, 1864, and officiated in that capacity until Marcli i, 1865: When he as- sumed the position, the office had just been removed from a point two miles south of Mt. Pleasant, on " Blunt." Mr. Kinney belongs to the National Greenback party in ]..olitical affiliation. He served as Town- ship Treasurer of Clyde in the years of 1874-5-6 and lias officiated in most of the local school offices. He has taken an active and sul)stantial interest in the educational affairs of his native township. He was nominated in 1878 for County Treasurer on the Na- tional ticket and again in 1880, but failed to secure the election in both instances. In 1881 (spring) he was nominated for Congressman, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of O. D. Conger, running against Cyrenus B. Black, Democratic nominee, and John T. Rich, Republican candidate. His party claimed the election through mistake by the op[)o- sition, but he made no effort to secure the position. In 1882 he was nominated for Representative on the Fusion ticket and made the canvass against Edward Vincent. He refused to have his name used, but he was ])laced in nomination despite his protest, and making no special effort, he was defeated Ijy only about 100 votes. Mr. Kinney was married July 31, 1858, in Clyde, to Margaret W. Atkins. She was born Sept. 14, 1838, in Glasgow, Scodand. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Kinney were born as follows : Arnold, July, 3, i860; Nettie, Nov. 10, 1862; Laura, April 22, 1865 ; Bertha L., Sept. 9, 1867 ; Marion, Feb. 12, 1872. MsM. ''Iv^ >- ^- Letson, farmer, blacksmith and mer- Ji^ffllC chant, section 22, Coldwater Township, •| fe was born July 8, 1842, near Norwalk, * j'jv;, Huron Co., Ohio. He is a son of Freeborn \]\ and Esther (Rounds) Letson. His father was I born in Rhode Island. His mother was a native of New York. Both parents died in Cold- water, Branch Co., Mich. They emigrated to St. Joseph Co., Mich., in 1855, where the fatlier pur- chased an improved farm. Mr. Letson found himself the master of his own fortunes at the age of 18, and went to work in an ax factory, where he spent two years. He then engaged as a farm assistant, working by the month for two years, when he bought 20 acres of land about two miles from the city of Coldwater, in Branch Co., Mich. The entire tract was in timber, which he converted into fuel and sold in the city. When this was accomplished he went to Houghton Lake, and, in company with a partner, Frank Sixbey, spent five months in trapping and hunting, taking bear, marten, beaver, otter, fishers and wolves. At the close of the season, they took an Indian canoe and carried their furs to Muskegon, 300 miles distant. Their labors netted them $i;oo each, but were attended C); 5 4 '^"^s^hi ■^.'WM^^^. — ^^^S^ ^^^««l t i /* 340 ISABELLA COUNTY. '^"S^S^ % : V ('J i with some inconveniences and privations, the sever- est of which was their entire removal from the society of white men. Mr. Letson ne.xt spent a summer in the West, visit- ing Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, after which he spent two or three months in Fulton Co., Ohio. He then came to White Pigeon, Mich., where he rented a farm for two years, after which he came to Isabella Co., Mich. During his stay at the former place, he enlisted, Aug. 29, 1864, in the 14th Michigan Battery. The command was assigned to the 2 2d Army Corps under Gen. Hitchcock. They were first sent to Nashville, Tenn., where they re- mained two months, after which the battery was stationed at Fort Greble on the Potomac to guard the National Capital. Mr. Letson was mustered out July I, 1865, and came to Isabella County in 1866, reaching Mt. Pleasant on the 17th of June. On the day following, he took possession of the farm on which he has since lived. He remained three days, clearing out underbrush, driving stakes for his house and cutting timber. He then went back to some old cabins on the Chippewa River, known as Ward's shan- ties. Soon after he starled for St. John's, Clinton County, going thence to Ionia to the land office, where he made the first entry on his land, homestead- ing 80 acres. He bought of the State 80 acres in addition, and to this he has since added 40 acres more. His farm now includes 140 acres of cleared land. Mr. Letson is one of the first settlers in Cold- water Townsliip, and has been one of its most valu- able and substantial citizens. He was married Feb. 27, r866, to Anna Elizabeth, daughter of Carmi and Mary Ann (Willett) Hammond. She was born Dec. 7, 1848, in Clinton Co., Mich. Her mother died Feb. 21, 1876, near St. John's, Clin- ton Countv, and her father died July 9, 1883, in Coldwater, at tlie residence of her son, Cornelius Hammond. Following is the record of the eleven children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Let- son : Orrin D., born Dec. 7, 1866 (died May 15, 1875); Oliver A., Aug. 21, 1868 (died May 13, 1875); Burt M., Sept. it, 1869; Mjrtie B., Sept ii, 1869 (died May 20, 1875); Mary S., Oct. 13, 1871 (died July 28, 1872); Mira, Oct. 13, 1871 (died Oct. 31, following); Nonia, born Oct. 13, 1871 (died the day of her birth); Loren S., Jan. 6, 1875 (died May 25, 1875); Cora B., Dec. 16, 1876; Hamilton L., March 30, 1880; Tena, April 16, 1882. The portrait of Mr. Letson will doubtless be wel- comed in the gallery of this Albu.vi by the public and accordingly it appears, on the page facing the commencement of this sketch. j^i;fer(iJl ohn Block, farmer on section 36, Nottawa, yli^^C •'' a son of Frederick and Mary (Florep) |iv?'^ Block, and of German descent. The father -f^ died in Mecklenburg, Germany, and the mother %F in Mt. Pleasant, this county. I He was born Jan. 18, 1836, in Mecklenburg, Germany, and, residing with his parents until of age, he then came to the United States. He was first employed for six months in a stone quarry in Buffalo, N, Y. He then worked on farms by the month until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the 78th N. Y. Vol. Inf. He participated in the battles of the Shenandoah Valley, under Gen. Banks, Win- chester, Cedar Creek, Cross Keys, Chancellorsvillej Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Gettysburg and Antietam. At Gettysburg he was wounded in the third day's fight, a piece of a shell breaking his left foot. He was in field hospital seven days, and then transferred to the hospital at Bedloe's Island, N. Y., where he remained until the corps was transferred to the Western Department under Hooker. He rejoined his command at Alexandria; was in the engagements of Missionary Ridge and Sherman's march to the sea, and at Chattanooga. He marched under Sher- man until the surrender of Gen. Johnston. His regi- ment was the first to enter Atlanta and the first in Savannah. He was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., then lived in Erie Co., N. Y., one year, engaged in farm- ing. Coming to Livingston County, this State, he bought a farm of 62 acres, and there lived for four years. March i, 1870, he arrived in Isabella County. Here he first followed teaming for six months. He rented 40 acres of land, but owing to ill health he abandoned for a lime the idea of farming, and went into the restaurant business. He erected a suitable building at Mt. Pleasant, and sold liquor and refresh- ments for a year. Selling out, he bought a farm 01 160 acres in Union Township, which he cultivated five years. He then exchanged for his present faim of 80 acres, 65 of which are improved. y^ C 4^^f<^i m #- ■^VC>I ISABELLA COUNTY. "^^^C^ 4^^f(®V^ 341 V J -^ He was married Sept. 23, 1865, in Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., to Catherine Gardner, daughter of Charles and Sophia (Wetherhold) Gardner. She was horn July 17, 1S46. Three children have been added to the family circle: Henry Charles, born in Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., July "15, 1866; Frederick Emery, born in Livingston Co., Mich., July 11, 1868; and Anna Catherine, born in Mt. Pleasant, this county, April 14, 1870. Mr. B. is politically independent, but has hereto- fore been a Democrat. k§,[^'nios D. Mattison, retired farmer, residing on section 9, Lincoln Township, was born ,:r,|"v-j2/ in Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 18 19. His '••isA father, Michael, was a native of that State, of" •■'' English parentage and a farmer by occupation, and is yet living, at the venerable age of 91 years, in Genesee County, this state. His mother, Martha (Arnold) Mattison, was a native of New England and a grandchild of Capt. Stephen Arnold, of Revolutionary fame. She died in 1871, in Lig- ham County, this State, aged 75 years. In 1832 Mr. M. accoinpanied his parents from New York to Livingston County, this State, and they were among the first settlers in Green Oak Township, that county. The parents remained in Livingston County until 1840, when they removed to Ingham County, and were also among the first settleis in that county. They experienced all the trials of the pio- neer's life and battled against the vicissitudes of the same with earnest determination. Amos D. remained under the parental roof-tree, in Livingston and Ingham Counties, assisting the struggling family in the improvement of their home, and developed into manhood. One year after his parents removed to Ingham County, Mr. M. embarked in the flouring-mill busi- ness, which he followed with success until 1865. He then came to this county and purchased 220 acres of land on section 9, Lincoln Township. He subse- (juently dis])osed of 100 acres and has placed 85 acres of the remainder under good cultivation. Mr. Mattison was united in marriage, Aug. 30, 1855, to Miss Abbie E Stokes, daughter of Isaiah M. and Elizabeth (Stranahan) Stokes, natives of England and New York respectively. They are both deceased, the father dying in Minnesota and the liiother in Ohio. Abbie E. was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., June 10, 1827. She accompanied her parents to Ohio when 12 years of age, and when 26 years old came to this State. Her education was received in Nelson Col- lege, Portage Co., Ohio. At the age of 15 years Mrs. M. entered on the profession of a teacher and con- tinued the same with credit and success until 1873. She taught the first school in District No. 6, Lincoln Township. Mr. and Mrs. M. are the parents of two children: Ellen A., who was born A])ril 13, 1857, died Feb. 19, 1883, at her home in Lincoln Township. She was married in this county, Nov. 24, 1873, to Samuel D. Kyser, born July 29, 1847, in Ohio. He came to this State in 1866. They are the parents of two children, — Jenny S., born Jan. 28, 1874, and Forest D., born Nov. 17, 1876. Katie S. Mattison, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M., was born Oct. 6, i86i, and now is at home. She is a teacher by profession, having entered on the same at the age of 15 years. Mr. Mattison, politically, is a staunch Democrat. He has held the office of Supervisor and other minor offices in the township. 4i'K^[ rs. Celia W. Taylor, M. D., physician and -.! E^; H>^ V^!lltl^IlD^> "T" ISABELLA COUNTY. 2) a r In 1876 she resumed her studies in that direction, reading under the directions of several different phy- sicians. After graduation, she at once entered uix)n Ijer practice. She lived five months at Fentonville, Genesee Co., Mich., and, with that exception, she has continued in her profession at Loomis to the present time. In the spring of 1883 she bought a stock of drugs and has a considerable business in that line, in addition to the duties of her profession. In Jan- uary, 1883, she was appointed District Physician, and she is the present Physician of the Board of Health at Loomis. Slie is widely known as a skillful and successful practitioner, and has a large and increasing practice. eorge E. Dawson, of the firm of Feighner & Dawson, merchants at Clare, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., March 14, 1853. Four years later the family came to Ingham County, this State, where he lived until 17 years old, attending school mos\ of the time. At that time he came to Isabella County, where he worked in the lumber woods for 1 1 years. In the spring of 1880 he made his present location at Clare, where he is doing a growing business, now of $10,000 annually, in the sale of meats. He was married April 17, 1882, in Barry County, this State, to Miss Carrie Jones, a native of that county. One child, Ora, has been added to the fam- ily circle, born Nov. 12, 1883. Politically, Mr. Daw- son is a Democrat. K*af eorge C. Faulkner, dealer in general hard- ware, etc., at Mt. Pleasant, was born Oct. 19, 1854, in Toronto, Can. His parents, Isaiah and Mary (Clark) Faulkner, belonged to the agricultural class in the Dominion of Canada. His father was a native of Ireland and emigrated to America when he was but a lad. In 1859 he removed with his family to Lockport, N. Y., where he resided a year and went thence to Nor- walk, Ohio. A year later he made another move, to (® Bellevue in the Buckeye State. After a residence 7" there of four years, he went to Hillsdale, Mich., and t I after a short stay proceeded to Hudson, Lenawee County, where he remained during the last years of his life. The mother also died in Hudson. When Mr. Faulkner was 20 years old he deter- mined to change his vocation, and turn his attention \^ from farming to other business. He accordingly went to Adrian, when he entered the tin shop of R. L. Bate, and passed three years in learning the trade. He came to Mt. Plea-.ant July 21, 1876, where he operated four years in the tin siiop of L. N. Smith. In 18S0 he established himself in tlie business in which he is now engaged, associated with Frank Patterson, under the firm style of Faulkner & Patter- son. The relation continued 18 months, since which Mr. Faulkner has done business singly. He changed his location June i, 1881, removing to the building he has since occupied. His stock is estimated at $5,000 in value and comprises general hardware, stoves, tinware, paints, oils, glass, steel goods, etc. A repair shop is connected with his establishment and he is doing a good job business. His trade requires the aid of two assistants. He built in 1882 a fine residence, the ground of which include two lots. Mr.* Faulkner was married at Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich., June 6, 1882, to Annie Denison. She was born June 26, 1861, near that place, and is the daughter of Jared and Fannie Denison. Fannie, only child, was born June 10, 1883, at Mt. Pleasant. >. Si/ Kffiabesley Ellis, farmer, section 31, Cold water '^ " 9 Townsliip, was born Jan. 11, 1833, in Pike, I^K^P Wyoming Co., N. Y. He is a son of John ^ and Lany (Helmer) Ellis. His father was born Aug. 22, 1808, and died Oct. 19, 1867 ; his mother was born Feb. 3, 18 10, and died March 22, 1881. On leaving home wlien he attained his majority, Mr. Ellis became a farm assistant, working by the month for five years in the same employment. He enlisted May 15, 1861, in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was mustered out June 22, 1863. He re-enlisted in September. 1864, in the 25th N. Y. Independent Battery. He was in the battles of Lee's Mills, VVil- liamsburg, Mech.micsville, White Oak Swamp, Mal- vern Hill, .\iUietam, Fredericksburg (first and second) and South Mountain. During his period of enlistment r ^ t?i^' 5^ni]f>=^ A- TZjfer^ '^) ^ /\ '<■ V ; ^ .rti^>ilti>:iinv>T— ISABELLA COUNTY. -TH. 343 he was slightly ill and was sent to the general hospi- tal, when he ran away, and, after two days' travel and two nights' camping out, he caught up with his regiment. The date of this escapade was when Burnside took command after the battle of Antietam, subsequent to crossing the Potomac. The battery did garrison duty at Brashear City and at New Orleans, but was in no active engagements. On his return to his home in Wyoming County after he was discharged, he engaged in farming in / connection with his brother, on a farm which they I owned together. A year later he sold out to his ;a brother and came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich., where he remained two years at work in shingle and saw mills. March r, 1879, he came to Isabella County and wrote to his brother Frank, who joined him here, and together they bought 120 acres of land on which they have since resided. Mr. Ellis owns 80 acres of the original tract, and has 50 acres im- proved. He is a Republican in politics and has served one year as Supervisor of Sherman Town- ship. Mr. Ellis was first married Dec. 24, 1866, to Jean- nette Phelps, of Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mr. Ellis was a second time married Nov. 19, 1878, to Arvilla, daughter of Obadiah and Abigail (Fay) Russell. There have been no children by either marriage. %^m^<^^ \ obert Neelands, farmer on section 11, Not- tawa Township, is a son of Andrew and Jane (Howey) Neelands, both natives of V\wf Ireland. The father now lives in Canada, where the mother died, in December, 1864. Their son Robert was born in Ontario, Can., Dec. 4, 1855, and lived with his parents on the farm until he came to man's estate. He then, at the age of 22, came to this county, about the first of April, 1878. For the ensuing year and a half, he worked by the month at farming, and then he passed a winter in Canada, and then he located permanently in Isa- bella County. He worked by the month for three years more, and then settled on his farm of 40 acres, purchased in the fall of 1 880. He has 25 acres improved. V*) He was married Dec. 20, 1882, to Annis M. Har- 7» risoii, daughter of John D. and Almira R. (Frazier) Harrison. The parents are of English and Canadian ancestry, respectively, and are residents of Isabella County. Mr. and Mrs. N. are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. He is in political sentiment a Republican, and has been School Treasurer of his district. j^onathan Tanner, farmer, section 32, Cold- water Township, was born SepL 27, 1841 in Ontario, Canada, and is the son of James and Sarah (Sumner) Tanner. His parents are natives of England, and are both living in Coldwater Township. Their family includes 13 children, three daughters and ten sons. Mr. Tanner was bound out by his parents when he was seven years old, but ran away before the ter- mination of the first year of his indenture, because of ill usage. He spent the period of his minority in working out by the day, month or year, and when he was 21 years -of age he rented a farm, which he man- aged two years, after which he again became a day laborer, and was thus employed two years, except when his daily time and strength were absorbed by the ague, which he had in one of its severest forms In i866 he came to Isabella County and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres, on which he has since resided. He has since increased his landed posses- sions by the purchase of 40 acres additional. The experiences of the family in the early dajs of their settlement were those common to all the pio- neers of this section, but now and then an incident occurred which was out of the common order of things. The family of Mr. Tanner occupied a shanty, and at the time referred to, it was also occupied by a neighbor, pending the erection of her home. Mr. Tanner was felling a tree in the vicinity. The wind was blowing hard and caused the tree to take an un- expected direction toward the shanty. He called to his wife to fly with the children. She caught up one child and the other woman seized two others and ran. The tree fell and Mrs. Tanner was caught be- tween the branches. She was slightly injured in the shoulder and the child was so much hurt that he lay unconscious three da s and three nights. There was no physician nearer than Mt. Pleasant, and Mr. Tan- ner ran to the home of a neighbor — James Johnson— e A ■>' ^Ddr^V^- (o-> m ^^^ ■:2!ii%^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. m^ If) I f ^ who hastened to Mr. Brubaker, three and a half miles distant, the latter having a set of medical books and an assortment of medicines. The child showed no signs of life for two hours, and medicine was forced through his clinched teeth. He was ill for a year, but finally recovered. Mr. Tanner is independent in political faith and action. He has served four years as Highway Com- missioner, and one year as Constable. He was married Jan. 15, 1863, to Mary Ann, daughter of John and Charlotte (Edwards) Boughen. The father died in Canada in 1872, and the mother resides at Mt. Pleasant. Both were English by birth. Mrs. Tanner is one of ten children born to her par- ents, — two sons and eight daughters. The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner is as follows: Ernest Albert was born Feb. 21, 1866; William James, Feb. 16, 1864 (died Oct. 3, 1865); Minnie Jane, July 15, 1869; Anna Maria, June 22, 1872; Melvin Jolin, May 28, 1875; Chadotte Laura, Feb. 16, 1877; Martha Augusta, March 29, 1879; Elmer, March 15, 1881 (died April 3, 1881). -4-<^.4=4">is-^>" lllndrew J. Miller, farmer on section 7, Pol- ===^ land Township, is a son of Barnett and Margaret (Nusebaum) Miller. His father was born in the year 1834, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio; his mother was born in Ohio in 1836 and died in November, t866. Mr. Miller, sen- ior, was a farmer in Ohio until i860, when he re- moved to Indiana. After a time hereturr.ed to Ohio, and now resides in Defiance County. He had by his first marriage nine children, and by his second three. 'I'he subject of this biography was born Nov. 24, 1851, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and lived with his parents until 15 years old. Losing his mother at that age, he went out to battle with the world and worked by the month for three years. He then came to Micliigan and worked for three winters. In the spring of 1874 he came to Isabella County, was mar- ried and located on a farm of J i g}4 acres. He has 60 acres nicely improved. His wife's maiden name was Libbie Pratt. She was born Aug. 1, 1858, in Montcalm Co., Mich. Her parents, Nathan and Charlotte Pratt, followed farm- ing. The father was a soldier for the Union in the late war, fell at Chattanooga and is buried in the National Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the par- ents of two children, — Lawrence B., born May 17, 1874, and Alice E., born Nov. 24, 1881. The par- ents are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. Miller has been Moderator of his school district two terms. Politically, he is a Democrat. esse H. Jordan, farmer on section 30, Den- f ver Township, is a son of William and Mary (Garlock) Jordan. His parents were born, married and for a time afterwards lived in 1^ Cherry Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They \ moved thence to Schuyler County, where the father died. The mother afterwards removed to Allegany Co., N. Y., her present home. Their family of eight were named Julia, Catherine, William, Lu- cinda, Jesse H., Andrew, Charles A. and Norman. The subject of this biography was born in Schuyler Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1826, and alternately attended school and worked on his father's farm. Leaving the paternal roof at the age of 20, he worked out fur three years, af er which he bought a farm of 50 acres in Schuyler County, which he carried on for three years. He continued at farming until the spring of 1865, when he came to Ionia Couilty and bought 80 acres of partly improved land. A year later he sold, and bought another farm in the same county, which, after seven years, he traded for an So-acre farm in Clinton County. He lived there three years, when, disposing of his Clinton County property, he came, in November, 1878, to Isabella County and bought 160 acres of wild land in Denver Township, where he has since lived. He has disposed of half his land, and of the remainder 70 acres are improved. Soon after settling in this county, he built a good farm house, which he now occupies. He was first married in Yates ("o., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1848, to Matilda, daughter of James A. Swarthout. The father was a native of New York State, and the daughter was born in Yates County, Oct. 9, 1829. Of this marriage five children were born, — James (died when four years old), Alice H., Charles M. (died Sept. g, 1880), Wellington A. and Franklin O. His wife died in Denver Township, this county, Sept. 12, 1880, and he was again married, March 14, 1881, J *^ A C< c .A. 4*^5f®A; I #' 4 ;#*- ■^rv <>mi^iiii^> V ^ i ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^^5(©V^ 34S to Sophia R., daughter of Conrad and Elsie G. (Reeves) Young, and widow of E. G. Battles, who died Dec. 23, 1873, leaving three children, — Ida (i., Elsie A and Minnie N. The first and last of these three are deceased. Mrs. Jordan was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Aug 4, 1839. Mr. J. has been Township Treasurer two years. Justice of the Peace four years, and in the fall of 1883 was elected Coroner, which office he now holds. He is also Deacon of the Baptist Church, which was organized in Denver Township in May, 1879. Mrs. J. is a member of the Methodist Episco[)al Church. Mr. Jordan votes the Republican ticket. sff^Jipenjainin A. Cohoon, farmer on section 19, s Coe Township, is a son of Lidick and Martha (Pickard) Cohoon, natives of the State of New York. The parents came to Jackson Co., Mich., in 1847, where she died. He remained there until the spring of 1861 and then came to Isabella County, where he now resides. The subject of this narrative was born in Onon- daga Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1837, and was 10 years old when his parents came to Michigan. Remaining with his father until 23 years of age, he then worked at lum- bering on the Muskegon River for eight months. Sept. 9, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf, and served until June 13, 1866, at which time he was discharged. He was captured at the battle of Secession ville, on James Island, June 16, 1862, and was kept a prisoner for four months. He was again taken, Aug. 6, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, and he was not released until March i, 1865. Dur- ing his first incarceration, he was for a few days in the Libby, but spent most of the time at Columbia, S. C. The second time, he was at Danville, Va., Andersonville, Ga. (five months) and Florence, S. C. Returning from the service, he settled in 1867 on 80 acres on section 19, Coe Township, which he had bought the year previous, and on which he now re- sides, with about 45 acres under cultivation. He was married in Jackson County, June 17, 1867, to Eudora, daughter of William and Lydia (Page) Gal- lap, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. C. was born in Jackson County, Dec. 29, 1842, and has been the mother of eight children, six of whom survive: Leonora, Ransom M., Lillian E., Mabel, Henrietta L. and Cora E. The other two died in infancy. Mr. C. has been School Director for two years and Pathniaster. He is a member of Ralph Ely Post, No. 150, G. A. R., and is politically a Republican. ^f Mlljharles B. Shaver, Superintendent for A. 1£ B. Long & Son, at Blancliard, is a son of John and Mary (Rose) Shaver, natives re- spectively of New York and Delaware. His father was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1826, and has followed lumbering most of his life. His mother was born in 183 1. They came to this State in 1870, locating in Emerson Township, Gratiot County. They afterwards removed to St. Louis, where they yet reside. Their son Charles was born .Aug. 7, 1855, in Steu- ben Co., N. Y., and lived with his parents until 16 years old, when he commenced work in a mill in Gratiot County. He was afterwards for a time in the employ of Whitney & Stinchfield, as a foreman. He then came to Blanchard for A. B. Long & Son, of Grand Rapids. He was married Dec. 6, 1883, to Miss Lena A. Roberts, who was born May 2, 1864, the daughter of \i. D. and Ora A. (Pierson) Roberts. The parents were born in Bangor, Me., in 1822 and 1836, re- spectively. The father has followed lumbering much of his life and now lives in Mecosta County. Mrs. Shaver is the third daughter in a family of two sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living. Politically, Mr. S. is a Republican. --r ■:2rTiariiSr 1=3 ^ ISABELLA COUNTY should become of age ; which contract was faithfully performed. He then came to Micliigan and lived for several years in Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, buying his first farm in the latter for $1.25 per acre. He came to Isabella County in 1854 and bought 320 acres of Government land at 50 cents per acre, and has since resided in this county. He now owns 160 acres of land, including village property, 100 acres being nicely improved. He built the first steam mill m this county, selling the same afterwards for $5,000. He was married in Ionia Co., Mich., in October, 1854, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Margaret Chaf- fin, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Miller was also born in the Empire State, 1834. She and her husband have been the parents of nine children, eight of whom survive: Wm. O., James W., Flora, Emeline, Margaret C. (died in April, 1883), Betsey, Josephine, Blanch and Katie. Mr. M. was one of the first School Inspectors of his township. He has since invariably declined officesi on account of the demands of his private business. Politically, he supports the Democratic party. He and his sons keep some fine blooded stock, and own the well-known stallion "Sunburst." About 1859, during the hard times, Mr. M. bor- rowed a large sum of money at Saginaw, paying 25 per cent interest, by means of which many were kept from suffering. He employed deserving men to work for him, paying them in provisions, which he bought with tiie borrowed money, and making no profit on the cost of the same. T,C|„ dwin S. Crowley, farmer on section 32, \^ Union Township, is a son of Lyman and ' hSi Clarissa (Crook) Crowley, and was born ^S, near Wales, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1837. He lived on his father's farm until 19 years of age, and then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked a portion of the time for ten years. ^ In the s[)ring of 1859 he went to Black Hawk Co., •■ '? Iowa, where he followed his trade and also worked a ■•. farm of 40 acres, which he purchased. He was there ^ married, March 16, 1864, to Miss Leah French, a na- ^i) live of England. She died Feb. 28, 1865, leaving a V, son, Orrie, born the same day. He came to Union '(&A ^):^«^^^ L -•^:':- — ^^^tld; Township, this county, in September, 1866, and bought 80 acres where Charles Stirling now resides. After clearing about 55 acres and making other im- provements, he sold this place and purchased what is now known as the Bamborough farm, 100 acres. Here he lived a year and then went to Fayette Co., Iowa, where he followed his trade somewhat more than a year. He then moved on his present farm, in October, 1875. He has 80 acres on section 22 and 20 acres on 23, all under cultivation, 50 acres being cleared by his own efforts. His farm is pleas- antly located, being but a mile from the county seat, and is one of the finest places in Union Township, having a good orchard, a fine residence, two sub- stantial barns, and other improvements to correspond. He was a second time married, in Lincoln Town- ship, this county, Oct. 22, 1868, to Miss Emily Cas- well, who was born near Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1849, ''is daughter of David and Rosina Caswell. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. C, as follows: Lettie was born Oct. 22, 1869, and died July 30, 187 I ; Ernest was born May 21, 1872; Le- land, April 8, 1877 ; Myrtie, Dec. 8, 1880; Vernon, July 15; 1S83. bella Township, was born in St. Clair Co., Mich., April 18, 1852, and is a son of Nicholas and Sophia (Rivers) Raymond, natives of France, and of a pure French family. The senior Raymond was by occupation a blacksmith, and died in St. Clair Co., Mich., in June, 1854, when Joseph was but two years old. The mother is still residing in that county, at the age of 79. The subject of this biography was reared under the care of his mother and step-father (David Moore), remaining with them until 18 years old, and received a good English education in the common schools. Leaving home at the date mentioned, he was engaged in the lumber woods of Midland County till the fall of 1878, when he selected Isabella County as his home. The following spring he purchased 40 acres on section 16, Denver Township, and subsequent investments gave him a total of 1,280 acres of heavily timbered land. He has continued in the business of lumber- I — I < F- ■ r litoseph D. Eaymond, a promment farmer '^ - and lumberinan, residing on section 13, Isa- ^^V?^^- h> ^-n^^ 4i3:>^V> I (■.. '.^^y^t^ ^^' r^ ^/^ a^U/U^^f— cz/ry^ •tf** ISABELLA COUNTY. -^^^m 351 ing to the present time; and it will give an idea of the extent of his 0[)erations to state that he has put in this season (1SS3-4) upwards of 3,000,000 feet of logs. In i88j he purchased 140 acres of well im- proved land on section T3, Isabella, where is his present home. Sept. 28, 1880, at Mount Pleasant, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily McLachlin, daugliter of John and Catherine McLachlin, natives of Scotland. Mr. McL. came to this country when quite young and is now a farmer in Isabella Township, this county. Mrs. Raymond was born in St. Clair Co., Mich., Oct. I, 1861, and came in 1872 to this county, where she has received most of her education. To Mr. and Mrs. R. have been given two children: Eunice E., born Aug. 5, 18S2; and Daniel J., born Dec. 26, 1883. In political faith, Mr. Raymond is an active sup- porter of the Republican party. He and wife adhere to the tenets of the Presbyterian Church. ||i ufus F. Glass, farmer, section 24, Gilmore Township, was born Nov. 2, 1S19, in Le- roy, Genesee Co., N. Y. His parents, Rufus and Nabby (Webb) Glass, were natives of Connecticut and died in Genesee County. Mr. Glass received the training of a farmer's son, and remained under the guidance of his father until he was of age. He then acquired the details of the builder's trade, which he followed 25 years. He lived a portion of that period in his native county and in 1841 came to Michigan. He purchased 80 acres of land in White Lake, Oakland County, of which he retained the proprietorship five years. He disposed of the property by sale and bought 80 acres near Howell, Livingston County. He owned and managed this i8 years, and in December, 1867, came to Isabella County, where he has since resided and owns 160 acres of land, with 60 acres under improve- ments. He was elected the first Justice of the Peace of the township and held tlie position 12 years. He was also the first Supervisor in the township, and served in that capacity four terms. He was the first Superintendent of Schools under tVie township law and is now County Superintendent of the Poor. In 1880 he was Census Enumerator of two towns in Isabella County ; and is now School Inspector, a position he has held several terms. Mr. Glass is a Republican in political views. In 1872 he had an unusual experience, which merits record. He set out from Mt. Pleasant with an ox team and wagon and found the bridge over the Chippewa River had been washed away by the high water. He was informed by parties in the neighborhood that fording was practicable, and he made the attempt. He was hardly into the water before he found himself floating down stream in his wagon box, and the oxen swimming in the direction from which they came. On reaching some float- wood, Mr. Glass jumped upon it and made his way to land on the same side of the river he had left, while the box moored itself on the opposite side. He paid a man a half a dollar to swim across and at- tach a rope to the recreant box, by which means Mr. Glass obtained possession of his property once more. He was first married May 7, 1844, to Harriet C, daughter of Nathan and Susan (Higbee) Rasco. She was born May 18, 1822, in Orange Co., N. Y. The record of the children born of this marriage is as follows: Herbert, June 2, 1845; Caroline Rosa- mond, Oct. 16, 1846; Egbert, July ig, 1848; an un- named infant child was born Jan. 15, 1851, and died seven days later. The mother died soon after. The marriage of Mr. Glass to Harriet Ann, daughter of Solomon and Susan (Chambers) Gould, occurred April II, 1852. She was born Feb. 26, 1831. Of five children born of this marriage three are livfng. The record is as follows: Algernon Sidney, born April 26, 1853; Clarissa, April 29,1855; Florence, Nov. 21 1858. Hampden was born Sept. 5, 1857, and died Sept. 30 following. Rufus was born Dec. 25, i860, and died March 22, 1875. Amid the worthy constellation of protraits in the Album of Isabella County, we are proud to place those of Mr. and Mrs. Glass. Sicero Kimball, of the firm of Kimball i^_j|3 Bros., wholesale and retail marketmen at fj'ip' Mt. Pleasant, was born Oct 10, 1844, in Erie '^ Co., N. Y. He is the son of Samuel and m Caroline (Parker) Kimball, who reared their nine children on a farm. Mr. Kimball came to' Mt. Pleasant in the spring ot V A .^ ry f %m<^>^^. — =«!«- ^-X-: -is t ^?§^^ 72?^ ST o !) 352 ISABELLA COUNTY. 1869 and worked one suminer as farm assistant with Wallace Preston. In the following fall he opened a shop on Broadway, where he followed his present business for four years. The shop was destroyed by fire in 1875, entailing a loss of $2,000. The spring of the same year, a livery barn belonging to him burnt, causing a loss of $500. He then started a livery stable and stage line from Mt. Pleasant to St. Louis, which he conducted one year. He managed the same business between Clare and Mt. Pleasant the year following. In January, 1877, he formed a partnership with his brother Adelbert, bought the site where they are now established and erected the building they occupy. Their stock includes all varieties of articles common to similar establish- ments, comprising also fish and game, and they are transacting a thriving business. The present busi- ness of the Messrs. Kimball requires three assistants. Mr. Kimball was married Jan. 4, 1870, at Mt. Pleasant, to Adelle, daughter of Saxton Jackson. She was born in Holland, Erie Co., N. Y. Lelah B., born Oct. 2, 1873, and Bessie M., born May 1, 1875, are the children now included in the family circle. Mr. Kimball belongs to Wabon Lodge, No. 305, at Mt. Pleasant. He has served several years as Under- Sheriff and two years as Village Marshal. j-VW^— f- ! obert Ei'vin, farmer, section 2, Nottawa Township, is a son of Samuel and Eliza I m ,, Jj^-^"^' (Synnott) Ervin, natives of Ireland. The yisLj father emigrated to this country when seven years of age, and the mother when she was 16 years old, and they are both still living. Robert was born in Gray Co., Can., Sept. 2, 1855. He remained under the parental roof-tree in Canada, assisting his father in the maintenance of the family, until he attained the age of 14, in 1869, when he ac- companied his parents to this State, and settled with them in Sanilac County. He remained in that county for two years, and then moved to Midland County, and variously occupied his time for five years, when he came to this county. He arrived in March, 1877, and worked at various occupations for three years, until the spring of iS8i,when he moved upon his present farm, where he has since lived. Mr. Ervin was united in marriage with Miss Clista, daughter of Joseph and Abigail (Green) Boucher, July 8, 1878. Her mother died March 27, 1875, and her father is still living. Mrs. E. was born Sept. 26, i860, in BrantCo.,Can. The husband and wife have been blessed with two children, born and named as follows : Samuel Joseph, Aug. 9, 1880; and Abigail R., March 25, 1882. Politically, Mr. E. is an adherent to and a believer in the principles of the Republican party. He has held the official position of School Director and Path Master. His farm consists of 40 acres on section 2, Nottawa Township, and he has some 1 2 acres of the same in a good state of cultivation. -wuec/®^-' •^^rtwiriv VS ^{Sgfcharles W. Gardner, farmer, residing at gJwf^S Sherman City, was born July 25, 1847, 1j>^ and is a son of John H. and Isabella D. (Gra- f|^ ham) Gardner. His mother died when he j was 10 years old, and he grew up under the care of his father and grandfather, learning the trade of blacksmith of the one and that of boiler-maker of the other. He was but 14 years of age when the civil war broke out, and two years later he became a soldier. He enlisted Nov. r, 1863, in Co. M, Sixth Ohio Vol. Cav., and was mustered out June 24, 1865, at Peters- burg, Va. He was under Gen. Grant from the time he took command of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of Gen. Lee. He took part in the battles of Leed's Farm, second action at Malvern Hill, Weldon Railroad, Boyd's Plank Road, Hatcher's Run (first and second), Hicksford, Dinwiddie Court- House, Five Forks, etc. He participated in 17 general engagements, besides being in numberless skirmishes. After leaving the United States service, lie engaged in farming and attending school. After studying about five months at New Harrisburg, Ohio, he en- gaged in teaching one term, after which he spent some time in the pursuit of the trades he had ac- quired. His next engagement was as a farmer, and he spent three years in agriculture, managing the farm of his father-in-law. In 1877 he came to Isa- bella County, and on the 15th day of December he c>; <: r- ^ A -^^ ^f^^mj^^. m t i, v* 4 V ^ J •^^v<^Mmh>T ISABELLA COUNT\. 4^^f(^^^ii 353 settled on 80 acres of land in Sherman Township, which he had purchased April r, 1870. Since April I, 1884, he has made his home in Sherman City. He has 20 acres improved and supplied with farm buildings, an orchard, etc. He has been engaged in teaching and preaching, since he came to this county, and is at present laboring in the interests of the Dis- ciples' Church. He has been Superintendent of the Poor of Isabella County one year. Clerk of Sherman Township four years, and has served during the last year as Inspector of Schools. In 1882 he was nomi- nated for Register of Deeds, but was defeated by 69 votes. Mr. G. is a Republican, and in 1880 took the census of the townships of Sherman, Noltavva and Isabella. Mr. Gardner was married Sept. i, 1869, to Jeru- sha Maggie, daughter of John and Margaret (Wiley) McGavram, residents of Columbiana Co., Ohio. She was born Aug. 23, 1849, •" Carroll Co., Ohio. Three children were born as follows to Mr. and Mrs. Gard- ner, on the homestead in Ohio: Maggie Belle, Oct. 14, 1870; John F., May24, 1S74; Mary W., Oct. 30, 1876. .>«eefir®^-«-^^^i^^|||^»-^^WJ32rav. .^?^^ ^jolumbus Coles, farmer, section 11, Deer- •'^ field Township, is a son of Horace and Laura (Miller) Coles, natives of Massa- chusetts ; his mother died April 16, 1858, and his father Oct. 15, 1882. He was born in Williamsburg, Hampshire Co., Mass., April 26, 1828. When he was 11 years of age the family settled in Bainljridge, Ohio, where he lived with his parents until he was 26 years of age, when lie moved to the town of Almena, Van Buren Co, Mich.; but ten years afterward he returned to Ohio, locating in Solon, Cuyahoga County; and nine years after that he moved to this county, where he has sinci resided, arriving March 29, 1878. He bought 80 acres of wild land, and at this place he is making a home for himself and family, having now 15 acres imi^roved. He is a Freemason (now deniitted), a Republican, and, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. March 22, 1855, Mr. Coles married Miss Ann, daughter of Obed Stevens. By this marriage there were four children, viz.: Laurie A., born Aug. 22, 1856; Arthur Orsemus, April. 28, 1859; Lyman Mil- ler, June 25, i860; Albert Eugene, March 25, 1863, — all living. She died June 4, 1863, at Almena, Mich., and Mr. C. again married, Oct. 12, 1866, to Mrs. Mary C. Barker, nee Ballard. She was born Feb. 13, 1837, in Springfield Township, Oakland Co., Mich., and Oct. 16, 1857, married Franklin Barker, who was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and in consequence of the wound died, Nov. 6, 1864, at Chattanooga. By her first marriage she had one child, Clara A., born Feb. 4, 1858, and is now the wife of Wm. E. Redfield. By the present marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coles have one child, Eddie E., born Sept. I, 1867. ^ (j ranklin W. Ellis, farmer, section 31, Cold ■ 1-iBi ■ i .1 water Township, was born Feb. 11, i gp? ">'' in Pike, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and is the y^ son of John and Lany (Helmer) Ellis. His •^h^ father was born Aug. 22, 1808, in Connecticut, \. and died Oct. 19, 1867. Tlie mother was born Feb. 3, 18 10, in Schoharie Co., N. Y., and died March 22, 1881. Mr. Ellis was a little more than 17 years old when armed rebellion stirred the nation to its uttermost, and he enlisted May 15, 1861, in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf He was mustered out June 22, 1863, and re-enlisted in September, 1864, in the 25 th New York Independent Battery. Among the battles in which he participated were Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Me- chanicsville, White-Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, An- tietam and Fredericksburg. On receiving his dis- charge, Mr. Ellis engaged as a miller at Pike until the death of his fatjier, when he went upon the home farm. In 1868 he sold out, and in March, 1869, came to Stanton, Mich. Tiiere he rented a house and left the family while lie proceeded to Sherman City and bought 120 acres of land of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad Comi)any. He removed the family hither in .August, 1869. He has 40 acres of land improved, and owns 440 acres in Mecosta County. Mr. Ellis was married Jan. 4, 1873, to Mary A., daughter of Jesse and — (Price) Bright. She was born June 26, 1854, in Darke Co., Ohio. Her mother died when she was young ; her father was born in ^ n 844, "^j) c< (^ ^^#' 354 ISABELLA COUNTY. "^ 1809, and is living in Mecosta County. Two chil- 'A dren have been born by this marriage : Vernon, :% April 7, 1874 (died Feb. 17, 1875), Ira J., Aug. 24, f 1876. ■^(^^ flared K. Palmer, farmer on section 15, Not- towa Township, is a son of George and /N >5 V 9^ Elizabeth (Key) Palmer, natives of Eng- land. The father died March 29, 1883; and 3^ the mother is now living in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich. The subject of this biography was born in Plym- outh, Wayne County, this State, Sept. i, 1857, and lived on the farm with his parents until he arrived at man's estate. Attaining his majority, he commenced working on a farm by the month, which occupation he followed for four years. March 28, 1882, he ar- rived in Isabella County, which he has since made his home. Dec. 15, 1879, he had purchased his farm of 80 acres ; and now, in two years, he has made a number of valuable improvements, such as building a good frame house and stable, and has 20 acres cleared. He was married Dec. 14, 1881, at Plymouth, to Miss Julia A. Perin, daughter of Jesse and Emily A. (Power) Perin. To them one daughter, Katie A., was born Jan. 29, 1884. Mr. Palmer is politically a Republican. He is now Drain Commissioner of his township. rinee H. Robbins, farmer on sectioris 22 ,,•,5^5™!^ and 23, Gilmore, and mill owner in Clare tl'l^ County, was born May 20, 1829, at Yar- 11^ mouth, N. S. His parents, Rufus and Leiitia Jf^ (Wyii.an) Robbins, were natives of Nova Sco- tia. The father was born May 21, 1792, and died Aug. 7, 1867 ; her mother died in 1873, her exact age being unknown. The father was captain of a vessel, and when the son attained his majority he shipped as a seaman in the same boat. He followed the sea as a vocation for 22 years, rising to the positions of mate and captain. After spending si\ months in Worcester Mass., he came to Michigan and first located at Alma, Gratiot County, where he remained about a year and a half, and in 187 i settled in Isabella County, July i, 1871, he took possession of 200 acres of land in Gilmore Township, which he had previously purchased. Of this tract, which was in an entirely original condition, he has improved 120 acres. In the fall of 1883 he removed his residence to a point in Clare County near Harrison's Junction, formerly known as Hinck- ley's Mills, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles. He was married Dec. 19, 185 1, to Isabella B., daughter of Robert and Mary A. (Bulwer) Purdy. She was born June 6, 1830. The children now com- prised in the household of Mr. Robbins were born as follows : Eliza E., April 5, 1852 ; Robert W., March 19, 1854; Althea B., Oct. 31, 1856; Catherine A., Sept. II, 1858; Eva, Sept. 24, i860; Mary Letitia, Nov. 16, 1863; Henry, March 25, 1866; Rufus, Nov. 16, 1855 (died Jan. 3, 1856); Gracie, May 27. 1875 (died June 23, 1875). <^ ^ '^: eorge H. Hersey, a prominent farmer and breeder of stock, resident on section 181, Wise Township, was born Sept. 8, 1853, in Lapeer Co., Mich. His parents, Julius B. and Sarah E. (Pridden) Hersey, were natives respectively of Michigan and England. They settled in Dryden, Lapeer County, where the father is still living. The mother died about Jan. 3, 1872. Their family included the following named children Amelia E. (deceased), John P., Alelia E., Geo. H., Fremont D., Victor C, Vorilla S. and Annie A. Mr. Hersey jjassed the years of his early boyhood at school, and at the age of 13 found himself with the problem of making his way in the world on his hands for solution. He passed the following six years as a farm assistant, working by the month as he found satisfactory positions, with the exception of one winter which he spent in lumbering, and a summer season which he devoted to labor in a saw- mill. In the spring of 1875 he bought 40 acres of unimproved land in Wise Township. He built a log house for temporary purposes, and gave his attention ^ to the work of placing his proi)erty in creditable (^J faming condition. He has increased his farm to 80 ^ /i n S ■^zJ^^^rvsr f /^ 'j^j V ^ CI ISABELLA COUNTY. "T^ ":2^s^^J^^s^ -^^m^^i 3SS acres by further purchase, and has 62 acres of the entire tract under culture. He has increased the at- tractiveness and value of his place by the erection of one of the finest barns in Isabella County, second to none for convenience and completeness. It is 30 by 50 feet in dimensions. He keeps on an average 17 head of cattle, 20 sheep, a yoke of oxen and two horses. In political faith Mr. Hersey is a Republi- can, and he has held the offices of School Moderator and School Treasurer, which latter office he now fills. Mr. Kersey's marriage to Mary A. Jacobs occurred at Romeo, Macomb Co., Mich., April 24, 1873. She was born in Hammond, St. Lawrence ("o., N. Y., Aug. 24, 1855, and is the daughter of Richard and Betsey (Hammond) Jacobs. Her parents were born respectively in Ireland and in St. Lawrence Co. N. Y. They settled after marriage in the latter place, and later in life removed to Lapeer Co., Mich., and are still resident there. James H., only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hersey, was born March 10, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant. =E>- >5i;^r[|i<' ohn A. Drew, farmer, section 8, Deerfield Ij^^L- Township, is a son of Orrin and Julia A. Ivp'^ (Meeker) Drew, natives of Vermont, both ^,^ of whom finally located in Shiawassee Co., ]t Mich., where they died. \\ He was born Feb. 18, 1833, and in October, r838, the family moved to Lapeer Co., Mich. He lived with them until 1856; then lived in Shiawassee County until 1869, and since then in this county. He first bought a farm of 80 acres, which he occu- pied until 1879, when he sold it and purchased his present place of 80 acres. Dec. 26, r859, in Shiawassee County, Mr. Drew married Miss Mary A., daughter of David J. and Mary (Sickner) Tower, the former a native of Ver- mont and the latter of the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. D. have had 11 children, seven of whom are living, namely : John O., J T, Mary E., Peter James, Joseph Henry, William A. and Laura Ann. David J. died June 26, r86j. Clayton A., March 14, 1859; Anna Estelle, Jan. 19, 1874; and Colonel Benjamin, June 26, 1876. J T was married April 21, 1884, to Lillian Lawrence, and lives in Deer- field Township. Aug. 27, 1864, Mr. Drew enlisted, in Shiawassee County, in the 29th Micii. Vol. Inf , went to Ten- nessee and Alabama under Gen. Thomas, and partici- pated in the battle at Decatur, Ala., and in several skirmishes. He was mustered out June 27, 1865, on account of disability. Is now receiving a pension of $12 a month. In regard to political issues Mr. Drew votes with the Republican party. AtfijZC?©-^^ ^g>^4— M^^i/ZIOTiV. r/i]iitesse Perin, farmer on section 15, Nottawa 'Mm.-- Township, is a son of Pheroras I. and Di- ana (Phillips) Perin, both of whom were born in the Stale of New York and are now de- ceased. He was born in Perington Township Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 28, 1821, and June i, the year following, the family arrived at Detroit, on their way to a new home in the Peninsular State, which was then, however, a Territory. They located in Oakland Co., Mich., and Jesse was there reared and educated. He lived with his parents until 2 1 years old and in and about the old home for four or five years more. He then went to the city of Detroit, where he was connected with the milk busi- ness for five years. His next move was to Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., where he rented a farm and work- ed it about two years. Returning to Detroit, he fol- lowed the milk business again there for a year and a half, and then went to Rochester, Oakland County where his wife engaged in the millinery business, and he was employed as a huckster. Here he lost his wife by deatii, March 17, 1863. Going next to Milwaukee, Wis., lie took hischildren to a sister to be cared for, and followed the telegrai)h business for five years. He then removed to Dear- born, Wayne Co., Mich., and followed for one year the manufacture of lumber and Hour. Al the expira- tion of that time he exchanged for mills in Farming- ton, Oakland Co., Mich , remaining in the business four years more, in the meantime erecting a saw-mill. The mills at Dearborn coming in;o his possession by non-payment, he returned to that place fortwoyears. Selling out at the end of that period, he removed < % t » ^ 356 (b '^ ? ISABELLA COUNTY. *t?^^f(svi once more to Plymouth Township, where he lived on a rented farm for five years. He made his last move Aug. 14, 18S2, to Isabella County. He bought a saw-mill at Van Decar, known as the Luke & Rathbun Mill, which he ran until the winter of 1883-4, when he sold to Mr. Van Decar. He is nowlivingon his farm of 40 acres, where he ha.; built a comfortable frame house and barn. He is at present Justice of the Peace. He was married in 1846, to Emily A. Power, who was born in 1823 and died in Oakland County, this Slate, in 1863. She was the mother of four children, of whom one daughter, Julia A., survives. She was born Feb. 17, 1859. He was a second time married Sept. 19,1867, to Mary E. Phillips, daughter of Jere- miali and Nancy (Fifield) Phillips, both of whom are dead. Of this marriage was born a daughter, Lotta A., March 22, 1869. y rs ■'■f oseph Miser, farmer on section 5, Coe v,||, Township, is a son of George and Sophia =v-;^i4' (Beidler) Miser, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The parents first settled in Holmes Co , Ohio, and afterward came to this county and settled in Coe Township, on section 5, where he died, Aug. 12, 1866. She survives, and her home is with Mr. Miser. Their family included three sons and five daughters, Joseph being the eld- est son. He was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, 1831, and passed his minority in Holmes, Wayne and Tus- carawas Counties, attending the district schools and assisting his father on the farm. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he now follows, in con- nection with the pursuit of agriculture. In April, 1858, he came to Isabella County, and one year later he bought 40 acres on section 7, Coe Township. He now owns 80 acres, of which 65 are highly improved. He was married in Tuscarawas Co , Ohio, Nov. 30, 1854, to Wealthy A., daughter of John Minard. Parents and daughter were natives of Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Miser was born, June 20, 1836. To this marriage, si.x children have been born : Sevilla J. (died when ten months old), Lcander O., Frances Ella, Ida M., Joseph E. and William I). Mr. M. has been Constable of Coe Township one year, and Highway Commissioner one year. He was elected the second Sheriff of the county in the fall of i860, and served two years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and supports the Republican party. He enlisted Sept. 28, 1863, in the First Mich. Eng. and Mech., and served until Oct. 6, 1865. He was captured at one time by guerrillas, but was liberated after a short time. Vv. A C< >§ §\\ illiam W. Parmenter, farmer section 32, Coldwater Township, was born Jan. 18, f, JM^'K" '^37' '" Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt., and j} is the son of Nathan and Azubah (Grover) Parmenter. (See sketch of N. S. Parmenter.) At the age of 16 years, Mr. Parmenter com- menced his unaided struggle with life. He had ac- quired the carpenter's trade, and at the time named he made a tour of observation through the Western States, and after traversing through 13 of them he went back to Vermont and stayed two years. He ■ was married Oct. 8, 1859, to Emily Wood. In 1861 Mr. Parmenter settled at Waverly, Bremer Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming on the estate of his father-in- law. The civil war was in progress, and the history of the Hawkeye State during the course of the rebell- ion is well and widely known. The enthusiasm of the period was universal and a large percentage of the best element of the State hastened, in the early days of the war, to enroll under the standard of the United States Government. Mr. Parmenter enlisted Aug. 22, 1862, in the 14th Iowa Vol. Inf, and was made First Sergeant of Co. B. His regiment was as- signed to the Army of the Mississippi and was in the service along the course of the river. He was in the Red River Expedition under Gen. Banks, and was in Sherman's raid from Vicksburg to Meridian. He jjarticipated in the battle at Jackson, Miss., and was at the taking of Fort Derusey under .\. J. Smith. At the fight at Pleasant Hill in Louisiana, he was wound- ed twice, a spent minie ball striking him on the left arm, and soon after he was struck on the shoulder by a spent cannon ball. He was sent to the U. S. bar- racks hospital at New Orleans, where he remained three weeks, and was sent thence to Memphis, Tenn. Four weeks later he received a furlough of 60 days, which he spent at his home in Iowa. He fQ' -^^^^ ^=^^^II!]^IIl]i-> A^- m &7 Bfr» 4'%jr\Si^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^■■4^-. J >0 S/ ^ rejoined his regiment at Holly Springs, Miss., and participated inthe pursuit of Gen. Forrest in the Ox- ford raid. The command fell back to Memphis, and l)roceeded to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Three com- panies of tlie 14th Iowa accompanied Gen. Ewing to Pilot Knob, as body guard. During the last days of September, 1864, trouble commenced at fronton, and the rebels under Gen. Price, not long afterward sur- rounded Fort Davidson and Pilot Knob. The fort was evacuated the same night, and the fleeing Union- ists were pursued by the enemy through the Ozark Mountains. They reached Leesburg, where a skir- mish ensued ; reinforcements arrived, and the rebels were repulsed. The regiment was mustered out at Davenjjort, Iowa, Nov. 22, 1864. Mr. Parmenter returned to Vermont, took his par- ents and went to Wyoming Co., N. Y., where he re- mained three years. He was engaged in hotel busi- ness, in working at his trade, and finally purchased a boat, which he ran for a time on the Genesee Canal. He sold the latter, and on the 20th day of August 1867, he started for Michigan. He stopped at Stan- ton, Montcalm County, where he worked at his trade three months, and then, in company with A. S. John- son, came to Sherman City. He worked for a time as clerk for Mr. Johnson, when he bought 80 acres of land, and entered a claim of 80 acres under the regulations of the Homestead Act. To this he has since added 80 acres by purchase, and has been chiefly engaged in lumbering winters. He has cleared 20 acres for his farm. He engaged some years in the hotel business, but is now giving his entire attention to farming, and his parents are keeping his house. He is a Democrat in political faith. =K- ll'scar Green, farmer on section 5, Rolland Township, is a son of Abraham and Eva Green, both of whom were born and died in the State of Pennsylvania. Tliey followed farming. Their son Oscar was born in Clearfield Co., Pa , in 1856, and was orphaned at the tender age of ten. He then went to Meadville, Pa., and engaged in farm work. He came to this State in the spring of 1876, and lived a year in Grand Rapids. Coming then to this county, he located on 80 acres on section 5, Rolland, where he now has 50 acres finely im- proved. He was married June 14, 1877, to Susan Cum- niings, who was born July 30, 1859, in Hocking Co., Ohio. She is the daughter of William and Harriet Cummings, natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the parents of two children, — Philip H., born Jan. 12, 1878; and EvaG., born April 14, 1880. Mrs. G. is a Wesleyan Methodist. In political sentiment, Mr. G. is a Republican. 5-«4<4##!»-f^ j^il^^ff esse J. Struble, M. D., residing at Salt |^31'' River, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, March ll^' ' 8, t83o, and is the son of John W. and -di, Sarah (Laycock) Struble, natives of Essex Co., ir N. J. The parents finally settled in Knox Co., \ Ohio, where they carried on farming until their death. He departed this life Aug. 27, 1835, and she Jan. 23, 1863. Their family numbered seven and were named as follows: Daniel S., William W., Henry, John W., Jesse J., Lewis A. and Jacob P. The subject of this biography was the fifth son, and was five years old when his father died. He continued to live with his mother until ii years old, and was at that early age expected to make his own way in life. He was variously employed for the en- suing six years, managing generally by diligence and perseverance to attend school in the winter seasons. From 17 to 20 he worked out and took proceeds of his labor to pay his board, that he might later on be en- abled to study farther. At 20 he began to read medicine, and for the next five years he prosecuted his studies, in the face of many difficulties. He was kindly aided, however, by several physicians, who did all in their power to facilitate his progress. At the age of 25 he began to practice his chosen profes- sion, in Primrose, Williams Co., Ohio, where he resided about eight years, meeting with gratifying success. Persuaded by friends in this county, he reluctantly left Primrose in the spring of 1867, and adoi)ted Isabella County as his future home. Here he has since resided, and has built up an enviable reputation as an efficient and skillful jihysician. He was married in Sandusky C^o., O., Dec. 12, »85o, to Miss Harriet F., daughter of Walter F. and Mary E. (Foster) Osborne, natives respectively of New i;>v^ ^^c ^1^ y^ 9 i (*^)^^ii^t^ r^'^i^^ crTrC:DD^DD?>r ~^^f%^if^ ISABELLA COUNTY. '0 >J V s '^ % York State and Pennsylvania. The parents made their home in Black Rock, N. Y., but the father, be- ing a superintendent on the Erie Canal, spent much of his time in the city of Albany. He died Nov. 26, 1842, and his wife now resides in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Mrs. Struble was born in the State of New York, April 23, 1829. She and her husband have been the parents of seven children, five of-Tvliom sur- vive: Allen T,. Harriet E., Clarence E., Clark E. and Jay J. Mary E. and Florence R. are deceased. Dr. Struble is a member of Salt River Lodge, No. 288, F. & A. M., and is politically a Reiiublican. «e- D. Estee, proprietor of the Exchange Hotel at Mt. Pleasant, was born March 18, 1850, pl^^ in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He is a son of ) (j Perry H. (see sketch) and Carrie (Dole) Estee, i^ and when he was five years old his parents re- ■ ^ moved to Michigan, where his father bought 160 acres of land, in Coe Township, Isabella County, under the Graduation \ct, for which he paid 50 cents an acre. Mr. Estee grew to nuilare years on his father's farm and aided materially in its improvement and cultivation daring the years of his minority. He be- came the proprietor in his own right of 51 acres of land on section 18, adjoining the homestead of his father. It is in a finely cultivated condition, and has been brought by his own labor and efforts from its original natural state. It is supplied with a good house, barns, and other outbuildings, besides having valuable and well-selected orchards. It is accredited one of the best farms in the township according to its size. Mr. Estee was married in Erie Co., Pa., while on a visit to relatives, to Sarah A., daughter of Orlando and Lorinda Miller. She was born in the county where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Estee have an adopted son — Claude — born in Coe Township, March 18, 1879. Mr. Estee rented the Exchange Hotel in 1883, taking possession Sept. 18. He has been actively interested in local politics and school matters. He was Deputy Sheriff two years under F. W. Swarts, and filled the same office two years with Cliarles M. Brooks In the fall of 1883 he was the Republican nominee for Sheriff and made the campaign against Thomas Pickard, Democrat, who was elected. Mr. Estee ran in advance of iiis ticket on the home vote and in the townships adjoining. He is a member ot the Odd Fellows fraternity and belongs to Coe Lodge, No. 239. |Lletcher M. Tubbs is a farmer of Wise f 1^1 L Township, resident on section 17, and was born Aug. 25, 1838, in Chemung Co., N. ^'i^ Y. He is the son of James and Charlotte jl^ (Bailey) Tubbs, whose sketch may be found elsewhere. His parents came to Michigan in 1843, and he continued to reside at home mainly until 1874. In the fall of 1872 he accompanied his family to Isabella County, and for the next three years he acted as his father's assistant in a hotel at liOomis. In 1875 he bought 120 acres of wild land on section 17, in Wise Township, where lie has since resided, with the exception of three years which were passed in Genesee County. In political connection Mr. Tubbs is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and be longs to Lodge 1772, at Loomis. He was the pioneer agriculturist of Wise Township, and raised the first crop of wheat and oats within its limits, and built the first frame house and barn outside the cor poration of Loomis. Mr. Tubbs was married in Holly, Oakland Co Mich., Oct. 22, i860, to Louisa Van Valkenburg, a native of Genesee Co., Mich. \\^^^^?^ ^^E dward Drum, fanner on section 9, Coe Township, is a son of John and Ruth '•iX^' (Bennett) Drum, natives of the State of New York. The parents settled ni Franklm Co., N. Y., where they lived till their death. The subject of this narrative was born in Frank- lin County, July 15, 18 19, and remained at home until 21 years old, attending school and assisting his father on the farm. At the age of 23, he bought a farm in liis native county, on which he lived seven years. Selling out, he rented for two years, and then he bought a farm in St. Lawrence County, same y^ A V' -v I (t) z^^^^r ISABELLA COUNTY. '^-^'<^, f (h ^ 4 State. There he li\s8d until December, 1864, when he sold, came to Isabella County and bought 157 acres of wild land in Coe Township. He retains 67 acres, of which 50 are under the plow. He was married in the county of his birth, April 7, i8.|3, to Jane M., daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Grant) HoUenbeck, natives respectively of New York and Canada. Mrs. Drum was born in Dundee, L. C, Dec. 26, 1823. She and her husband have had six children, three of whom are deceased. The living are David, Ruth and John H. The dead are Har- riet, Luella and an infant. Mr. D. has been Pathmaster about five years. Politically, he supports the principles of the Repub- lican party. He and wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. —J ->l3- ^ janiel J. Hopkins, farmer, section 28, Nct- ||> tawa Township, was born in West Green- wich, Center Co., R. I., Sept. 6, 1855. ^cT" His father, Arnold Hopkins, is a native of Connecticut, and his mother, Almira (Billing- ington) Hopkins, of Rhode Island. The parents remained in Rhode Island until Daniel was 14 or 15 years of age, when they moved, about 1870, to New York State, and located in Liv- ingston County. Here the subject of this sketch lived about six months, when he left home to battle against the trials so often encountered in the onward march of progress. Without aid or assistance, and accompanied only by his aniljition and determination, he launched his life-boat on the sea of the world, and went to Castile, Wyoming Co., N. Y. He there followed the occupation of farming, working from farm to farm by the month for a period of about five years, and then, March 8, 1875, came to this State and located at Portland, Ionia County. In June, 1877, Mr. Hopkins purchased 40 acres of land in this county, and in October of the following year he came and located on the same, and now has 28 acres of the farm in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage, March 2, 1874, at Portageville, Wyoming Co., N. Y., to Eliza- beth Campbell, daughter of Daniel and Lucy (Dana) Campbell, the former of whom is living in New York State, and the latter died in 1873. She was born July 17, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of three children, born and named as follows: Minnie Allen, Sept. 20, 1875; Carrie May, July 23, 1878; Arthur Adelbert, Nov. 11, 1882. Politically, Mr. H. is an adherent to and believer in the doctrines and principles of the Democratic party. illiam Broomfleld, farmer and lumber- man on section <2) (i&''r-, " ^^^^ t)orn in Ontario, Can., 1, Broomfleld Township, f^ — , — w...^rio. Can., Oct. z, 1832, '> and is a son of Neil and Catherine (Mc- Levin) Broomfleld, natives of Argyleshire, Scotland. The parents came to America and settled in Canada in 1831. Mr. Broomfleld acquired a limited education in the schools of his native locality, and by experience and observation has gained a practical education of unusual value. In 1849 he went to Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., and he was there employed some time in a shingle mill. Thence he went to Hamil- ton, Ont., and engaged in the manufacture of shin- gles. After some months he made a prospecting trip through Western Canada, and in the spring of 1853 he came to Sanilac, where he continued in the busi- ness of shingle-making. He was there three years, and in the spring of 1856 he journeyed through the western country. He visited his home in Ontario, and remained until i86r, when he came to what is now Broomfleld and settled on his present place. He held his land only by right of " squatter sover- eignty," as the Homestead Act was not then in ex- istence. He kept himself posted, however, as to matters affecting the interests of the class of land- holders to which he belonged, and on the passage of the .above mentioned measure by Congress, he en- tered the first claim under its provisions in Isabella County, in May, 1864. His landed estate now includes 460 acres, of which 260 are under improvement. All his buildings are first-class, and his beautiful residence cost him $2,500. In politics, Mr. Broomfleld is a Republican. He has been State Road Commissioner by appoint- ment, and has held the office of Supervisor for ten •-I I — : Ky / years. He is a member of the Order of Masonry. Hs was married in Ontario, in April, 1859, to Miss Ellen J., daughter of Marshall and Mary (Jackson) Macklin. She died Oct. 31, 1868, of typhoid fever, leaving three children: Ida, born March 1, i860; Nellie, March 15, 1861; and Marshall, June 17, 1863. His second marriage occurred in Ontario, Can., March 17, 1870, to Elizabeth, daughter of Mal- colm and Agnes (Cameron) Malloy, natives respect- ively of Scotland and Canada. Mrs. Broomfield was born April 1 1, 1840. Three of six children born of this marriage are living: Catherine, April i, 1871 ; Neil, Jan. 14, 1873; and Archibald, July 3, 1875. A portrait of Mr. Broomfield is given in this work, appearing on a page in proximity. >:> >: (^ >^ "xxy' ^K/^®))C^(|— ':^^ ^V<-:llD:<^;ilil^J>v ■:2i<^^-CL^ I f ISABELLA COUNTT m >:■ V s ^ J *\'\ ^ 363 working by the month for others, often visiting his parents in the meantime. When 2 1 years old, he entered the employ of the Michigan ('entral Rail- road, with which he remained for three years. He bought 40 acres of land in Calhoun County, on which his father settled, and retained it five years, when he gave it to his father. He then bought a farm in Jackson County, which he worked for three years, and then sold, being unfortunate in his health. In the fall of 1856 he came to Isabella County, bought 40 acres on section 6, Coe Township, to which pur- chase he soon added 40 acres more. He at once built a log house and set about making for himself a home. At the present time he has 50 acres under cultivation. He was first married in Jackson Co., Mich., Oct. 14, 1844, to Huldal) Wright, a native of New York. Mrs. K. died April 20, r864, having been the mother of three children, — Marvin H., Warren M. and Ida L., all of whom are deceased. Mr. K. was again married in Chippewa Township, this county, Feb. 3, 1870, to Catherine Jane Oathout, a native of New York. She died June 15, 1879, and Dec. 23, 1882, he married for his present wife Alta L., daughter of Henry D. and Margaret E. (Mudge) Rice, natives of Vermont and Michigan, respectively. Mrs. K. was born in Leslie, Ingham Co., Mich., July iS, 1864. Mr. Kyes has been Constable one year. Highway Commissioner five years, and politically supports the Republican party. sSj I,, I,.,, -'1 ^r ohn L. Nichols, farmer, section 22, Not- jiit^^'L i^'i-^va Township, is a son of William H. and ■^ Sophia L). (Otto) Nichols. The father was X-^L ^o""" '" Columbia Co., N. Y., of Holland par- ""W entage, and died in Wayne Co., N. Y., in I 1882 ; and the latter was of the people known as Pennsylvania Germans, was born in New York State, and died in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1878. The subject of this biography was born in Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 4, 1852, and lived with his parents until he attained his majority. He came to Isabella Township, this county, in the fall of 1876, and for two years taught school in the Government's Indian school at Nipissing. In the fall of 1879, he e >. took up his residence on his present farm of 40 acres purchased in the summer of 1877. He has about eight acres improved. In 1883 he purchased 40 acres more in partnership with his brother. He was married March 5, 1872, at Rose Valley, Wayne Co., N. Y., to Miss Anna M. Stewart, daugh- ter of John and Jane (Graham) Stewart, natives re- spectively of Canada and Ireland. Both parents are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have four chil- dren of their own: Fritz G., born Sept. 24, 1873; Roy Eugene, June 2, 1878; Patience, Feb. 8, 1880; and Hope Eunice, April 7, 1883; and one adopted daughter, Cora Ellen Si.xbury, born Sei)t. 8, 187 i. -^^ ewis Richards, farmer, section 36, Gilmore Township, was born Oct. 4, r844, in Green r Bay, Wis., and is the son of Julian and ^^ b1(j Margaret (Satemaux) Richards, natives of Wis- consin. At the early age of eight years Mr. Rich- ards commenced life on his own responsibility. He became a clerk in a store at Fort Howard, Brown Co., Wis., and remained in that business until he was 15 years old, when he went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and was employed in a blast furnace in the Lake Superior region three years, engaged in melting iron. While there the civil war broke out and he became a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 2, 1862, in the 23d Mich. Vol. Inf, and was mustered out in February, 1863, on account of physical inability. His command was attached to the Western Division of the army and Mr. Richards was in very little active service. On receiving his discharge he went to Ypsi- lanti, Washtenaw County, where he worked two years by the month as a farm laborer. He spent the sub- sequent five years working by the day. In the fall of 1868 he came to Isabella County and settled upon a tract of land he had purchased in 1866. It comprised ■ 80 acres of land, and 40 acres are now under advanced improvement. Mr. Richards has spent 1 1 years on his farm and three years in the south of Michigan, variously occupied. He was married July 4, 1868, to Sarah Matilda, daughter of John A. and Betsey E. (Sones) Harriott. She was born Oct. 27, 1856. Five of eight children ¥. m ■7r 364 ISABELLA COUNTY. 5s I f 1^ <^^ V -c^ born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards are living. Their record is as follows: Eva Estella, born Sept. 10, 1876; Lulia O., March 30, 1878 ; Catherine O., July 2, 1879; John A., April 25, 1881; Ernest J., July 23, 1883; Isabella was born April 24, 1870, and died May 18, 1873; Mary E., bqrn Sept. 4, 1874, died Feb. 4, 1875 ; Nellie Belle, born Jan. 13, 1875, died March 13, 1876. Mr. Richards was the first Township Treasurer of Gilmore and has been School Moderator. He is in- dependent in local politics and affiliates with the Republican party on public matters. He has been a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church during the last three years. illiam. Miles, farmer on section 34, Chip- pewa Township, is a son of David and %P Ellen (Marooney) Miles, natives, he of Ire- land and she of the State of Michigan, though of Irish parentage. The parents settled first in Redford, Wayne Co., Mich., where they lived till the mother's death, Aug. 15, 1847. The father owned a valuable tract of land near Detroit, but after his wife's death he became discouraged and led a sort of roving life. Losing his property and his friends, he died, in Livingston Co., Mich., about 1873. Their four children were named John, Daniel, William and Bridget. The subject of this biography was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 15, 1844, and was three years old when his mother died. The children were kept to- gether about five years, when William went to De- troit to live with his grandfather, with whom he had a good home until able to care for himself At the age of 12 or 13 he went to work for a farmer at $3 per month. He labored three months, but receiving no wages he left the place with only three cents in his pocket, with which, boy-like, he bought a fish- hook and line. Going to Livingston Co., Mich., he worked out by the month four and a half years, four years with one man. During this time he had the privilege of attending school during the winter sea- sons. In October, 1862, he came to this county and was occupied in hunting until the following spring and then worked the ensuing summer in Livingston Coun- ty. Returning to Isabella County, he was employed from 1863 to 1867 in the woods and in farming. In December of the latter year he bought 80 acres of wild land on section 34, where he has since resided. He has under cultivation 40 acres. Besides his farm, he now owns in this county 107 acres, mostly pine. He was first married in Coe Township, this county, Oct. 23, 1864, to Laura A., daughter of Jacob and Eliza E. (Liddle) Middaugh, natives of the Slate of New York. Mrs. Miles was born in Eaton Co., Mich., Oct. 18, 1845, and bore to her husband four children, named Florence M., Charlie I., John G. and Winona V. His wife dying Oct. 18, 1881, Mr. Miles was again married, at Salt River, this county, Dec. 2, 1882, to Addie, daughter of Peter and Isa- bella (Donald) Hollenbeck, natives of Canada and Scotland. Mrs. Miles was born in Canada, March 24, 1 86 1. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner two years. Politically, he has always supported the Republican party, casting his first vole for Abraham Lincoln. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. -5— <-%■! eorge W. Ruthruff, farmer on section 31, Broomfield Township, is a son of David and Nancy (Trayer) Ruthruff, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1799, and died in 1858, in Branch Co., Mich. The mother was born in 1805, and died in 187 i, while living wiili a daughter in St. Joseph Co., Mich. The subject of this outline was born Oct. 2, 1834, in Niagara Co., N. Y., and lived at home until of age, receiving a little schooling. Attaining his majority he left home and worked on a farm by the job. In 1858, in Branch Co., Mich., he married Miss Ann E., daughter of Michael and Ann E. (Cooper) Blass, natives of New York. Mrs. R. was the second daughter of a family of five children, four of whom are yet living, and was born June 16, 1842. Eleven years after his marriage, Mr. R. went to the State of Nebraska, where he lived two years. He then lived in Branch County, this State, until 1868, when he came to this county and located on 80 acres on section 31, Br' -mfield. He has now 45 y^ V ^y. n -^4^^ ■^V ■^2i^iS(tJ V f^ i acres in a creditable state of improvement. In 1881 he erected his substantial barn. He is intending soon to erect a new dwelling. The family circle inckides five children, three sons and two daughters, born as follows: Mary R., March 14,1859; Elmer M., Jan. 10, 1862; Nellie M., July 18, 1868; Clarence E., Nov. 6, 1874; and Uriah J., April 25, 1877. Politically, Mr. R. is a supporter of the Demo- cratic party. He was elected Highway Commis- sioner in 1880 and 1 88 1. ?rrin E. Ford (deceased) was a farmer, re- sided on section 13, Fremont Township, and was born July 22, 1832, in North Madison, Lake Co., Ohio. His parents were Dexter and Lucy (McKinstry) Ford. The father was born Sept. 13, 1805, in Massa- chusetts, and was a machinist by occupation. The mother was born in the same State, Jan. 12, 1803. The parents lived in Lake Co., Ohio, and there reared a family of three children, Clorinda R., Orrin E. and Reuben D. The father died in Lake Co., Ohio, and the mother died in Hillsdale Co., Mich., in 1855. Orrin E. Ford, the subject of this biographical notice, was reared under the parental roof-tree and received the advantages afforded by the common schools. He remained with his parents until the breaking out of the late civil war, when he enlisted in Co. B, First Mich. Vol. Lif , whicli was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the seven-days battle before Richmond (commonly known as the battle of the Wilderness), and was there wounded by having two fingers shot off. He was then sent to Washington, and, becoming indisposed, was sent 10 tiie hosintai. He remained in the latter place for some time, when he was sent to Philadel- phia, where he remained for six months, and was then discharged on account of disability, having con- tracted a chronic disease. After his discharge, Mr. Ford came to this State and lived with his family in Hillsdale County, for two years. He then moved to this county and located on section 24, Fremont Township. He entered on the task of improving his land, determined to make it a permanent home for himself and family, and after laboring for 18 months on the farm passed to the land beyond the grave, his death occurring Aug. 29, 1869. Mr. Ford was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Pease, Dec. 31, 1855. She is a daughter of Henry and Nancy (Scott) Pease, natives of New York, and was born in Washtenaw County, this State, May 5, 1837. The father was born Oct 6, 1805, and died Nov. 22, 1875, in Isabella County, this State, and the mother was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 18 12. They were father and mother of six children, one boy and five girls, and only one of each sex survives. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are the parents of three chil- dren, all girls, namely: Josephine C. A., born Dec. I, 1858, in Hillsdale County, this State, and is the wife of Henry L. Brainard; Jennie J. A., born Feb. 10, 1861, in Woodbridge, Hillsdale County, and is the wife of Stephen Moody; Lucy C. S. was born Feb. I, 1866, in this county. The father was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church while living, and the mother is and has been a member of and an active worker in the same Church for a number of years. V^ c^: (> ^ i^V^^€;^# eorge W. Cole, general farmer, section 10, Lincoln Township, was born in St. Law- rence Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1842. His parents, Benjamin and Eunice (Calkins) Cole, were natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, of English ancestry. His father was a farmer and died in this county, in June, 1876, and his mother is still living, in Union Town- ship. This family moved first to Ohio, and four years later to Allen Co., Ind., where for 12 years young George worked with his father on the farm and attended school. In August, 1866, they moved to the present homestead, then an unbroken wilder- ness. They took possession of a quarter of section i o. Subsequently, Mr. George W. Cole bought half of this of his father, of which he now has 70 acres in a high state of cultivation ; he also has erected several good farm buildings, and made other improvements. ^ Politically, Mr. C. is a staunch Republican. He j has held the office of Township Clerk, Commissioner >_. c & "5iii*^^*sr 368 ISABELLA COUNTY. f /\ :-<-j •^ of Highways, and other offices. In religion, he, as well as his wife, is a Seventh-Day Adventist. Aug. 12, 1866, in Allen Co., Ind., Mr. Cole mar- ried Miss Rebecca J., daughter of Samuel A. and Margaret (Burrell) Walters, natives of Ohio, where also Mr. C. was born, April 23, 1849, in Crawford County. She was two years old when the family moved to Allen Co., Ind., where she grew up and was educated. Mr. and Mrs. C. are the parents of six children, all of whom are living, namely : Harriet A., born July 3, 1868; Warner S., Dec. 13, 1870; Rosetta M., July 23, 1873; Vernon D., Feb. 12, 1874; Joseph W., Sept. 15, 1879; and ElmerM., April 23, 1883. Mr. Cole's jrortrait appears on a preceding page. £l'k^?a|:t evi B. Van Decar, a prominent farmer, mer- % LHit cliant and mill owner, residing on section I'liSTr' 14. Nottawa Township, is a son of Funda 6lG^ and Lucy (Bailey) Van Decar, natives of the A State of New Vork. The father has been dead (^ 29 years, and the mother lives at Ballston Spa, New York. The subject of this notice was born Sept. 12, 1848, at Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., and received an elementary education in the district schools. Grow- ing up, he learned the brick-mason's trade, after which he removed to Macomb Co., Mich., in the year 1868. He subsequently worked at his trade at Romeo, Imlay City, Oxford and Lapeer, and in 1879 came to Isabella County. While living at Imlay, the family lost their dwelling house and contents by fire, -—which calamity was repeated three years later at Oxford. Arriving in this county, he purchased 120 acres of land in Nottawa Township, to which farm 80 acres have since been added. About half his farm (100 acres) is under cultivation. He is now a general merchant and lumberman, as well as farmer, and in his store is the postoffice of Van Decar. He has a saw-mill, in which he first used a threshing-machine power; but his business having greatly enlarged, he has increased the capacity of his mill by putting in larger power. The village of Van Decar Iras been started four years. He has strong hopes that the K^ Toledo & Ann Arbor Railroad will pass through the place. When Mr. Van D. first came to his present farm he built a log stable, in which he lived two months ; then built a log house on the site of his present store. He opened his mercantile business with a $75 stock in a lintel in the back part of his house, and his wife attended the store while he cleared the land. He hauled the goods from Mt. Pleasant, with a pair of Indian ponies hitched to the hind wheels of a lum- ber wagon, taking 450 pounds at a load. The roads were so muddy that he had to unload five times be- tween Mt. Pleasant and his destination. For the first few years his trade was principally with the In- dians, bartering goods for furs. Mr. Van Decar tells that an Indian woman died on his place, of consumption, and describes the unique funeral. He furnished the boards for the coffin, which the woman's husband constructed in a rude fashion. The corpse was drawn in a wagon by oxen, the Indian husband driving! One child rode on one of the oxen, and another rode on the coffin! The burying took place in an Indian cemetery two miles north of Mr. Van D.'s corners, and lies on Mr. Frisbee's land. His Indian neighbors practiced many peculiar cus- toms, one of which was that of holding war dances at corn-planting time, and also when the corn was large enough to roast, and again when it was harvested. They had a long tent, with curtains around the sides, but open above. They built a fire in the middle of the tent, and around this tent they danced. A box of tobacco was placed on either end, and the dancers would smoke when tired of the exercise. The dance would continue 24 hours, or " as long as the whisky lasted." Sept. 24. 1 88 1 (Sunday night), about niidnight, Mr. Van Decar's house was destroyed by fire. He himself was sick at the time. His wife was aroused first, by hearing something burst in the store. Look- ing in, she saw it was all ablaze, although the roof had not yet fallen in. She wished to enter and save a "iv part at least of the burning merchandise, but he held | her back. A hired girl and a hired man who slept '^^•_ above were so stupefied with the smoke that they were (;-. awakened with great difficulty. The youngest child ^ had a narrow escape. Mrs. Van Decar had scarcely (•^, handed him to Mr. Van D. when a large brand of ^ r^:Diir>^ — ^>^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. t^-7 <:I ":^ ^ fire fell uixin the bed where he had just lain ! They had an insurance of ^Soo, and their net loss was $2,180. In May, 1882, Mr. Van D. drew up a petition for a postoffice, and forwarded the same to Washington. The Postmaster-General replied that if he would es- tablish a route the Government would let a contract for the same. Mr. Van Uecar carried the mail twice a week to Mt. Pleasant for six months, and Mr. Schubauck did the same for three months, free of e.K penses. The Government did as promised. He was married Feb. 15, 1871, to Nancy H., youngest daughter of Erastus Day, of Armada Township, Macomb County. She was born Sept. I, 1851. Two sons have been added to the family circle: Harry D., born June 12, 1872, in Lapeer County, and Frank, born at O.xford, May 18, 1879. Mr. Van Decar is politically a Republican. He has been Township Clerk one term. Both he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. ||.|3harles Barden, farmer on section 14, Coe Township, is a son of William and Sopliia (Norton) Barden. The parents lived first in New York State, then in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, next in Jackson County, this Statu, and finally in Ingham County, where tliey Their son diaries was horn in Ohio, July 18, 1830, and was four years old when the family removed to this State. Leaving home at the age of 17, he worked out by the month at farming until 20 years old, and then bought a farm in Ingham County, which lie- worked until the fall of 1862. He then sold his Ingham County property, and came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres of wild land on sec- 13, Coe Township. He afterward exchanged this for another 80 acres on the same section, and bought 40 acres on section 14, where he now resides. He has now 70 acres under cultivation. He was married in Ingham County, Oct. 29, 1849, to Jeannette, daughter of Hiram and Mary (Gerard) Austin, natives of the State of New York. She was born in Jackson County, this State, April 23, 1833, and is the mother of two children, — Lavant P. and Nora S. Mr. B. has been School Assessor of his district for 19 consecutive years. Politically, he votes with and works for tlie Republican party. His wife is a mem- ber of the Disciples' Church. {fffiCIKilliam Swanston, farmer, section 7, Wise ^^'-^^f 'lownship, was born March 15, 1851, in 'ii'f-^'" Glasgow, Scotland. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Beck) Swanston, were also "Ivi)' natives of the capital city of Scotland, and ^ emigrated with their family to Canada, where tlie mother died and where the father still resides. Mr. Swanston has been a resident of the United States since he was one year old. He continued to reside at home until the age of 20 years, when he came to Detroit. He remained there a year, and in 1872 came to Isabella County, and has since been engaged in farming and lumbering. His estate com- prises 200 acres in Wise Township and 80 acres in Vernon Township, and he has 109 acres cleared and otherwise improved. In political sentiment Mr. Swanston is a Republican. He was married Oct. 21, 1876, in Canada, to Annie Wilson, who was born in the Dominion, April 24, 1859. James A. and John A. are the names of their two children. Mrs. Swanston is a member of the Presbyterian Church. -j;i'^'j oseph B. Fox, farmer, section 8, Fremont J[ Township, is a son of William and Ellen '^ (lice Bird) Fox. The father is a native of England and was there born May i, 1795, and the mother was born on the Emerald Isle, in 1821. The father followed the occupation of a farmer in his native country, and emigrated to the New World in the year 1829. He landed at New York city and from there moved to Hastings Co., Can., where he now resides, aged 87, and the mother 63 years. Joseph B. Fox, the subject of our biographical notice, was born in Hastings Co., Can., Dec. 23, 1842. He was reared on the farm, assisting his fa- ther and receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools of the country, until he attained the age of 16 years. On arrival at this age in life, he c^ >: () to) 'VlD$^<|* J;>. <>nii:^iiD^>=^ j:^ ■:^^^ -(^ ISABELLA COUNTY. "Ti^^^ 4^^ iii^ >:> v s launched his life-boat on the sea of events and went forth to battle against the trials of life alone. He worked as a common laborer, for a gentleman in the neighborhood for i6 months, at $8 per month, and afterward followed various occupations until 1865; and during that year he came to this county and stopped at an old lumber camp, the property of a Mr. Whitney, of Detroit. He worked at this camp during the winters and in the summers worked on a farm in the neighborhood. In 1870 he purchased 82 acres of land on section 8, Fremont Township, this county. There were ten acres of this land im- proved at the time of purchase, and at the present time Mr. Fox has 65 acres of his farm in a good state of cultivation. He built a large barn on the land in 1875 and the following year erected a fine house. His accumulations are but the reward of honest, energetic labor, and his success entitles him to a [X)sition among the progressive farmers of his township. Mr. Fox was wedded to the lady of his choice, Miss Jane Bushel, April 17, 187 i. She was bo^n in Hastings Co., Can., in 1847, and was the daughter of William and Mary (Bird) Bushel, natives of Ire- land. The falher died some 25 years ago, and the mother is still residing in Hastings County. The husband and wife are the parents of five children, namely : Martha E., born Dec. 3, 1872; Mary E., born April 8, 1875 ; William W., born Oct. 12, 1877: Effie J., born May 12, 1879; Minnie E., born Jan. 22, 1882. Politically, Mr. Fox is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Socially, he is a member &f the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 257, Elm Hall. i^'® (IK ellington Irish, farmer on section 7, Coe Township, is a son of Smith and Ann E. (Rice) Irish, natives of New Yoik State and Connecticut. The parents settled in Gen- esee Co., Mich., and afterwards in Shiawassee County. Thence they returned to New York, where she died. May 15, 1862. He is spending his last years with his son Wellington, in this county. The sui)ject of this notice was born in Genesee County, this State, June 20, 1848, and remained with his parents until 15 years old. He was then employ- ed by the month on farms in New York and Michigan until 1874. He came to Isabella County in March, 1875, and bought 40 acres of land on section 7, Coe Township, where he has since resided. He has now nearly all his land under cultivation. He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 25, 1874, to Josephine, daughter of Robert and Annis (Hunt) Bullis, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Irish was born in Livingston Co., Mich., May 27, 1852. She and her husband have had two chil- dren, of whom one died in infancy. Roy C. was born April 17, 1882. Mr. Irish is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and is a supporter of the Republican party. 'ohn A. Harris, cashier in the banking house jp of Brown, Harris & Co., at Mt. Pleasant, ll'^r';?''? -was born Sept. 23, 1842, in London, Eng- land. He is the son of William and Sarah (Heath) Harris, and his parents were born re- spectively in Cornwall and London. His father was a provision merchant in the city of London some years, and in 1852 came to America with his family, consisting of his wife and five children. He settled in Montcalm Township, Montcalm Co., Mich., where he bought 40 acres of land, and there resided until the spring of 1854, when he died. His family made that their home until 1866. The farm was all improved and in the best possible agricultural condition, when they moved to a farm they purchased in the north part of the township, which contained 200 acres of land. The father died in the city of New York, hav- ing left home on business. William E. Harris, eld- est child, and Henry G. Harris, fourth in order of birth, are both millers at Mt. Pleasant. Sarah A., third child, is now Mrs. Warner Churchill. Charlotte M. (Mrs. Lorenzo Kent) is the youngest born of the family. The husbands are both millers at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Harris is the second child of his parents and remained with them until 1872, when he came to Mt. Pleasant, and, in company with his elder brother, built the Mt. Pleasant flouring mills, which are still under their control. They do merchant and custom work, and their mill has a manufacturing capacity of ^ A c^: V r^ €)^^m^' ■^■K^^ -^mM]\^>^ J:Si^:f:L. -^^^5f®A >»4 (^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ ^loo barrels of flour daily. They are also engaged in heavy transactions in grain and ship to various points. The banking house of Brown, Harris & Co. was organized and commenced operations Jan. 12, 1883, and in March of the same year, Mr. Harris withdrew from active supervision of his milling in- terests to assume the position of cashier, and has con- tinued to discharge the duties of that office. The business of the house is similar in character to like institutions, and is thriving and prosperous. Mr. Harris owns his residence and a half-interest in 30 acres of land attached to the mill. His mar- riage to Catherine Holmden occurred May 31, 1872, at Greenville, Montcalm County. She was born in Grand Rapids, and is the daughter of George and Hester Holmden. Cassius A., Hester, Edwin O. and John Glenn are the names of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris. !?on. Samuel W. Hopkins, of Mt. Pleasant, S» is a son of Samuel and Freelove Burlingame (Arnold) Hopkins. The father was born in Coventry, R. I., Jan. 10, 1803, the son of Rufus I and Amy (Shippee) Hopkins. Rufus Hopkins was the sou of Esquire Samuel and Phebe (Case) Hopkins. Esquire Samuel Hopkins' father was Judge Samuel Hopkins, who was the son of Joseph Hop- kins. The last named married a daughter of Edward Whalley, one of the regicide judges who fled from England upon the restoration of Charles II. Judge Whalley lived and is buried upon Hopkins' Hill, West Greenwich, R. I. It is from this ancestor that the subject of this biography takes his middle name, spelling it with but one " 1," however. Most of the Hopkins family have been engaged in the great industry of Rhode Island, — cotton manufacturing. Mrs. Freelove Burlingame (Arnold) Hopkins was born in Warwick, R. I., Jan. 15, 1807, the daughter of Elijah and Sally (Gorton) Arnold. She was an only daughter, and had three brothers. Elijah .\rnold was the 17th child of James and Freelove (Burlingame) Arnold, and James Arnold was the son of Thomas Arnold, who bought a square mile of land in Warwick, R. I., and divided it into six farms. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born on the middle one of these (on Cowesett road), known as Arnold's Square. Mrs. Sally (Gorton) .\rnold, Mr. Hopkins' maternal grandmother, was the daughter of William and Sally (Whitford) Gorton. William Gorton was the son of Dr. Samuel Gorton, whose father was Samuel Gorton. This ancestor came to Massachusetts from England, and was called a heretic iiy the Puritans, who drove him from their colony. He bought a home of the Indians in Rhode Island and named it " Patuxet." He lived to be a centenarian. Samuel Hopkins, the father of Samuel W. Hop- kins, lived in the towns of Coventry, West Green- wich and Exeter, R. I., until 1857, extensively engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods. He built several mills, and was a prominent man in his section of the country. The great financial panic of r857, which engulfed so many thousands in the vortex of ruin and which affected to some degree every business man in the United States, was the end of his active business career. He had been a very energetic, shrewd man, of sanguine disposition and buoyant spirits, but this failure seemed to break his strength of mind. With the remnant of his means he bought 80 acres of land in Coventry, Conn., where he lived a retired life until his death, Feb. 19, 1875. His family included nine children, — seven sons and two daughters. Seven of the nine lived to adult age. Samuel Whaley Hopkins, the youngest of the family, was born April i, 1845, in Exeter, R. I., where he lived until the age [ i years. He was very preco- cious, being able to read and spell when but three years of age. He attended the district school in Exeter for some time before leaving that town. In 1856 the family moved to Coventry, Conn. Here he studied in the district school and also received private in- struction from a Miss Mary K. Hutchinson. At the age of 15 he attended the Ellington Acad- emy, and the following year the academy at Man- chester. The ensuing winter he taught at Andover, then he sj)ent the summer at home on the farm, and the next winter he taught at Willimantic, Conn. After another summer at home he was for a month or so at Charleston, S. C, selling boots and shoes for a brother, then went to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the Bryant & Stratton Business College. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Felton, resident Principal of the Bryant & Stratton school, and a Mr. Bigelow, estab- V$J r^ !■<>! A , II ^ i ^C^D!i^:Dt];i>^^ @ 376 '>) ^1^ lished the Union Business College, from which Mr. 'ii) Hopkins was graduated in the spring (1865). .'^ He was at home the summer of that year, sold i books in the fall, and taught school near home in the winter. The ensuing two years were spent partly at home and partly in selling books for Gurdon Bill and Henry Bill, publishers. In the fall of 1868 he taught a select school at Andover. He taught at Little Falls, N. J., the next two years. Daring the summer season he read law with Benezeret H. Bill, of Rockville, Conn. In the summer of 1870 he studied law at home, and in the fall he entered the Law Department of the Michigan University. He took a two years' course at that institution, study- ing in the summer of 1871 with Hon. John M. H;ill, of Willimantic, Conn. He was graduated in March, 1872, and then vis- ited at home for a few weeks, after which he located temporarily at Grand Rapids, this State. There he was admitted to the Bar, but he was principally occu- pied in settling the estate of a Mr. Gardner. While at Clare, Clare County, making collections for the estate, he met the Hon. I. A. Fancher, of Mt. Pleas- ant, who induced him to make Isabella County his future home. These two gentlemen were partners in the practice of law for three years. Mr. Hopkins was then for two years connected with Michael Dev- eraux. Commencing with Jan. i, 1875, his partner was, for nearly two years. Wade B. Smith. He then associated with himself Free Estee, who had formerly studied law with him. Mr. H.'s health having failed, principally from mental overwork in the Leg- islature, his business was looked after almost entirely by his partners, first Mr. Smith, then Mr. Estee. He spent two summers at Higgins Lake, Roscommon County, and in the winter of 1881-2 visited his mother at Coventry, Conn., where he remained for six months. The first of January, 1883, he formed his present business com ecfion with Daniel E. Lyon. They do an extensive business in real estate, insurance and loans. In 1883 they loaned over $100,000. They represent 1 1 sound insurance companies, and do the largest business in that line in the county. Mr. Hopkins is politically a staunch Republican. He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and he has been and still is of great influence. He has served his community in numerous official positions, ISABELLA COUNTY. V f (^ % v^ ^•\®))^$^i- ^^>^^ — e^-^D 3 :^: m^-y^ — ^=^*€^^ with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constit- uents. While in Coventry, Conn., he was, at the age of 22, elected a member of the 'Schojl Board, on both tickets, De.iiocratic and Republican. He served three years. In the early part of 1873 he was ap- pointed Clerk of Union Township, this county, to fill a vacancy, and the same spring he was elected to to that position. He was twice re-elected Clerk, and he also served seven years as Justice of the Peace. He also officiated a year or so as Deputy Township Clerk, while holding the latter office. He was for one term Superintendent of Schools at Mt. Pleasant, and for three years Chairman of the Board of School Trustees. He was the first Village .Attorney of Mt. Pleasant. In 1875-6 he served the county as Prosecuting .Attorney. During his term he literally reformed the village of Loomis, which had become infested with criminals and law-breakers. He was also instru- mental in breaking up an organization known as the Knights of Agriculture, which had been formed for ^L proper purposes but which had drifted into the management of bad men. He also defended the county against an injunction brought by the authori- ties of Vernon Township (to which Clare county had been attached) in a matter involving a large sum of tax money. He afterwards, in the Legislature, de- fended the county in a similar case against the counties of Mecosta and Midland, to each of which a moiety of Isabella County was formerly attached for municipal purposes. This matter brought on a hard-fought struggle of four weeks in the Legisla- ture, and at every step Mr. Hopkins won. He was elected to the Legislature first in the fall &> of 1876, running against Henry H. Graves, and took $- his seat in January following. He was a member of /j the Committees on Judiciary. Public Lands and Liquor Traffic. During this session he introduced a bill making libel a crime. This measure passed the House, but was killed in the Senate. In the fall of 1878 he was re-elected to the House, taking his seat in January, 1879. He was at this time a member of ^1 the C'omniittee on Judiciary, and Chairman (though J youngest member) of the most important committee i-' . of the session — Special Joint Committee on Taxa- (i\ tion. In this he was associated with Messrs. Hall, s^ Stanchfield, Ferguson and Kuhn, of the House, and (V", three of the ablest members of the Senate, — J. W, ^ c c< ( -^4^m^j^ IB-/^i>)^^ I f .-C". ISABELLA COUNTY. "Z^-Qi/^^ >J V f 'i ^ Cliilds, of Washtenaw, James W. Cochrane, of Mid- land, and George A. Farr, of Ottawa. They pre- pared and introduced a bill reorganizing the tax system of the State. This bill passed the House, but was lost in the Senate. The next year a commis- sion was appointed by the Governor, which carried into effect the provisions of the law now in force, which are much like those in Mr. Hopkins' bill. Mr. Hopkins would have been sent to the Senate, but the failure of his health forbade his acceptance. He has been for the last six years Chairman of the Republican County Committee, and this position he now fills. In the fall of 1882 he was unanimously nominated for the office of Prosecuting Attorney. Not desiring this position, he made no canvass, and his opponent, Charles T. Russell, was elected. In 1877 he was nominated for President of the Village. Mr. Hopkins platted an addition to Mt. Pleasant in 1874, on the south, known as " Hopkins' Addi- tion." He was married at Jerusalem, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1873, to Miss Margaretta, eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. Edwin Vedder and Ida (Williams) Vedder. Dr. V. is a native of Schenectady, N. Y., and his wife, of New Jersey, and both live at Jerusalem, Albany Co., N. Y. Mrs. Hopkins was born Feb. i, 1846, at Lit- tle Falls, N. J., and lived successively at that place, Berne, Middleburg, Gallupville, Schoharie and New Scotland. All these places but the first are in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have had one son, Herbert Vedder, born at Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 21, 1876, and died at Jerusalem, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1877. Mrs. H. is a Presbyterian, and Mr. H. is a member of the Unitarian Society, of which he has been for two years Vice-President. In 1884, Mr. Hopkins was chosen Alternate to the Chicago Con- vention that nominated Blaine and Logan. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are pre- sented on other pages of tiiis work. «v iram T. Hall, farmer on section 9, Coe Town- ! lip, is a son of Tlioinas and Annie (Ral- iiiii) Hall, natives of the United States and & Ireland respectively. The parents settled in Cayuga Co., N. Y., afterwards removing to On- tario County, where they died, he Dec. 6, 1857, and she Nov. 7, 1866, nearly nine years afterward. 377^ The subject of this biography was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 11, 181 7, and was quite young when his parents removed to Ontario County. He received a common English education, and assisted largely in the support of his parents, especially in their de- clining years. He remained in Ontario County till about 1867, and then lived for two years in the State of Wisconsin. In February, 1870, he came to Isa- bella County and bought 53 acres of land in Coe Township, where he has since resided, having now 26 acres improved. He was married at Richmond, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 9, 1852, to Ellis, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Skeldon) Todd, natives of England and Canada. Mrs. Hall was born in Canada, April 4, 1834. She and her husband have had born to them a family of nine: Mary A., Aug. i, 1853; Carrie J., Oct. 31 , 1855 (died April 16, 1874, at the age af 18); Olive E., May 18, 1858; Phebe E., May 14, i860; Emma J., Oct. 30, 1862 ; Ella A. and Nellie I. (twins), March 18, 1865 ; William T., May 21, 1867 ; Lillie E., May 12, 1870. Politically, Mr. H. is a Democrat. t e' c; $>: 4^ ( V asi;.? ^mr^. T'l'fed^enry Burr, farmer and stock-raiser, section ' -^yyl: y^, Lincoln Township, and one of the lead- y^^ ing and representative men of the county, (h was born in Plymouth, Wayne County, this State, i Aug. 31, 1837. The parents of Mr. Burr were I Ambrose and Mary (Jones) Burr, natives of Connecticut and of English and Welsh descent. The father claimed a close connection to the (Quakers who settled in New England. He was a farmer and ^ - drover in the New England States and came from <^ , there to this State and located in Wayne County ' when the same was but little settled and the hand of improvement was hardly visible. He now makes his home with our subject, aged 79 years. His mother died in this county Jan. 15, 1876. Henry lived at home in his native county until he was 18 years of age. He was engaged in assisting '(S) his father on the farm and received the advantages i afforded by the common schools. On arriving at that •^* age he went to work by the month, whicii he continued (I-. for two years, and until the breaking out of the late ^ war. He then enlisted in Co. H, First Mich. Cav., (w:^ Col. Broadhead, and was assigned to the Army ^ m Wfi =^<^a a y> m^-^r^ — >€J-^' 378 ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ / "y! of the Potomac. He participated in three general iiij) engagements, namely : second battle of Bull Run •''c» (Aug. 30, 1862), Gettysburg (July i, 2, 3, 1863) and ^ Winchester, Va. (Sept. 19, 1864). He also partici- pated in many other smaller battles and skirmishes, in which his company was engaged. At the battle of Gettsyburg he was wounded by a ball crushing the joint of the index finger of the left hand. He was promoted Commissary Sergeant early in 1863, and Dec. 31, 1863, he re-enlisted. At Winchester he was again wounded, tjiis time by a gunshot breaking the arm above the wrist. He was finally discharged for disability, at St. Louis, Mo., June 15, 1865. After his discharge from the service Mr. Burr came to this State, and Feb. 19, 1866, in Washtenaw County, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice D., daughter of William A. and Elizabeth (Skidmore) Jones, natives of Genesee Co., N. Y., and of Welsh parentage. Alice D. was born in Dexter, Washtenaw County, this State, Feb. 8, 1842. She lived under the parental roof-tree, assisting her mother until the ■=3 latter's death in her household duties, and attending ^ the common schools of the county, until her marriage to Mr. Burr. Her mother died when she was 15 years of age, and she kept house for her father, im- proving her leisure moments with study. Her edu- cation was not neglected, and her refinement is indicative of what energy and determination may accomplish. Mr. and Mrs. Burr are the parents of four children, one of whom is deceased. The living are. Amy H., born Sept. 13, i868; Elmer W., Feb. 8, 1873; Cora C, Aug. 19, 1880 ; Edith M., born April 9, 1867, and died April 29, 187 i. One year after marriage Mr. Burr moved to Jack- son County, this State, where he remained for two years and then removed to Pontiac, Oakland Co., where he engaged in the dairy business. While in this he milked 44 cows and supplied more than 160 families with milk. In the winter of 1869 Mr. Burr removed to this county and purchased 80 acres of heavily timbered land, on section 30, Lincoln Township. He ex- perienced the obstacles and trials of the early \no- neer, but with a firm faith in the future development of the county and an abundance of determination, he overcame them all and lias at the present time 70 acres of his land in a good state of cultivation. He i ',^ has lately erected a residence on the farm, costing \' him $2,200, and his hearthstone is surrounded with peace, plenty and happiness. Mrs. Burr is connected <- • with the Methodist Episcopal Church. '' Politically, Mr. Burr is inclined to the principles and doctrines of the Republican party. He held the office of Supervisor in 1879, also Justice of the Peace and other minor offices of his township. % ' — ' • * • ^^f\^m^ illiam B. Bowen, farmer on section 16, ^^ Coe Township, is a son of James and Jane Ji^ * (Westfall) Bowen, natives of Rhode Island '' and New Jersey. The parents settled in Bradford Co., Pa., and afterwards removed to \ Oswego, N. Y., where he died. She died in Coe Township, Aug. 15, 1879, at the advanced age of 88. Their family comprises 1 1 children. William B., the eldest son, was born in Bradford Co., Pa., June 28,1815. He received a rudimentary English edu- cation in the common schools, and at the age of 16 went out to work by the month, which he did until he was 25 years old. He then rented a farm in Monroe Co., N. Y., for two years, and then another farm in the same county for one year, when he came to Columbus, Ohio, and was for a year overseer in a mill. In 1843 he came to Lenawee Co., Mich., and bought a farm, which he worked a year and then sold. He built a house in Adrian, in which he lived four years, his occupation being teaming and lumber- ing. He afterwards bought and sold several farms > in that county. In October, 1854, he came to Isa- ^^ bella County and took up 80 acres of Government land on section 9, Coe Township. He built a log house, and returned to Lenawee County for his family, who came on in February of the following year. After four years' residence, he removed East with his family, with the purpose of educnting his children, and lived 12 years in Tioga Co., Pa., en- gaged in lumbering and in mercantile pursuits. He sold his Isabella farm in i860. In 1870, he returned to tills county and bought 40 acres on section 16, where he now resides. Nearly all of this farm is now under cultivation. Dec. 2, 1840, in Monroe Co., N. Y., he was united in marriage with Sarah H., daughter of Elisha and r (t <^[ia>:i]tii>-^ .-^^^ -as^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. "Z^^^ST f T 6 Rosina (Lawrence) Stewart, natives of Rensselaer Co., N. Y. She was born in Sweden, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1818. Of their six children, only two survive, — Eugene S. and Rosina J. The deceased are Alice C, Emma R., Delphine and Emeline R. Mr. B. was the first Supervisor of Coe Township, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1857. He has been Highway Commissioner three years. Drain Commissioner three years and a school officer two years. He is a Good Templar, and a strong temperance man. He is a Republican, and with his wife belongs to the Baptist Church. Of this religious society, he has been for 16 years Deacon, and is now Clerk and 'I'reasurer. % m. J,,arvey J. Koons is a farmer on section 22, t ss»/-.«» Deerfield Township. His father, George ^1^*^ Koons, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in April, 1853. His mother, Chloe (Wei- mer) Koons, also a native of the Keystone State, I is still living, in Athens, Athens Co., Ohio. In the last named county, Dover Township, Har- vey J. was born. When 23 years of age, he came with his mother and step-father to this county, arriv- ing May 29, 1864, and settling on his present farm, where he has lived ever since, with the exception of about six years in Saginaw and Ohio. He once ex- changed the farm for a house and lot in Ovid, Clin- ton County, this State, but shortly afterward ex- changed again, taking possession of his present jilace a second time. March 23, i858, on the " Mission Farm," by Father Sheldon (a missionary to the Indians), Mr. Koons was married to Mrs. Louisa, widow of Harris H. Caldwell, and the children since born to them are: Frank Ami, born Jan. 12, 1869; and Lucy Lil- lian, Aug. 23, 1875. Mrs. K., whose maiden name was Boyden, was born Oct. 10, 1836, in Macomb Co., Mich., and when four or five years old moved with her parents to Dryden, Michigan, where, 10 or 12 years afterward, June 18, 1854, she was married, and moved to Volga City, Clayton Co., Iowa. Eight years afterward they moved to Maple Rapids, Mich., and one year later moved to this county, homestead- ing a quarter section of land in the township of Lin- coln. Mr. Caldwell commenced working for I. E. Arnold, and during the ensuing winter was drowned in the Chippewa River, near the Bradley bridge. His children were, Herbert C, born Oct. 8, 1856, and Alice J., Aug. i, 1859. On the preceding page is a portrait of Mr. Koons, as that of a representative citizen of Isabella County. •nDSSSlM^r '^^ifUtm^ \P. c< [nthony McKay, farmer and stock-raiser, Xs, section ig, Lincoln Township, was born in t^- Northumberland Co., N. B., on the Mira- fj michi River, Nov. 22, 1822. The parents of Mr. McKay were Donald and Zilpha (Rogers) McKay, natives of New Brunswick and of Scotch e.xtraction. Mr. McKay's paternal grandfather was a member of the 74th Highlanders, a regiment the members of which, after serving against the rebellious colonies, settled in New Brunswick, on land given them by the king. Donald McKay's occupation was that of a lumber- man, and he continued to follow the same in his native country until the time of his death. The mother is supposed to be still living, in California. Anthony lived at home, in New Brunswick, assist- ing his father in the maintenance of the family and attending, as time would permit, the common school, until he attained the age of 17 years. He spent the greater portion of his time until he had attained the age stated in "log-driving" on the St. John's River, and has driven them 300 miles. When 17 years of age he left home and engaged in the same occupation in Maine. He continued this in Maine for a period of 17 years, and during that time worked for the well known lumberman, E. G. Dunn, of that State, a \>o\- tion of the time as manager of their drive. In the fall of 1857, Mr. McKay came to this State and located in Gladwin County. While there he engaged himself to Newell Barnard & Co., lum- bermen, eight miles above the mouth of the Tobacco River, and was in their employ until 1859, when he went to Gratiot County and worked for Joshua Dunn, of Seville Township. He afterward bought a tract of 300 acres of land in that county, and in the year 1874 exchanged the same tor 80 acres in this county, Lincoln Township, section 19. To this he has added 80 acres by purchase, and of the 160 he has 65 acres { i^^-e^® ^<^!1!1^I ]^?>-£-^ •:^>^^ «4^^5f(®>® [^ = ®>5^t#' r<:>tlti:^Ill|vi>v ISABELLA COUNTY. r \ ■^ I ill a good state of cultivation. He has erected a good residence and substantial barn on his land, and has met witli signal success in his agricultural affairs. Mr. McKay was united in marriage in July, 1868, in Gratiot Co., this State, to Miss L. Cranfield, a native of the State of New York, where she was born Nov. I, 1840. She is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. and Mrs.- M. have two ad- opted children, named Lydia and Phineas respect- ively. In politics Mr. B. is a supporter of and believer in the principles of the Republican party. -J3 7~T ei- ||o.dward E. Alvord, farmer on section 28, Coe Townshi|), is a son of Justus and Hannah (Thorpe) Alvord, natives of the State of Massachusetts. The parents re- moved from the Bay State to New York, and later settled in Williams Co., Ohio, where he died, Sept. 9, 1868, and she July 31, 187 1. Their eight children were named : Mary, Hiram B., David H., Justus H., Edward E., Nathan \., Eli L. and Henry D. The subject of this notice, the fourth son, was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., April 18, 1831, and was 11 years old when his parents removed to Ohio. He lived at home until 22 years old, then worked out by the month one year, and then for two years followed different occupations. Ne.\t, he bought a farm in Hillsdale County, where he lived four years. Rent- ing it for two years, he then returned to Williams County and carried on his father's farm. He then lived on his own farm a year and a half, when he sold, went to Iowa and bought 320 acres of wild land in Linn County. After two years' residence in the Hawkeye State, he returned to this State and bought 80 acres in Pine River Township, Gratiot County. He lived there 18 months, and in the spring of 1869 sold and removed to Salt River, this county. Forming a i)artnership with Henry Struble, he opened a general provision store. After eight months, he bought out Mr. Struble, and conducted the business alone for a year. Disposing then of his business, he was for four years engaged in various pursuits, principally jobbing. He soon after bought 160 acres of wild land on section 28, Coe, but continued to reside at Salt River, on account of educational advantages, until July, 1880. He then moved on his farm, where he has since made his home. He has now 46 acres in a highly satisfactory state of cultivation. He was married in Medina, Lenawee Co., Midi., Feb. 29, 1856, to Belinda, daughter of Jabez and Keziah (Birkhinie) Jones, natives respectively of Vir- ginia and Pennyslvania. She was born in Ross Co., Ohio, March 16, 1832. Seven children have been added to the household, of whom the following five survive : Henry D., Hannah K., Mary C, Sarah J. and Ella M. Abraham L. and Edward S. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Alvord are members of the Univer- salis! Church. Politically, he has heretofore been a Republican, liut he now supports the National party. I ^ f A c^: ackson Alexander, farmer, section 26, '^ Coldwater Township, was born July 4, = [827, in Washington Co., Pa., and is the V/ son of John and Mary (Harden) Alexander, ^r both of whom were natives of the Keystone I" State. The father was born in March, 1797, and died April 27, 1881. The motlier was born Nov. 30, 1800, and died Jan 19, 1884. In 1829, the par- ents removed to Jefferson Co., Ohio, where the fa- ther purchased a limbered tract, which he put in dm agricultural condition, with the aid of his son, whose V labors were necessary to that work, and the main- tenance of the family from a very early age. At 18 years of age, Mr. Alexander became his own master, and he went to Stark Co.. Ohio, where he spent three years as a farm laborer. In 1854 he went to Elkhart Co., Ind., wheie he engaged in job work, both laborious and profitable. He was married May 15, 1856, to Louisa, daughter of John T. and ^ Nancy (Carpenter) Wilson. Her parents were natives f of Ohio, where they passed their entire lives. Mr. ,<■•-.. and Mrs. Alexander soon after their marriage set (iy out for Fillmore Co., Minn., with the purpose of es- v' tablishinga iiome on the prairies, but the country not /> meeting their expectation they returned to Elkhart, ^ h ^^^^ m\ H>V^' r??- -f^^5f®Ai^ :i^S/^®^$^^i— T^-T- mm\ ^= ISABELLA COUNTY. -Zi^^ ^ i » ^ Ind., where they passed the ensuing three years in farming. Mr. Alexander liecaiiie a soldier in tlie second year of the civil war, enlisting Aug. lo, 1862, in Co. G., 74th Ind. Vol. Inf. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and was in action in most of tlie battles and ^kirjiiishes from Chattanooga to the surrender of Joe Johnston. The principal en- gagements were at Perryville, Tullahoma, Chickamau- ga. Peach-tree Creek, Jonesboro and Kenesaw Moun- tain. Mr. Alexander received two wounds during the first day's fight at Chickamauga; one in the neck from a stray shot in a flank movement by the rebels, early in the day, and a second, about four in the af- ternoon, in the right arm above the elbow. He was mustered out of the service June 21, 1865, and re- turned home. He spent a year on a rented farm, and the last days of October, 1866, came to Isabella Co., Mich. He at once entered the first papers on the property which has since been his home, and in May, 1867, he returned and built his house. In September following, he came hither with his wife and three children. The journey from Elkhart with a team was a mem- orable one and characteristic of the variety of in- cidents in pioneer life. The distance traversed was 200 miles. They made the route without mishap until near Schafer's tavern, 27 miles north of Ionia, at the edge of a piece of pine woods, 17 miles in extent, which they reached one day about noon. They cooked their dinner, and hoped to get through the woods before dark. There was no road ; only a blazed tree now and then marked the route which wound in every possible direction to avoid trees. At dark they had traversed but half the distance, and they encamped on the bank of the Pine River. After breakfast, they set out, but had gone only half a mile when one of the hind wheels of the wagon "dished" inwards and forced five spokes out of the felloe. A man passed them soon after, and with his aid Mr. Alexander bound staves on the wheel rim and started on. The wheel soon gave out again, and Mr. A. cut a sapling and bound the larger end to the front axle. On this he rested the hind axle while the bush end of the sapling dragged on the ground. This failed to work well, and the draught upon his team being too great he concluded to leave his family and seek as- sistance. He walked seven miles to the house of a Mr. Garnett, where he could obtain a wagon but no team. So he returned for his team, hoping to be back with the wagon to his family before dark. He started back, but in the night, which overtook him before he had made much progress, his team stopped, and Mr. Alexander found a fallen pine obstructed the route. Further progress was impossible and he sat in the wagon all night, his thoughts busy with his wife and children six miles away, whom he knew to be in mortal terror of bears and Indians. The first streak of light found him on the way to his family, whom lie found in safely, and his wife engaged in cooking the morning meal. They had suffered much from terror during the early part of the night, but fa- tigue overruled fear and, commending herself and her sleeping children to Him who was her only stay, the wife and mother at last fell asleep. They moved forward to Mr. Garnett's, where Mr. Alexander spent two days in labor, to pay for the use of the wagon to convey them to their destination. Their claim was located near that of Mr. H. A Brubaker, where they hoped to obtain shelter, until a roof could lie put on their own house. They reached Mr. Brubaker's about 10 o'clock at night, received a cordial welcome, and, after a substantial supper, re- tired to the bed of their huts. The kindness and en- couragement they met with were a great relief, and lifted a heavy burden from their hearts. Mr. Alex- ander returned the rented wagon and took his own to Millbrook for repairs. He set out for Elkhart for another load of goods, which he obtained, and when within five miles of his home, on his return, the oth- er hind wheel gave out. He left his load, obtained a wagon from Mr. Brubaker, and, in company with his wife, went back for his goods, which he found all there save a dish of wagon grease. They loaded up and started back, but had gone but half a mile when the wagon tipped over. Darkness set in before they were ready to move on again, and Mr. Alexander took the lead, while his wife drove the team. Half a mile from home they were met by Mr. Brubaker with a lantern and a basket of lunch. This permanent re- cord of kindness received from their friend but poorly expresses their sense of an indebtedness which was its own reward. In a few days the family of Mr. Al- exander were under the shelter of their own roof and entered ujwn their struggle in the wilderness. During the first year of his residence in Isabella V^ 1 0) t !;^V®)5^# ^:-?"X<7:_ ^iif%ir^«i^ TC^DD:$:iiO>.>v-T- :2^U^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■h ^ M (^ County, Mr. Alexander paid $34.50 for a barrel of pork, while the next year he could buy fresh pork for $1 1 a hundred ; for flour he paid the first year $18 a barrel, for seed potatoes $1.50 a bushel, and for wheat, $2.50 a bushel. Following is the record of the children, eight in number, born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander: Mary Kllen, Aug. 10, 1857, at Fillmore, Minn.; Hattie Margaretta, May 10, 1 860 ; Frances Elizabeth, Oct. 4, 1862; Lulu Lorenia, March 9, 1867 (died the day following). The three last named children were born in Elkhart, Ind.; Alice Carrie was liorn Feb. 6, 187 i ; Jessie Blanche, June 15, 1874; Amy Adell, July 22, 1876; Harvey Maynard, Dec. 29, 1879 (died Jan, 7, 1880). These four were born in Coldwater Town- ship. i saac B. Christie, lumber inspector, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 16, 1844, in Kemptville, Can., and is a son of Robert and Maria (Boyd) Christie. His father had extensive lumber interests in Canada, and was a heavy manufacturer in the Dominion. He is still interested in the same business in the North- west, and in addition to his lumber traffic lie is also a principal stockholder in a banking house at Duluth and in one in Manitoba. Mr. Christie's first venture was when he was 14 years old, when he went to Buffalo and engaged as a book-keeper in the grocery house of Beebe Bros., where he remained about 18 months. He was a precocious scholar and completed a course of study in the Normal School at Toronto and graduated at Bates' Commercial College in the same city. After leaving Buffalo he traveled to different portions of the country and has visited nearly every section of the United States. He engaged as Principal of the Listowel, Ont., school, where he officiated six years. On the termination of his duties there he came to Saginaw and commenced business as a lumber in- spector, with which business he was wholly familiar from his early associations with his father's transac- tions in lumber. He has continued the pursuit of inspector and scaler and issues his business card as: "I. B. Christie, Lumber Inspector. Trespasses carefully computed and timber estimated. Office, with Leaton & Upton, Mt. Pleasant." He is the only inspector in Isabella County and has his cre- dentials from the Saginaw Inspecting Company. He is ranked among the best of his profession in the Saginaw Valley. homas Parrish, farnieron section 12, Broom- Township, is a son of Harrison and Mar- garet (Smith) Parrish, natives of the Stale of New York. His mother was born in 182 i and died in 1854. His father is living and oc- cupied as a drayman in Bay City. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 9, 1845, in Livingston Co., N. Y., and is the only one living of his father's three children. He came to this county in 187 i, and located 40 acres on section 12, Broomfield, after working for a time in various lum- ber camps. He was married Oct. 10, 1882, to Miss Eunice Millard, daughter of Hiram and Cornelia Millard, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter lives in Canada. Mr. P. has by a former mar- riage one son, James, born June 9, 1868, in Wayne Co., Mich. Mr. P. has been Pathmaster in his dis- trict; and is politically a Democrat. A < ^-V^ .5^?^-.^ V e* J 1 -~»!?JS»— ■^ wi^ 0-7S; : U li .i^ U U > ■^'^r-^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^i^^'C: 389 2 1=1 I ^ i house, barn, etc. He is one of the substantial farm- ers of this part of the country. Mr. Cowles' farm is known as " Maple Farm." He has a sugar grove of 775 trees, and uses the latest processes in the manu- facture of the purest maple sugar. He has marketed 2,000 pounds in one season. His place is known far and wide, and is visited by people from every direc- tion during the sugar-making season. Oct. 17, 1867, at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Mr. Cowles married Miss Alvira M., a daugli- ter of John and So|)hronia (Harris) Manchester, na- tives of Rhode Island and New York. The former, whose father was a soldier in the- Revolution, fought in the war of 1812, and contributed four sons to his country's service in the late rebellion. He served in the 30th U. S. I., and is one of the very few veterans of the second war with Great Britain who yet survive. He is 88 years old, is hale and hearty, and can jump up in the air and strike his feet together twice as well as any agile farmer's son. He served under Gen. Wade Hampton (grandfather of the present Senator from South Carolina), fought in the campaigns on the border of Canada, and participated in seven battles. He now lives at Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio. In his family were ten children, eight of whom are liv- ing. Alvira M. was born Aug. 6, 1846, in Auburn, Geauga Co.. Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Cowles have been born five children, four of whom are living, namely: Linnie A., Jan. 23, 1869; John H., May II, 187 1 ; Bert E., Dec. 20, 1877; and Roy M., May 3, 1880. Ray E., born Aug. 10, 1875, died Aug. 9, 1878. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. C. in politics is a Republican. ^j^^^oseph Higgins, farmer on section 35, Coe Ij^^fj- Township, is a son of Isaac and Phebe |K;t^^ (Pope) Higgins, natives of Pennsylvania f ,2 and New Jersey. They settled in Greene Co., "^r Pa., where they lived until their death. There i were eight children in the family, Joseph being the second son. He was born in Greene Co., Pa., March 29, 1829, and lived at home until 21 years of age. He con- tinued to live in his native county until he came to this county, in the fall of 1865. He bought 80 acres of land in Coe Township, where he now resides. He has since added 37 acres to his farm, and now has 40 acres under the plow. He was married in the county of his nativity, Dec. 16, 1851;, to Rhoda, daughter of James and Hannah (Wilson) Fry, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Washington Co., Pa, April 20, 1833, and is the mother of six children, — Isasc N., James L., John H., Eliza B., Phebe H. and Samantha J. Mr. H. votes the Democratic ticket, and with his wife belongs to the United Brethren Church. evi B. Quick, farmer on section 31, Coe Township, is a son of Ralph and Calista V.i^'^ti r (Treat) Quick, natives respectively of Bucks Co., Pa., and Seneca Co., N. Y, The parents first settled in Oakland Co., Mich., and in 1871 removed to (iratiot County. The mother died in Sumner Township, that county, in March, 1882. Their family numbered 12, named as follows. Mary E., Nancy S., Charles, Levi B., EUinor, Corrilla, Gustavus, Edwin O., Frances, Walter, George S. and Lucy J. The subject of this sketch, the second son, was bom in Lyon, Oakland Co., Mich., April 7, 1839. He received an elementary English education and lived at home until he attained his majority. He then worked out by the month for two years. He enlisted Aug 9, 1862, in the 22d Mich. Vol. Inf., and served nearly three years. He was under fire often, and was in the terrible battle of Chicka- mauga, where his regiment was all cut to pieces. He received a severe wound by a minie-ball in the right side and was confined to the hospital for six months. He was honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich., after which he returned to Oakland County, where he engaged in farming until 1869. He then came to Gratiot County and bought 80 acres in Pine River Township. In 1877 he exchanged for 120 acres in Coe Township, this county, where he has since resided. He has now 80 acres, including 70 acres under cultivation. He was married in Oakland County, Jan. 2, 1868, to Roxie J., daughter of George and Ann E. (Plow- man) Fawcett, natives respectively of Ireland and Orange Co., N. Y. She was born in Lyon, Oakland y&} «>: <^ Syt^A J^..^ ^^ — ^^^^s^ 4>^(^ If #» l^llll^>r- 390 ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ >5 ^ I Co., Mich., March 31, 1844 By this marriage there have been two children, one of whom died in infancy. George R. was born Jan. 3, 1869. Mr. Q. was Township Superintendent of Schools for two years. Politically, he supix)rts the Republi- can party. He and wife are members ol the Presby- terian Church. ■^|Si B illiam F. Bollman, farmer on section 6, 'llf Union, was born in Amherst, Erie Co. p N. Y., April 10, 1853, and is the son of Ernest and Augusta (Weslfall) Bollman. The parents were both natives of Germany, and died in Amherst, Erie Co., N. Y., — the father Dec. 25, 1866; and the mother Oct. 12, 1875. Their son William lived at home until 16 years old, and then commenced the struggle of life alone. He worked on a farm in the summer, and in the winter went to school, working for his board. He bought 40 acres adjoining his mother's place, and worked both farms until her death. Selling out, he then visited Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, three months in each State. Returning to New York State, he worked a year, and then came to Isabella County and bought his present farm of 100 acres. He has about 40 acres improved. He was married Dec. 26, 1878, to Miss Mary S. Clare, daughter of Frank and Sophia (Raime) Clare. Mr. and Mrs. C. are both residents of Isabella Town- ship, this county. Mrs. Bollman was born Oct. 14, i860, and is the mother of two children, — Frank E., born Sept. 10, 1879, and Louisa S., March 27, 1883. Mr. B. is a Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife is a Catholic. arren W. Parsell, farmer, section 17, Wise Township, was born July 9, 1827, in Day- "^"RHS^^ ton, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. His parents, 5^ John and Huldah (Babcock) Parsell, were \ both natives of the State of New York. Mr. Parsell resided in the State of his nativ- ity until 1865, and was engaged in farming. In the spring of that year he bought a f;irm in Tuscola Co., Mich., on which he lived eight years. In 1872 he sold that place and purchased another in the same county, which he managed a year and then he sold again. In November, 1873, he bought 40 acres of land ill Wise Township, which he has since increased to 80 acres, and now has 30 acres under cultivation. He wis the third in order of settlement in the Town- ship of Wise, and built the third house outside the limits of Loomis. He is a Democrat in political faith, and has held the office of Highway Commis- sioner one year. In the spring of 1882 he was elected Justice of the Peace and still discharges the duties of that office. Mr. Parsell's marriage to Lydia F. Wells occurred Jan. 5, 1859, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. She was born in that county, Nov. 29, 1837. Of their union three children have been born: Huldah A., Worden D. and Walter W. The latter died when a few months more than nine years of age. S.«H^« ease I. Richmond, farmer on section t,2>i ■- Chippewa Township, is a son of Cyrus C. and Mary (Alley) Richmond, of American »^ (>; and Dutch parentage. The parents settled ^ ; first in Canada, and in 1866 came to this coun- ty and settled in Chippewa Township, their present home. Their family numbered nine, six sons and three daughters. The subject of this record was born in Canada, May 29, 1831, and received the elements of an Eng- lish education in the common schools. When about 20 years old he left home and worked a farm on shares for two years. He then bought a farm in Can- ada, where he lived until he came to Michigan, buy- ing and selling several farms. In March, 1877, he came to this county and bought 100 acres in Chippe- wa Township, where he has since resided. He has built substantial barns and a good farm house on his place, and has 85 acres improved. He was married in Northumberland Co., Can., Feb. (^ 28, 1856, to Miss Lydia E., daughter of James and Jemimah (Ball) Lowe, who were natives respectively of Canada and Nova Scotia. The father was a par- ticijjant in the famous battle of Waterloo. Both he and wife died in Canada; the latter in August, 1842, and the former in January, 1861. Mrs. Richmond I |g\©5«®»l« Si^S<« — &^' IS ^ mm/% /^Z--^^^^-*^-^ cJ^ »/®^^#- ■7 <-^llll}$:i]ll>> V ":2i--4; ISABELLA COUNTY. 395 t 1 — ' 1=1 i=z t •) was born in Prince Edward Co., Can., Jan. 19, 1839, and she and her husband have been the parents of five children, three of whom survive: George B.,Es- tella L. and Mary M. .Samuel M. and Isabella N. are deceased. Mr. Richmond has held the office of Highway Commissioner for two years, and that of School As- sessor seven years. Politically he is a Republican. — J- -5— ifames S. Graham, farmer and Supervisor ^jm: of Isabella Township, residing on section 22, was born in the County of Peel, Ont., May 22, 1850. His parents were Hugh and Y Catharine (Cook) Graham, natives of New York i and Connecticut, respectively, and of Irish- Scotch attraction. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation and followed that vocation in Peel Co., Ont., where he died, in 1853. His mother is still living, at the advanced age of 68 years, in Isabella Township. When James S. was three years of age he was left a half orphan by his father's death, he having been thrown from a buggy by the horse becoming fright- ened and running away. He lived with his mother and brothers in his native county, doing his share toward the maintenance of his family and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 22 years. In the fall of 1S73 Mr. Graham came to this county and settled in Isabella Townshii), on So acres of wild land on section 16, which he had purchased the spring before his coming. He located on this land and at once began to improve it, but soon sold, and engaged in the mercantile business at Calkinsville. The capital required to manage this business was some $5,000, and he conducted the same with a moderate degree of success for two years. In 1877 he sold out his mercantile business, and purchased 1 60 acres on land on section 23, where he lived until April, 1 88 1, when he sold the same and purcliased 40 acres on section 22, and 40 acres on section 15, same township. He has 50 acres of the 80 under a good state of cultivation, and is acknowledged as one of the progressive farmers of the township. Mr. Graham was united in marriage with the lady of his choice, Miss Margaret I. Johnson, in Peel Co., Ont., Dec. 28, 187 1. She is a native of Ontario, born in Peel Co., that Province, April 14, 1848, and there lived, under the piotecting care of her parents, until her marriage. The husband and wife are the parents of eight children, namely : William M., born Oct. 5, 1872; Edgar O., Aug. 23, 1879 ; Godfrey E., Sept. I, 1880; Gracie L., June 7, 1882, and Victor S., Jan. 30, 1884. Oscar A., born Dec. i, 1873, died April i, 1875, and Gertrude L., born March 3, 1877, died Nov. 2, 1881. Politically, Mr. Graham is a believer in and sup- porter of the principles of the Democratic party. He has held the position of Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, and is now Supervisor of Isabella Town- ship. -xtazfi/©^^— ^'^^^^^^•?- ^©l-a^OTJriv 9 $>: ^||K!=^JfSS>«V j^a. ■i^m^M^y^ ewis Grant, superintendent of Edmund ■'viiJlK- Hall's lumbering interests in Broomfield Township, is a son of Archibald and Cather- ne (Lord) Grant. His father was born in 1814 in Evonshire, Scotland, and died in 1877, in Canada. His mother was born in i8rg, in Ire- land, and died in 1879, in Canada. Their son, Lewis Grant, was born Marcli 15, 1840, in Scotland, and lived with his parents until 22 years of age. Coming to America with them, he worked first for two years in the lumber woods of Minnesota. Next he was engaged on a farm in the State of New York for two years; and then, coming to Michigan, he engaged with Mr. Edmund Hall, his present em- ployer, working the first year as a common laborer. The succeeding three years he was a foreman, and after that he became superintendent of all Mr. Hall's lumbering operations in Broomfield Township. He was married in 1875 to Miss Ida Eldred, who was born Sept. 24, 1854, in Hillsdale County, this State, and daughter of Judson and Mary (Dopp) El- dred. Mr. E. was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 182 1, and is now a farmer in Broomfield, of which town- ship he was one of the early settlers. Mrs. E. was born in the State of Ohio, in 1832. Mr. (Jrant is politically a su[)portL'r of tlie Repub- lican party. As one of the representative business men ot Isa- @\ bella County, and a gentleman worthy the esteem and ^ t i ^ J SAB ELLA COUNTY. honor of his fellow citizens, we place Mr. Grant's portrait in this volume. .\s a fitting companion pic- ture to Mr. Grant's, we place beside it that of his wife. ^ •«2jec/©^* k4— j^^^iOOTa" His G. Faunce, farmer on section 21, Coe Township, is the son of Alden and Lucre- lia (Coburn) Faunce, natives of Massachu- setts and New York. The parents settled in Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he died, Feb. 22, 1863. The mother yet survives. Their fam- ily consisted of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom Ellis G. is the sixth. He was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. i, 1846, and received a rudimentary English education, liv- ing at home until 1865. The following three years were spent in Michigan and Ohio, and in 1868 he bought a farm of 80 acres in Monroe Co., Mich., where he lived seven years. He then sold, and for a year and a half was employed in a grist-mill in Al- len Co., Ohio. In the spring of 1877 he came to Isa- bella County and bought 40 acres on section 21, Coe Township. He has since added 40 acres, and has under cultivation 42 acres. He was married in his native county, Nov. 26, 1868, to Syrion L., daughter of Orrin R. and Louisa (King) Gates, natives of Vermont and Ohio. To this union three children have been born, — Eva E., Orrin L. and Leila B. Mr. F. is a Republican, and with his wife belongs to the Christian Church. ftai^.hancy C. Dickerson, farmer and miller, SiyOtC' section 13, Deerfield Township, is a son of 2!ite?^ John W. and Catharine Jane (Appleman) Dickerson ; his father, a native of Pennsylva- nia, died April 5, 1865, and his mother, a na- tive of New Jersey, is still living. The subject of this sketch was born June i, 1841, in Lorain Co., Ohio ; was in Wisconsin from about 9 to 1 2 years of age ; in Lorain Co., Ohio, for five years ; in Hillsdale Co., Mich., one year; next, Bowne Township, Kent County, nearly a year; then Ionia County, five years ; then California three years, where he was in the mines, and a part of the time engaged in engineering; in Ionia County ten years ; and then came to Isabella County, Aug. 20, 1877, pur- chasing a quarter of section 13, where he now resides. It was then wholly unimproved, but he has cleared ten acres and sold 80. In connection with the place is a good mill site. He built the first saw, grist and shingle mills in Deerfield Township. The saw is an "upright," and the grist-mill has two run of buhrs. Mr Dickerson was married Jan. i, 1865, at Ionia, to Miss Hannah Christina, daughter of Oliver and Lydia (Brazee) Decker. They have no children. Mr. Decker is in political sentiment a Republican. ^3^ A i £k- C. Payne, physician, section 28, Nottawa Township, is a son of Barton and Maria (Cronk) Payne, natives of Ontario Co., N. Y. His father and mother are both deceased, the former dying April 10, 1862, and the latter July 7, 1877. Dr. Payne is a native of this Slate, and was born in Salem Township, Washtenaw Co., Feb. 17, 1848. He spent his childhood years until he attained the age of eight, in his native county, when his parents moved to Ypsilanti, where they lived for two years and then moved to Shiawassee County. The family remained at the latter place 18 years, during which time young Payne assisted on the farm and attended the common schools and developed into manhood. From Shiawassee County Dr. Payne removed to Eagle, Clinton County, remained five years and four months, and then went to Westphalia, same county, and variously occupied his time for two years. The Doctor came to this county March 17, 1883, located on section 28, Nottawa Township, and en- tered upon the practice of medicine, a profession he had selected and mastered at an earlier day. He has continuously followed the practice of his profes- sion, having located his office at Beal City, Nottawa Township, ever since commg to the county, and has met with signal success. Dr. Payne was united in marriage, Dec. 25, 187 i, with Miss Frances, daughter of Mary E. McCrum, f K^ I Tr^JfC A <^dd>:iid;> .^^i=^ *^4.^ m T^i^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^aj^SoAx /\ y: V (^ who was born Sept. 2, 1855, in Livingston Co, this W State ; and their union has been blessed by one 't:: child, Minnie, born Oct. 29, 1873. I Dr Payne is a member of the Masonic Lodge at ^ Wacousta, Clinton Co., this State. In politics he is Y^ ^" adherent of the tenets of the Democratic party. Mrs. Payne is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. ^ #M# ^ dward Delaney, molder, residing on sec- tion 22, Coldwater Township, was born Sept. 29, 1837, in the city of Rochester, N. Y. His parents, William and Mary (Fagan) Delaney, were natives of Ireland. The decease of his father occurred at Rochester, and his mother died in Prince Edward Co., Ont. Mr. Delaney is the eldest of six children born to his parents, and he lived at home until he was 18 years old, when he went to learn the molder's trade, and in his journeyman days he went to Adrian, Mich., where he found employ in the car^shops, re- maining there most of the time until r86i, when he enlisted in the military service of the LTnited States. He became a soldier during the first months of the war, enlisting in Co. B, 47th Ohio Vol. Inf. The entire company were Michigan men with one excep- tion, who was from Cincinnati. The regiment was assigned to the 15 th Army Corps, of which General Sherman was in command. It was afterwards under Gen. Logan, and Mr. Delaney participated in the battles of Vicksburg and Charleston (W. Va.), be- sides taking part in numberless skimiishes. He received a wound in the left arm while on picket duty near Ripley, W. Va., in September, 1862. He was again wounded at Vicksburg, May 18, 1863, re- ceiving a charge of buckshot in the left ankle, which is still where the rebels planted it. The regiment veteranized at Cleveland, Tenn., and was mustered out of service Aug. 1 1, 1865, at Little Rock, Ark. On receiving his discharge he returned to Fulton Co., Ohio, and soon afterward came to Gratiot Co., Mich., and resided two years in the village of St. Louis. In 1867 he filed a homestead claim of 80 acres of land in Coldwater Township, to which he removed with his family the year following. He has placed 35 acres under improvements. He is a Re- publican in political sentiments and has held the office of School Director. He married Oct. 2, 1864, Viola A., daughter of William F. and Lozina (Decker) Baker. She was born July 23, 1843. Her father died Oct. 30, 1876, and is buried on Mr. Delaney 's farm. The mother is living with her daughter. Two children of Mr. and Mrs. Delaney are living: Edward, born Aug. 7, 1880, and Edna Alba, born April 9, 1883. William B. w3ls born May i, 1876, and died the same day. Viola Edwina was born July 19, 1877, and died on the day of her birth. The farm of Mr. Delaney contains a boiling spring, which is the object of much curiosity, and around which cluster strange Indian and other traditions. It is an object of great veneration among the red men, who believe it the ancient burial place of their chiefs; and several individuals claim that in its im- mediate vicinity a large sum of money was buried during the second war with great Britain. The issue of water averages 500 gallons per minute. Mr. De- laney's place was the first that was homesteaded north of the Indian reserve. Copper has been found in the springs on the farm, and will some day prove a source of profit. fjf 8pa^-.ornelius Wolfgang, farmer, section 12, [ ^^1^ Fremont Township, is a son of Samuel Jil^" and Mary (Baker) Wolfgang, natives of $ih York Co., Pa. The former, a weaver b vc a_ "^ tion, moved to Ohio in 1834, locating in Champaign County; five years afterward he moved to Clark County, that State; in 1854 he moved to De Kalb Co., Ind., and finally to Goshen, Elkhart County, where he died, in September, 1882. His wife had died in 1855, in De Kalb Co., Ind. The subject of this sketch was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, May 24, 1834; his parents being in very straitened circumstances, he was placed out at the tender age of six years to be brought up by other people; consequently he was kept at hard work. From the time he became of age until he was mar- ried he was engaged in various pursuits in Indiana. In 1 86 1 he married Miss Caroline Hood, who was born Dec. 24, 1834, in Stark Co., Ohio. Her parents, John and Susan (Hartman) Hood, were natives of Pennsylvania, the former a shoemaker by trade. In C^> i ^^^^ ll^jj'^pr^ .c:^-^ <^n!ir^^iinft>A^- .C2V?%^ M m^ 4^ 398 ISABELLA COUNTY. 'Q^ I ffll 1832 they settled in Stark Co., Ohio, and afterward in De Kalb Co., Ind , where they died about the year 1856. Mr. Wolfgang came to this county in 1861, settling upon 148 acres where he now resides, and where he has 100 acres well improved, a large barn, comforta- ble residence, etc. He has been Treasurer of his township and Constable, and has held the school offices of his district. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, and in political matters he votes for the " best men." -The children of the family of Mr. Wolfgang are: Frank, born Nov. 8, 1858; John, Jan. 26, 1861 ; Seright, Jan. 16, 1863, died in 1865 ; Susan, June 26, 1865; and Eddie S., Dec. 2, 1867. The first two were born in De Kalb Co., Ind., and the last two in this county. ^■^S^*^' Ecarding Kellogg, farmer, section 30, Lincoln Township, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 17, 1S46. The parents of Harding were Shiverick and Maria (Clark) Kellogg, natives of Vermont and New Hamp- shire, of English descent and of New England parentage. The father followed the occupation of a carder and cloth-dresser in his native State, and re- moved to Ionia Co., this State, in 1849, and there fol- lowed the occupation of farming. He was one among the first to settle in Ionia County. While on a visit to the home of our subject in this county, his father died, the date being Nov. 14, 1881. His mother died April 15, 1884, aged 63 years. When three years of age, the subject of our bio- graphical notice was brought to Ionia County by his parents and lived there until he attained the age of manhood. He was the oldest of the children of his parent's family and grew up among the pioneer set- tlers of Ionia County. He assisted his father on the farm and attended the common and village schools until he attained his majority, when he engaged to him at a stated salary to work on the farm. Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage June 21, 1867, with Miss Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Horsburgh) Conner, natives of Canada and Scot- land respectively and of English and Scotcli extrac- tion. Eliza was born in Brant Township, Brant Co., Ontario, March 13, 1846. She lived in her native county until she attained the age of ten years, when she accompanied her parents to Ionia County, this State, where she lived assisting in the labors of the household and attending the common schools until the date of her marriage. Shortly after marriage Mr. Kellogg moved on a part of the old homestead, and cultivated the same until the spring of 1879, when he came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land on section 30, Lincoln Township. He has added So acres to his original purchase and of the 160 he now has 100 acres in a good state of cultivation. He is classed as one of the progressive farmers of the county, and has met with signal success in his vocation. Recently he erected a large stock and grain barn on his place, which cost him $1,000. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are the parents of four chil- dren, one of whom is deceased. The living are: Chester A., born Nov. 26, 1872; Lea, June i, 1874, and Neal, May 21, 1876. Politically, Mr. K. is a Republican. He has held the various offices of his school district, and at the present time is School Inspector of the same. -«• i -A. £>- |J|*'Milexander Cameron, farmer, section i7,Isa- Ijf^^S^ bella Township, was born in Middlesex >Jj|nS' Co., Ont., Oct. 10, 1829. He was reared on .!s.r the farm and lived under tlie parental roof-tree, i assisting in the nuintenance of the family and attending the common schools until he arrived at manhood's age. The parents of our subject were of Scotch and Welsh extraction, and the father followed the occu- pation of farmer in Canada, and there died, at the age of 75 years. The mother is still living, in the Stale of Iowa. On arriving at the age of manhood, Sept. 19, 1850, Mr. Cameron was united in marriage, in his n;ttive county, with Miss Sarah Ward, a native of the same county in which our subject was born, and where she was born, March 8, 1833. She lived with her par- ents until her marriage, assisting her mother in her household labors and receiving the advantages af- v^ ■^ /N ca: r [ I (• ^^0- ■e-=^^ii!i^nnr>A^ — ^^s^- /^^^^^z^^ jiLj^Y^ ^.ir't^^^f-t.^kr^^Z^ i ISABELLA COUNTY. #^ff^^|| 401 f 1=1 1=1 ^ forded by the common schools of her neighborhood. After his marriage Mr. Cameron at once entered on the occupation he had followed all his life, and continued tliat vocation in liis native county, culti- vating 100 acres of land, until the year 1872, when he went to Lambton Co., Can., and there farmed 200 acres for six years. He then sold out and came to this county. On his arrival he purchased 160 acres of land, on sections 8 and 17, and began the task of improving it. He believed the county was sure to develop into a wealthy community and he threw all his energy into the clearing and improving of his land, determined to establish a permanent home for himself and family. He at present has 81; acies of his original purchase under a good state of cultivation ; has erected a large stock and grain barn, at a considerable expense, the same being 36 x 66 feet in size, and has other comfortable and necessary buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are the parents of 12 children, one of whom is deceased. The living are: Samuel T., Calvin W. (married), Margaret (married), Catharine E., Alexander, Sarah J. (married), Jessie, Mary E., Athelinda, William, Elizabeth and Albert. John E., born May 15, r86o, died March 25, 1881. The husband is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is Elder. Politically he is a Republican. 'ohn Q. A. Johnson, farmer on section 30, £■ Union Townsliip, was born in Vienna, Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 3, 1826, and is a son of William W. and Nancy (Whittaker) Johnson Tlie parents were born in Williams- town Township, Berkshire Co., Mass., and their marriage and the births of their first three chil- dren occurred in that township. They were of old New England stock, and descended from the Batons, a family well known in Connecticut and the rest of New England. The father died in Oneida Co., N. Y., May 27, 1830, aged 44 years, six months. The mother died at Grand Rapids, this State, Nov. 27, 1 88 1, at the age of 93 years and five months. She was of a very long-lived family. Among the instan- ces of longevity that might be mentioned are these : her father lived to be 98, a brother 96, four sisters VS' over 90, and others to nearly 90. The family of William W. Johnson included a daughter and eight sons, three of the latter being now dead. John was the eighth child and seventh son. He lived at home until 18, receiving a common- school education. At that age became to Michigan, locating first at Dundee, Monroe County, and engag- ing in agriculture. He was soon after married. After four years he removed to Barry County, where he farmed for seven years. In June, 1855, he came to Isabella and located on section 22, Coe Township. He was one of the first 12 settlers of the county, and the seventh settler in Coe. This was three years be- fore Isabella County was organized. The first house he constructed did not contain a sawed board, was covered with elm bark, and had a puncheon floor. The house was raised by all the neighbors within sev- eral miles, and the dinner for the occasion was brouglit them in a basket a distance of eight miles. All their supplies were purchased at high prices in St. Louis. Aug. 21, 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the Car- olinas. After serving nine months he was taken sick and confined to the hospital for tiiree months. He was discharged for disability, Sept. 18, 1862. Re- turning home, he located in Union Township, in January following. Here he had once more to live the life of a pioneer. He cut a road a mile and a half to reach his farm. The cabin in which he first lived still stands as a reminder of first things. He was the first settler on his section. Of his 160 acres, 65 are improved. He has a very fine fruit orchard, four acres in extent, and his fruit always takes the lead in county fairs. Politically, Mr. J. is a staunch Republican. He was elected Sheriff in 1863, and held the office two years. In 1876 he was elected Probate Judge, which position he filled four years. He has also held the minor offices of his township. He was married Feb. 17, 1844, in Monroe Co., Mich., to Miss Margaret Sutherland, daughter of Eli and Thankful (Russell) Sutherland, natives of Orange and Westchester Cos., N. Y., and of English-Scotch and German-Irish ancestry. The mother died in Lenawee Co., Mich., in r88i. The father is living in that county, at the age of 85. He has lost the ^ sight of one eye. Mrs. Johnson was born in Hector, («m Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1825, and came with ^ f 9 EH ^^rm^^ ■ "t f ISABELLA COUNTY. rj'^gis^^ m. 4 % Cq^ her parents to Monroe County, this State, when 17 years old. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. J., two of whom are not living. The record is as follows: Mary A., born Nov. 2, 1844 ; Louisa A., March 24, 1846; Warren J., Nov. 6, 1849; De Witt S., March 3, 1852 ; Jared R., Sept. 15, 1854: Harty J., Jan. 29, 1858; Elma E., Aug. 13, 1863; and Minnie E., Sept. 17, 1865. The deceased were Wel- come, born Feb. 15, 1848, and died Oct. 18, 1851; and Lucy T., born Jan. 20, i86o, and died July 21, 186 1. Those living are all married and residents of this county. One son is interested in saw-mills, one is a merchant and five are farmers. We take great pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Johnson in this Album, upon a page in prox- imity to this sketch. jiiohn P. Lyons, farmer, residing on section 10, Fremont Township, is a son of James and Mary J. (Little) Lyons, natives of the Emerald Isle, where the father was born May 16, 1791, and the mother Oct. 27, 1798. The latter came to this country in 18 16 and the father in 1817, both landing in New York city. They were united in marriage in Pittsburg, Pa., March 16, i8ig. Soon after their marriage they moved to Rocky Fort, Licking Co., Ohio, and located on a farm, where, Nov. 6, 1867, the father died. The mother is still living on the old homestead, at the venerable age of 86 years, and is yet hale and hearty. The father and mother were the parents of eight children, six boys and two girls. Two of the brothers are deceased. William, the oldest, Hves near Dunlap, in Monona Co., Iowa. James lives on the old homestead, with his mother, in Licking Co., Ohio. Samuel was killed while walking on the railroad track. Isabella lives in Perry Co., Ohio. Sarah lives in Licking County. Andrew J. lives in Rooks Co., Kan. David M. died on the old homestead ; and John P., our subject, resides on section 10, Fre- 4 mont Township, this county. y^ Mr. Lyons, the subject of this biographical notice, ^ was born March 18, 1833, in Licking Co., Ohio. He tr\ remained at home assisting in the maintenance of \^ the family and attending the common schools of his ^ district until he attained the age of 21 years. His desire was to become proficient in teaching, and prior to his majority he had so closely confined him- self to study that on reaching that age he was thoroughly competent to enter on the practice of the profession. He continued to follow that for a period of 20 years, and was the recipient of many encomi- ums for his ability and system of teaching. Feb. 8, 1866, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage with Miss Manilla White, who was born Sept. 8, 1835, in Guernsey Co., Ohio. She was a daughter of John and Hannah (Guthrie) White, natives of the Key-stone State, where her father was born in 1798 and her mother in 1803. Her father was an agricul- turist by vocation and died in May, 1874. Her mother is yet living, and resides in Muskingum Co., Ohio. Mr. Lyons came from Ohio to this State, Oct. 25, 1 88 1, and located on 160 acres of land on section 10, Fremont Township. He at once settled on his land and began its improvement, determining to make it his permanent home, and at present has a goodly portion of the same in a fine state of cultivation, and substantial buildings erected thereon. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons are the parents of four chil- dren : James W., born Oct. i, 1868 ; Wm. H., born Jan. 6, 1873; John C, born April 30, 1874, and Junietta M., born Jan. 10, 1876. Politically, Mr. Lyons is a Democrat, and is at present Justice of the Peace of his township. Socially, he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a Ruling Elder for 12 years. He is also School Inspector, and occupies a prominent and re- spected position in his township. |(|imF ^^l iles Sehofield, farmer, section 26, Gilmore Ijf^i^^^, Township, was born March 16, 1844, and flll*^?'^^ is the son of James and Mary (Drenner) ^j^^''>\ Sehofield. His parents were natives of 'V" England and came to Amerca in 1840. The I father died in Nashville, Tenn., the mother re- sides with her son. Mr. Sehofield remained with his parents until he was 23 years of age, obtaining his education and working with his father as a stone mason. In 1867 he came to Isabella County and settled upon the farm on which he has since resided. The township r r s <^D!l>:Dt]i>^ MV^:*^' i h ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^t^C<®^4H) 403 :-Dr^>nD;>^ ^^^ — 1^^^5(<^ ^ s ■rf^* r^^Ti^arX "TT-T- <>tlll^llD^>: r^ *#^^(® iOj 404 ISABELLA COUNTY. > y>i X left the South and went to Pittsburg to join the North- ern Army. He enlisted in Co. A, issth Pa. Vol. Inf., in July, 1862, participated in the battle of Antietam, afier which he was detailed as a member of the medical corjis. He ruptured himself at the battle of Antietam and was discliarged. He also participated in the bat- tles of Fredericksburg and South Mountain, previous to his discharge. Mr. Gachter was united in marriage, Sept. 2, 1862, to Miss Margaret Ann Gerstner. Her parents were natives of Bavaria, Germany. Her mother died during the voyage to the United States, and was buried in the waters of the deep ; her father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Gachter have been blessed with eight children, namely : Joseph G., born March 12, 1864, at Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa.; Frank, April 25, 1866, at St. John's, Mich.; Catherine, Oct. 22, t868, at St. John's; Emma, May 26, 187 i, in Bing- ham Township, Clinton Co., this State ; Wm. H., April 25, 1874, in Bingham; Robert, A.pril 4, 1878, in Bingham; Edward, Aug. .|, 1880, in Bingham; and Margaret \nn, March 4, 1883, in Nottawa Town- ship, this county. Mr. Gachter came to this county June r5, 1882, with his family and purchased a farm of 80 acres in Nottawa Township, 24 of which he has in a good state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. G. is an adherent to and supporter of the principles and doctrines of the Republican party, and has been honored by numerous offices of trust and responsibility, among which were Drain Commissioner, School Inspector and Director (in Clinton County), and is now acting Supervisor of Nottawa Township, this county. 'irw^l l|ffl|[t N. Gulick, farmer, section 36, Deerfield, I^SIp Township, is a son of Henry and Ann (Dean) Gulick, natives of New Jersey, and both still living, in Union Township, this county The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 22, 1848, in Wyandot Co., Ohio; lived in Seneca Co., Ohio, eight years; in Ionia Co., Mich., three years; then, in October, 1859, he came to this county, where he has since lived, except one summer in Kansas. He bought t2o acres of wild land, of vvliich he has since improved 28 acres. On this farm he has resided from Dec. 14, 188 1, to the pres- ent time. Previously he was on a rented farm for five years With respect to national policy, Mr, G. acts with the Republican party. Aug. 24, 1873, Mr. Gulick was married to Miss Susan M., daughter of Henry and Ann (Gibson) Bates. They now have three children, viz.: Claudie May, born Feb. 10, 1877 ; Gertie Mabel, Oct. 14, 1879; and Dessie Dean, March 20, i88d. Mr. Bates had 12 children, and he died Sept. 14, 1879. In Mr. Henry Gulick's family were 11 children. ^mislIIlV eorge W. Brown, farmer, section 4, Cold- water Township, was born Aug. 23, 1829, in Morgan Co., Ohio. His parents, John and Mary (Spillman) Brown, were natives of Virginia, and his father was for many years a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. On his death, when the son was about six years old, the pension reverted to the mother, who continued the recipient of its benefits until her death in the au- tumn of 1868. She lacked three days of being 93 years old. Mr. Brown was the second child, in order of birth, of five children born to his parents; and a year after his father's death he went to live with a man named Joseph McDonald, with whom he was engaged until he was 25 years old. On reaching his majority he rented land of Mr. McDonald, which he worked on shares. He continued to pursue farming on the estate of his foster-father several years, when he removed to another farm five miles distant, which he rented until the outbreak of the Southern rebellion, when he en- listed. He enrolled in tlie United States service Aug. 3. 1861, and was nnistered out Sept. 17, 1864, on the expiration of his term of enlistu.ent. He belonged to Co. A, 31st Ohio Vol. Inf , his regiment being as- signed to the First Brigade, Third Division and 14th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. The first engagement of any importance in which Mr. Brown l)articipated was at Mill Spring, Ky., and afterwards at Stone River, Mission Ridge and at Lookout Moun- V^ A c^: tt ®))$^^ ^^D!i:<^:iiai1>-^r^ — ^^ -^^^^^^(^i J^f^ ^^^ '^^c^^.-fm. ^ ^ c£UMu -cr T^\ lv> V ri^c ISABELLA COUNTY. i=a (!) ■'A Mi2 tain. He received a flesh wor.nd in the right anm in the engagement at Mission Ridge, and also received a slight bayonet scratch in his side. At the battle of Chickamaiiga, his haversack, canteen and knap- sack were shot away, and he received injuries which consigned him to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained until he was mustered out of ser- vice. He received his discharge at Atlanta, Ga., and returned to his family in Athens Co., Ohio. For a few months he was variously employed, and on the 8th of March, 1865, he came to Barry Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land, which he sold in the spring of 1871, and in the fall of the same year he entered a homestead claim of 80 acres of land in this township, which he has since occupied, and has cleared 40 acres. He has deeded 40 acres of land to his son. He was married in 1S51, to Esther Jane, daughter of Empson and Mary (Latta) Powell. Mrs. Brown was born Dec. 4, 1828, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. Her parents died in Athens County, in the Buckeye State. They had four sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to mature life. Five of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown are now living: Nancy A. was born Nov. 18, 1853; Mary M., Sept. 24, 1855; Empson C, Feb. 12, 1661 ; Minerva J., Oct. 5, 1S63, died Dec. 8, 188 1. All these were born in Athens Co., Ohio, except Minerva, who was liorn in Franklin County, that State. Jerdeena was born Nov. 8, 1865, in Barry Co., Mich. James William was born Aug. 28, 1867. Tlie parents are members of the Dis- ciples' Church. Mr. Brown is a Republican in polit- ical connections. -tephen P. Murtha, farmer on section 8, Coe 'Township, was born in Portland, Ionia '"' County, Aug. 6, 1846, and is the son of Patrick and Ann (Hoy) Muriha, natives of Ire- land. The parents were married in this coun- ! try, having crossed tlie waters when quite young, and settled in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. They afterward lived 12 years in Ionia Co., Mich., farming, and in February, 1855, the family came to Coe Town- ship, this county, where they died, she Nov. 13, 1875, and he March 30, 1878. The subject of this notice received a rudimentary education in the common schools, and remained with his parents until their death. He now resides on a homestead, and owns 80 acres, 50 of which are under intelligent cultivation. He was married in Coe Township, Dec. 9, 1877, to Catherine, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wol- baugh) Gruher, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in the spring of 1877. Mr. and Mrs. M. have had three children, one of whom died in in- fancy. The surviving are Nellie and Sarah M. Mr M. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is po- litically a warm supporter of Democratic principles. ,ason B. Dibble, farmer, section 24, Notta- wa Township, and one ol the leading and representative citizens of the county, is a son of Asel B. and Judith [iice Tower) Dib- ble, natives of the State of Connecticut. They moved at an early date to New York, in which State the mother died in 1858. The father is still liv- ing, at the advanced age of 85 years, in Parma, Mon- roe Co., N. Y. Mr. Dibble, Jr., the subject of this biograjjhy, was born in Maryland Township, Otsego Co., N. Y., 12 miles from Cooperstown. His father moved from that place when our subject was only five years of age and settled in Cattaraugus County, and iived at Freedom, that county, until 1865. In December of that year, he moved to this State and settled at Muir, Ionia County, to which place he brought his family in the following year. He lived at Muir si.x years, and while residing there was extensively engaged in lumbering, and, in company with Messrs. Fox & Arm- strong, purchased 2,316 acres of pine lands. His next move was to White Co., Tenn., near Sparta, where he purcliased 513 acres of land within six miles of that place. His intention was to make a home on this land, but he became dissatisfied with that country and remained there only a few months, and then removed to Elkhart Co., Ind., and purchas- ed a fiirm of 140 acres. He lived on this farm for about 1 1 months, then came to this county and pur- chased a large farm, and is now tlic owner of about 1,000 acres. The subject of our sketch, Mr. Dibble, moved on his father's farm April 30, 1875, and has improved 9 t ^ if!'*«- ■^sjsj^^ri ..ijA, <^iir^:DD;>v^ — ^3^ -^^-^^f®y^ii COUNTY. ISABELLA V >J about 350 acres. He has four barns on the place and a good commodious residence. Mr. D. was united in marriage, Feb. 15, 1846, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., with Miss Mary H., daugh- ter of W. G. and Eleanor {tiec Childs) Fisk, who was born Aug. 8, 1826, in Walworth, Wayne Co., N. Y. Her father and mother were both natives of Vermont, and both died in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.,in 185 i. Mr. and Mrs. D. have one daughter, — Elizabeth Ann, born June 26, 185 1. She is now the wife of John A. Bamborough, living near Mt. Pleasant. They have three children ; the oldest died in infancy and the remaining two are Mason A., born June 22, 1874, and Thomas, born Aug. 23, 1876. Mr. Dibble was formerly a member of the Close- Communion Baptist, and Mrs. D. of the Free-Will Baptist, Church. He is politically an ardent Repub- lican, and, though not an office-seeker, has held va- rious local positions of trust. We are pleased to place the portrait of Mr. Dibble in this Album, which will preserve permanently tha features of a worthy and representative citizen. eorge A. Ruse, farmer on section 32, Coe Township, is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Shedenhelm) Ruse, natives of Ohio and Maryland. The parents first settled in Seneca Co., Ohio, where the father died, in December, 1864. The mother came to Michigan, and three years later returned to Seneca County, where she died, in August, 1876, Their family consisted of three sons and three daughters, George being the youngest of the six. He was born in Seneca Ct)., Ohio, June 22, 18415, and received a common English education. He hired out by the month at the age of i 2, and alter- nated that with attending school until 18 years old. Adopting the vocation of agriculture, he came, in February, 1869, to this county and bought 40 acres on section 33, Coe Township. Selling this, lie re- turned to Seneca Co., Ohio, and bought 80 acres, which he worked for five years. He sold out once more, and came again to Isabella, buying 80 acres on section 32, Coe, where he now resides. He has SS acres under cultivation. He was first married in the county of his nativity, to Martha, daughter of Samuel and Mary King. She was also a native of Seneca County. They had one child, which died about five months old. Mrs. R. dying, he was again married, in Seneca County, to Eliza, daughter of John and Margaret (Miller) Ruch, and widow of John Woodmansee, who died Nov. 11, 1868. She had by the first marriage three children, — William L., Cora B. and Margaret C, the first of whom died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruse have been born three children, — John A., Letta M. and Irena F. John A. died when two years old. Politically, Mr. R. is a Republican. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. 'esse H. Wood, farmer, section 34, Gilmore Township, was born Dec. 12, 1838, in Greene Co., Pa., and is the son of William and Hannah (Hartley) Wood. His parents both died in Isabella County. Mr. Wood re- mained under the home roof until he was of age, when he was married, and rented a farm in his native county, on which he lived five years. In B'ebruary, 1864, he enlisted in the First W. Va. Cavalry, and remained in the service until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in the latter part of July, 1865. At the first engagement in wliich he was under fire, he was under Gen. Averill, near Winchester, in the Valley of the Shenandoah. He was also at the famous battle of Winchester. His command was attached to the corps of Gen. Custer, and later of Gen. Sheridan, and in the spring of 1865 was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, where the regiment was in action at Five Forks, and was pres- ent at the surrender of Gen. Lee. His marriage to Martha J., dauglittr of David and Sarah (Boler) Leonard, took place Aug. 25, 1858. Mrs. Wood was born July 26, 1842, and the five sons and two daughters she has borne are all living. They were born in the following order : Thomas T., Nov. 17, i860; Hiram L., Oct. 29, 1863; William W., Jan. 17, 1867; Hannah L., Oct. 7, 1869; James Edward, July 21, 1872; Henry H., Sept. 13, 1875; Mary Effie, Dec. 24, 188 1. Mr. Wood is one of the earliest settlers of the township in which he resides, locating upon his land at the same time with Rufus F. Glass, Nicholas X V C im\®^^^^ ■^y^^^t i;>A^ ^N^ima 1=3 1=3 E I Phillips and Asa Leonard. He has served one term as Supervisor and seven terms as Township Clerk. During the 12 years in which he has been resident he has been engaged in the duties pertaining to the various school offices. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are both members of the Disciples 'Church. iSiharles E. Coon, farmer on section 12, Coe ^ Township, is a son of Simeon B. and Clar- issa (Sanford) Coon, the former a native of Lodi, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and the latter of Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y. The parents lived in the last mentioned place until 1844, when they came to Portland, Ionia County, this State. There were at that date few white settlers, and the numerous Indians roamed freely through their native forests. He died in that place Dec. 19, 1862, and she followed him Aug. 2, 1873. Their family includ- ed four sons and three daughters, the following six of whom grew to be adults: Charles E., Mary A., Annis, Catherine, Simeon and Fred. The subject of this sketch, the eldest of the family, was born in Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 4, 1S34, and was ten years old when his parents came to Ionia County, this State. During his boyhood he had many interesting experiences with the Chippewa In- dians. At one time an Indian offered him 16 silver dollars for one pint of whisky, which young Coon de- clined to accept. He received the elements of an English education at the common schools of his neighborhood, and assisted his father on the farm as he grew to man's estate, until he was 27 years old. He then bought a 40-acre farm in Sebewa, Ionia County, which he worked, in connection with other pursuits for three years. Disposing of his Ionia Coun- ty interests, he came, in April, 1865, to Isabella County and bought 200 acres of wild land in Coe Township, on which he built a house and barn and set about clearing a farm. The result shows the re- ward of industry and intelligence. He has 125 acres in a state of high cultivation, and [irogress is seen in every quarter. He was married at Watertown, Clinton Co., Mich., Aug. 28, 1863, to Temperance, daughter of Peter and Jane (Hazelton) Allen, natives of New Jersey and New York, in which latter State Mrs. Coon was also born. Eight children have been added to the house- hold, five of whom survive: Clarissa S., Charles A., James E., Frank and Annis F. Frederick B., Lucy ' ■ ' J. and Haryey L. died in infancy. |^ Mrs. C. is a member of the Baptist Church, while V^ he inclines to the Universalist faith. In politics he has been a Republican, but now adheres to the tenets of the National party. He is a free-trader. Mr. C. visited New York in June, 1878, and pur- chased the well known stallion " Bashaw, Junior" (sired by Greene's "Bashaw"), which has had a fa- mous record. He once trotted a mile in 2:32, after ] trotting ten heats. He was at one time purchased by Miss I,. A. Gould (127 W. 41st Street, New York city), for $9,000. He is now in Aberdeen, Dak., in the possession of Levi Reid. He is the sire of some very fine horses in this county. , — 'iei-~<^~if^-t^(Si' — ( i"; c< feugh Graham, farmer, section 15, Isabella I Township, is a native of Canada, where, in Peel Co., Ont., he was born March 15^ 1844. The father of Mr. Graham died when he, the son, was nine years old, and he lived with his mother, attending the common schools and aiding in her support, until he attained the age of 22 years. On arriving at this age he went to York Co., Can., and worked in the machine shop of Mr. John Abel, located at Woodbridge. He con- tinued in that vocation for four years and then re- turned to Peel County. After remaining in that county for a short period he came to this county and purchased 60 acres of wild land, on section 15, Isa- bella Township. This was in the fall of 1874, and the hand of improvement was hardly visible in the portion of the township in which he located. But 11 acres on his place had been cliopped. He nevertheless had faith in the future development of the county, and with a firm determination to establish a perma- nent home for himself and family, he threw all his x|S energy mto the laborious though pleasant task of f making a home ; and of his original purchase of 60 acres, 45 acres are at the present time well im- proved ; and he has erected thereon a stock and grain barn, together with other necessay buildings. Mr. (iraham was united in marriage Dec. 6, 1866, in York Co., Ont., to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin. She i|^i^®:^^t ISABELLA COUNTY. f V ^ was born in Peel Co., Ont., Jan. 6, 1846, and is of English extraction. When ten years of age her par- ents moved to York County, where Elizabeth was reared and educated in the common schools, and where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have been the parents of three children, one of whom is deceased. The liv- ing are Hugh W., born March 29, 1869; and Emily C, March 5, 1878. Laura, born April 30, 1870, died Nov. 8, 1 88 1. The father and mother are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. G., politically, is a Democrat. He has held the office of Townsliip Clerk and Deputy Sheriff, and is a re- spected and esteemed citizen of his township. ^3= ;"ohn Morrison, farmer on section 20, Chip- pewa Township, is a son of David and Cynthia (Dodge) Morrison, he a native of New York, and she of New England. They set- tled in Schenectady Co., N. Y., where he died May 6, 1838, and he Feb. 20, 1855. Their family numbered eight, John being the youngest. He was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., May 6, 1833, and remained with his parents until of age, al- ternately working on the farm and attending school. He attended both the common schools and a select school at Schenectady, .\ttaining the age of legal freedom, he worked out by the month from March to February, and returned home five days before his fa- ther's death. The latter had a life lease of his farm and had become badly involved by going security on notes, etc. John was appointed administrator of the estate, the duties pertaining to which office occupied him for a year and a half, during which time he car- ried on the farm. He then worked out for a year, and in March, 1858, came to Michigan, where he worked one season at carpentering, in Lenawee Coun- ty. In the fall of 1858 he rented a farm, but after putting in a crop of wheat he returned to Schnecta- dy Co., N. Y., for the winter. The following spring he came with his family to Lenawee County; and af- ter seven years' renting he bought a farm in Seneca, that county. There he lived until May, 1882, when he left his farm in charge of his son, and came to tliis county, arriving on the 15th of that month. He bought 280 acres in Chippewa Township, where he has since resided, having at present 120 acres under the plow. He was married in Schenectady Co., N. Y., March 20, 1856, to Miss Alexina, daughter of John and Mary W. (Crossfield) Young, natives of Schenectady and Schoharie Counties. The parents settled in the form- er county, where the father died, in July, 1883. The mother survives. Mrs. Morrison was born in Duanes- burg, Schenectady County, April 28, 1833, and is the mother of three children: Wallwin J., born Feb. 5, 1858; Ervvin D., Nov. 30, 1859; and Henry W., Dec. 22, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. M. are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been class-leader four years, Steward 1 1 years and Super- intendent of the Sunday-school five years. Mr. M. supports the Republican party, but is a strong tem- perance man and prohibitionist. He is now Deputy Township Clerk, Health Officer and School Inspec- tor. ^[t afayette Oathout, farmer on section 19, i^ltf- Chi|)pewa, is a son of Sands and Lurancy (Stewart) Oathout, natives of Chemung and Madison Cos., N. Y. The father died Oct. 23, 1882; the mother is a resident of this county, aged 74. Their family comprised four sons and four daughters, Lafayette being the youngest of the children. He was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 21, 185 i, and at the age of 13 came with his parents to Isa- bella County. In the fall of 1874 he bought 40 acres in Chippewa Township, where he has since resided. He has added 40 acres to his first 40, and now has 60 acres under cultivation. He was married in Chippewa Township, Dec. 10, 1876, to Miss Ella, daughter of Joel and Henrietta (Claywell) Thatcher, natives of Vermont and Penn- sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher came to Gratiot County, this State, about 1858, and six years later settled in Lincoln Township, this county, where they now reside. Mrs. Oathout was born in Gratiot County, June i, 1859. She and her husband are the l)arents of three daughters, — Florence A., Grace M. aud Helen J. Politically, Mr. O. is a Republican. 'v C< y^^ < c v> -v^. ^ 'A/, J^^i-t^/Ui^ ,i%S» ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^^f^-|| 1 V (^ 413 Mr. O. s mother has been a member of the Presby- terian Church since 18 years of age. Mr. Oathout's older brother, EHiot D., was a mem- ber of Co. K, Eiglith Mich. Vol. Inf., was taken a prisoner of war by Forrest's men, and starved to death at Andersonville. ^-.<^.E ^Jiarles W. Richardson, of the firm of AUyn & Co., dealers in dry goods, gro- ceries, etc., Dnshville, was a son of Asa fe P. and Jane (Staples) Richardson. The fa- ^ thei was born in the State of Vermont, April 29> 1797- He followed the occnjiation of farming and lumbering, in the State of Maine, win- ters, and occupied his time summers in exploring land in that State. Living there until 1851, he moved to Ohio and located on a farm in Lorain County. He lived there for two years and then moved to Wood County, same State, where he fol- lowed the same vocation for seven or eight years. In 1870 he came to this county and located, with his son, on section 19, Fremont Township. He after- ward lived with his children until his death, March 30, 1879. The mother was born in the State of Main'fe, June 25, 1806, and is yet living, with her son, at the advanced age of 77 years. They were the parents of 12 children, four of whom are living in Ohio and eight in this State. Charles W., the subject of this biographical notice, was born Dec. 3, 1845, in Franklin ("o., Maine. He remained under his parental care, attending the com- mon schools and assisting his father on the farm, until he attained the age of 18 years. On reaching this age in life he enlisted in Co. O, loth Ohio Vol. Cav. His command was under Kilpatrick and did gallant service for the Union. He partici[)ated in all the battles in which his comi)any was engaged, prominent amcng them being Ringgold and Resaca. The company participated in many minor engage- ments and skirmishes and Mr. R. passed through them all without receiving any serious wounds. His regiment was finally discharged at Lexington, N. C, Aug. 24, 1865, and he returned to Ihe home of his parents in Wood Co., Ohio. During that year he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza, daughter of Theo- dore and Catharine Inman. Her father was born in New Jersey, in 1831, and her mother in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1834. The daughter was born Feb. i, 1853, ill Sandusky Co., Ohio. Mr. Richardson came to this county in 1870 and located on 40 acres of wild land. He has since in- creased his acreage to 200, and, disposing of a por- tion, now owns 1 20 acres, a goodly portion of which is in a fine state of cultivation. He has also a half interest in a store at Dushville, and a half interest in a branch store at Two Rivers. When Mr. Richardson first came to this county he was scarcely worth $25, all told, and yet by con- tinual and laborious e.xertion he has secured a com- petency, and around his hearthstone content sits in the lap of plenty. He and his wife are the parents of five children, four girls and one boy, namely : Fannie M., Mary E., Lura B., Alta M. and Orrin H. Mr. Richardson politically is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has held several offices of trust in the township and school district in which he lives, and is a re- spected and esteemed citizen thereof. I K- ¥. V/ t^^i ^^'UMW^^ eorge H. Sanford, general farmer, section 17, Lincoln Township, was horn in Portage Township, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. i, 'y^' 1832; was three years of age when the family came to this state and settled in Liberty Town- ship, Jackson County, on a farm, in pioneer times. Here the subject of this sketch grew toman- hood, as a farmer. April 14, 1853, he married Miss Elizabeth R. Begel, who was born in Howard Township, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1832. When she was two years old her people moved to Hanover Township, Jackson C'o., Mich., where she lived until her marriage, re- ceiving a common-school education, and teaching school from the age of 16 to 20, the time of her mar- riage. The children of Mr. and Mrs. S. are, Clar- ence F., born Oct. 24, 1854; Herbert A., March 18, 'G i860; and Fred C, June 11, 1864. The eldest, a I deaf mute, graduated at the Asylum for the Deaf ^» and Dumb at Flint, Mich., June 30, 1S70. Theother (!> two are students at Hillsdale (Mich.) College, con- ^ temi)lating graduation at the State University at Ann ;. Arbor after completing their course at Hillsdale. ^ X-N^^)^^^ 414 >5 (q^ i ISABELLA COUNTY. A year after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sanford located-on a farm of 150 acres in Moscow Township, Hillsdale County, a farm given him by his fatiier; and four years afterward they returned to Jackson County, and eight years still later they moved to Flint, in order to give their son an education at the State institution there. While residing in that city, Mr. Sanford was engaged in iuburance, real estate, lumber and lending money. In the spring of 1 870 he came to this county and located 400 acres of timber land, on sections 16, 17 and 20, Lincoln Township. He then owned also 1,000 acres of pine land in other parts of the State. His land property at present com- prises 440 acres at his homestead, 280 of pine land in Sheridan Township, Clare Co., Mich., and 40 in an- other part of the same county. Of his homestead, 200 acres are well improved. Mr. Sanford is a reliable and leading Democrat, has held the office of Township Clerk one year, and other offices. In presenting Mr. Sanford's likeness on a previous page, we record permanently the features of a sub- stantial farmer and a worthy citizen. i^exter F. Arnold, resident at Mt. Pleas- ant, was born April 15, 1862, in the village where he has grown to manhood. He is *j^ the son of Irving E. and Adelaide (Ferris) W Arnold, and was the first child born within the present limits of Mt. Pleasant. (See sketch of Irving E. Arnold.) Mr. Arnold secured all the advantages of the com- mon schools of his native place, and at 17 was placed in the High School at Saginaw City, where he was a piipil 18 months. On his return to his native place he entered the abstract office of W. N. Brown, becoming silent partner. He remained in that con- nection until the spring of 1882, when he formed a partnership, with Fred Russell in the transaction of insurance business. The firm sold their business during the following winter to Hopkins & Lyon, and Mr. Arnold taugiit scliool one term at Sherman City. He engaged in the same business the same length of time, in district No. 5, in Coldwater Township, in the vicinity of Sherman City. His next engagement was in the office of Hopkins & Lyon, where he re- myv^>)«§^^ ^^^^^ mained in active duty until September, 1883. His present position is with W. I. Cutler, in his real-estate and abstract business. Politically, Mr. Arnold is a Democrat. He is the present Clerk of the village of Mt. Pleasant, having been elected in the spring of A42J2cr®^^ ^4^4— v-®|-3izra?wv. ^i ansom Kyes, farmer on section 6, Coe ^_ Township, is a son of James and Cassan- \M^^' dana (Williams) Kyes (see sketch of A^\ Chauncey Kyes), and was born in Livings- ton Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1827. He was but three years old when the family came to the Peninsular State, and he lived with 'his parents un- til 18 years of age. He received a rudimentary English education, and was for one season employed as fireman on a lake steamer. During the two years following, he was engaged in a hotel at Parma, Tack- son Co., Mich. He rented a farm for two years in Calhoun County, at the expiration of which time he bought a small farm in the same county. Three years later, he sold, and in April, 1855, he came to Isabella County and purchased 200 acres in Coe Township. On this, his present residence, he settled with his family the following May, and his home has been there continuously except fivQ years, when he lived at Mt. Pleasant, as Sheriff of the county. He now owns 180 acres of land, of which 150 are in an advanced state of cultivation. Aug. 12, 1849, in Jackson Co., Mich., he was united in marriage with Harriet, daughter of Ezekiel and Margaret (Gillett) Livingston, natives of the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston moved to Michigan in an early day, settling in Jack- son County, where he died, in August, 1844. She afterwards removed to Gratiot County, and died in January, 1863. Mrs. Kyes was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1827, and she and her husband have been the parents of seven children, three of whom survive, — Benj. F-., Douglass L. and L D. The four deceased are Charles, Josephine, Lillie Dell and Hattie. Mr. K. was elected Sheriff of Isabella County in 1866, and held the office four years. He has also been Constable and Road Commissioner, and has ^ S>' r <'wm^o^ j^aJ^^iy:;^ ,«4i,;3i>^ ;^w^ "mi ®)$«^t#* ^ :^: V I ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. -^^^.h^^sr 415 held the various school offices of his district. Politi- cally he sup|)orts the National party. In September, 1864, he enlisted in the loth Mich. Cav., and served till the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at Knoxville, Tenn. He fought at Strawberry Plain, Tenn., Henry Court- House and High Point, N. C, and in numerous skirmishes. eorge Murtha, farmer on section 9, Coe Townshi|), was born in Ionia Co., Mich., Jan. 20, 1S49, and is the son of Patrick and Ann (Hoy) Murtha, natives of Ireland. (See sketch of S. P. Murtha.) He received a com- mon-school education, coming to this county with his parents when seven years old. He has re- sided in Coe Township, and owns 40 acres of land, 28 of which are under cultivation. He was married in Chippewa Township, this county, July i, 1876, to Maria, daughter of Heniy and Eliza (VVickhani) Struble, natives of Coe Town- ship. Mrs. Murtha was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Nov. 14, 1858, and is the mother of tliree children, — ■ Mabel N., Winnifred and Leslie. Politically, Mr. M. is a worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. ^olomon Wolfe, farmer on section 34, Chip- pewa Tp., is a son of Henry and Susanna (Bigley) Wolfe, natives of Pennsylvania, where the father died, Feb. 27, 1862. The mother resides in Gratiot Co., Mich. Solomon was born in Clarion Co., Pa., Nov. 17, 1837, and received but little schooling. He has a good practi- cal education, gained by observation and exi)erience. He lived at home until 32 years of age, with the ex- ception of the time spent in the army. He enlisted Aug. 7, 1861, in the Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., and served till October, 1862. He was present at the capture of Fort Pulaski, Seabrook Ferry and James Island. At the last named engagement his skull was fractured by a rifle shot, and the same day his left leg was broken just above the knee by a minie ball, which was never extracted. In conse- quence of these wounds he was honorably discharged. Returning then to Gratiot County, this State, in 1867 he bought 80 acres in Chippewa Township, where he now has 35 acres improved. He was married in Pine River, Gratiot County, June 17, 1868, to Julia A., daughter of Amos and Matilda Johnson, natives of Nova Scotia. Mr. John- son resides now in Gratiot County, but Mrs. J. is de- ceased. Mrs. Wolfe was born in Canada. To her and her husband seven children have been born : Mary E., Frederick W., Ximonia R., Foster W., Fan- cier W., Nina R. and Martha L. Mr. Wolfe is a Republican, is a member of Ralph Ely Post, G. A. R., and belongs to the F. & A. M. r^^||= illiam E. Ward, of the firm of C. A. & W. K. Ward, general merchants at Mt. Pleas- ant, was born Sept. 15, 1849, in Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y. His parents, Chester A. and Caroline D. (Young) Ward, removed to the city of New York when he was but a boy, where they resided about five years. They after- wards came, in 1858, to Burr Oak, St. Joseph Co, Mich., and remained until the fall of 1867. The son spent his boyhood years in attending school, and at 13 years of age began to aid his father as a clerk in his store, where he was thus occupied about two years. His next engagement was in the postoffice and express office, where he was employed over a year. He spent some years operating as a clerk for various persons, and in the fall of 1867 he went to St. Francis Co., Mo., as clerk in the store of a New York mining company, who were interested in the St. Joseph lead mines in that county. He served as a salesman in their store about a year, when he took charge of a gang of men who were employed in the sieving department, engaged in separating the metal from the ore. This engagement lasted about a year, when he returned to Burr Oak, and went thence soon after to Branch County, where he en- gaged as a clerk at Coldwater. He returned a year later to Burr Oak and not long after proceeded to Cleveland, Ohio. He found employ in the dry and fancy goods store of Hower & Higbee of that city, where he operated several months. He went thence ^ \y % m -si-ih. .^^ A<^^n!]^:Dn^1>A^9 — ^^;^ -^7^=^(^ I t #' >^■-li^ir^^ r^=^ 416 ISABELLA COUNTY. >^ (o\ to Hamilton, Can., where he spent 14 months in busi- ness for himself. His next remove was to Stanton, Montcalm County, this State, where he again engaged as a salesman and operated in that capacity between two and three years. He turned his attention next to the business of a lumber inspector and scaler, in which he was occupied two years. In 1879 he went to Blanchard, Isabella County, and associated with his father in the management of a grocery and pro- vision store. In June, 1880, they came to Mt. Pleasant, and, in company with Christopher Chrysler, opened the business in which he and his father are now engaged. Mr. Chrysler terminated his connec- tion with the concern after about four months, when the firm style became C. A. & W. E. Ward. Their business, though of recent establishment, is already thriving and popular. i-W-i^-J- jErtin A. Tombs, farmer, section 16, Cold- water Township, was born Jan. 2, 1S28, '^ in Genesee Co., N. Y., and is the son of William and Alta (Smith) Tombs. In 1846 the family removed to Michigan and resided four years in Hillsdale County. In 1850 they went to De Kalb Co., 111., and later to Kendall County, in that State, where the mother died, in 18S0. The father lives in Kane Co., 111., and, asso- ciated with one of his sons, is managing a grist- mill, which he purchased soon after the death of his wife. Mr. Tombs was an inmate of his father's home until the removal of the family to De Kalb County, where he became the piaprietor of 80 acres of land, acquiring 40 acres by purchase and 40 acres by gift from his father. He sold his property two years later, and in 1852 he went to California, where he spent two years in mining and lumbering. He was accompanied to the Golden State by tiiree brothers and made the journey thither by the overland route. He worked by the month in a saw-mill, for the stipu- lated sum of $100 per month, but his emi)loyer failed and he lost his arrearage of wages, amounting to $1,500. He returned to Illinois and purchased 40 acres of land in Kendall County, where his father then resided. He occupied the place a year, sold out and went to Bremer Co., Iowa, where he bought 80 acres of farming land, entered a homestead claim of 80 acres and bought 40 acres additional of timber land. Two years later, he again sold out and made another overland journey to California, taking with hiin his wife and three children. He bought a farm of 320 acres of land, and, after carrying on agricul- ture for five years, he again sold out and came to Hillsdale Co., Mic)i. He remained there about two months and came to St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich. His wife and one daughter then returned to Califor- nia, while his son and himself, in May, 1S70, came to Isabella County and purchased 160 acres of unim- proved land. On this property he has since resided, with the exception of the time consumed in making two trips to California, by rail. Mr. Tombs is a Re- publican in political faith and has been Highway Commissioner three terms, and served as Treasurer of his school district. He was married in October, 1850, toMary Thomas. She was born in 1831, and is the daughter of William and Mary Thomas. Four children have been born of their marriage, as follows; Theodore A., May 12, 1848; Louisa, Nov. 2, t849; Mary, Sept. 24, 1851 ; Dora, Nov. 3, 1855, died Aug. 22, 1856. •\ta£S/^^r' -/^^J/Zrjrjrjv. illiam H. Bowen, lumberman, resident on section 6, Wise Township, was born July 26, 1827, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. His ij^-i^ parents, Nicholas and Nancy Bowen, were natives of Montgomery Co., N. Y , and died in Onondaga County, in the Empire State. Mr. Bowen obtained his education at the common schools and remained at home until 28 years of age, spending his time in farming and running a thresher. After that period he was variously occupied until 1861, when he engaged exclusively in farming. In 1869 he came to Clinton Co., Mich., and built a threshing-machine, which he has since continued to manage, in connection with lumbering. He came to Isabella County in the spring of 1883 and bought 20 acres of land, which was chiefly in timber. He erected thereon a saw-mill, with a producing capacity of 10,000 feet of lumber daily. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr. Bowen was married March 2, 1855, in Onon- V^ 4 (^ a. ^\§^m^ ^^^^ -^^D!l:^DI]r>A J m v-?^: r.''^^ ff Z2risij^Sr v ■rr-TV.HHo* ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^Z^ijarCiK "^ (i) daga Co., N. Y., to Lucy A. Marvin. She was born in that county, and is the daughter of Robert D. ^ Marvin. Her parents were both natives of the Em- ^\ pire State. Ida M-, Willard B., George A., Hattie J and Jennie are the names of the five children born Sr to Mr. and Mrs. Bowen. f :a^ mSi p\)i5. avid Looniis, farmer, section Liiicobi Township, was born in Waterford Town- ship, Erie Co., Pa., Dec. 14, 1834. The father of Mr. Loomis, David D., was ^ a native of New York, of New England parent- i age and English extraction. He was a descend- ant of the old Puritan fathers who left their native country to seek a home free from persecution. He followed the occupation of a farmer in New York un- til 1838, when he brought his family to this State and settled in Oakland County. They finally came to this county and the father died here, in Union Township, Sept. 16, 1881. David's mother, Sarah (DeCamp) Loomis, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Spanish and Irish descent, and died shortly after the family's arrival in Oakland County, about the year m David was only four years of age when his parents came to this State, and consequently has spent the greater portion of his life here. He remained with his father until he attained the age of 16 years, when, with his father's consent, he launched his life- boat on the sea of fortune and went forth to battle against the obstacles strewn along the pathway of prosperity. He worked as a common laborer on the neighboring farms until 1861. Nov. 9, 1861, he responded to the Nation's call for loyal hearts and strong arms to battle for the per- petuity of her dishonored and insulted flag, and enlisted in Co. K., 14th Mich. Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and under command of Gen. Rosecrans. He participated in three active engagements — Stone River, Lavergne and Nashville — and several skirmishes. He escaped uninjured, but, becoming indisposed, he was sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and received an honorable discharge on surgeon's certificate of dis- ability, April 16, 1863. He returned to this State and again entered on the vocation of a farmer. Mr. Loomis was united in marriage Oct. 6, 1864, in Clinton County, this State, to Miss Lucy M. Sutliff, a native of this State, where she was born Oct. 30, 1 84 1, in Hillsdale County. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are the parents of 12 chil- dren. The living are: Lizzie F., Emma, Nellie, Nettie, Mary A., Hattie, Sarah D. and Lucy E. The deceased are : Emi, Amelia, Jessie and Ar- thur Garfield. Four years after marriage Mr. Loomis brought his family lo this county and settled on 160 acres of wild land on section i, Lincoln Township, which he .had purchased. He afterwards exchanged this land for 47 acres on the same section and 40 acres on section 36, Union Township. Of the 87 acres on which he is at present living, 75 acres are cleared and improved. Both husband and wife are identi- fied with the First Congregational Church of Victor, Clinton County. Mr. Loomis has held the school offices of his dis- trict, and in politics is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. VS^ (^ $^: ^ll^ eorge Atkin, iurmer on section 6, Coe Township, is a son of William and Helen (Bacon) Atkin, natives of England, where ^ they passed all their lives. Their family inclu ded six sons and six daughters, George being the fourth son. He was born in England, May 16, 1820. He was educated in his native country, and remained a resi- dent of Albion's Isle until 27 years old, learning the trade of lace-making. May 21, 1847, he sailed for the Great Republic, arriving the following month. He located at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and for the first season worked by the month at farming. He then worked a farm on shares for one season, after which he bought a farm of 24 acres, and worked it until 1855, when he sold. In April of that year he came West in search of a home, and located 125 fo) acres on section 6, Coe Township, under the Gradu- [ ation Act. He at once erected a log house and be- j^ gan to improve his land; but, his means being limi- ^ ted, he was obliged to work out much of the time of ^ the first year that he wished to devote to clearing his fc^ own farm. As an additional means for raising money, ^ J=iU^ <^ll !1 % WO^^ ^^^^ Z^i:>^sipi^~ mmm>T ISABELLA COUNTY. #^f '^ ^ he sold 40 acres. By untiring industry and persever- 1^ ance, and the assistance of a faithful and loving wife, .^ he has been able to clear 45 acres, which area is now I in an advanced state of cultivation. He was married in England, in May, 1843, to Sophia, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Wallace) Hodson, natives of England. Mrs. Atkin was born in England, March 18, 1818, and is the mother of seven children, four of whom survive, — Joseph, Wil- liam, Caroline E. and Susan E. The deceased are Sarah H., George and an infant. Mr. Atkin has been Justice of the Peace two years, Postmaster three years, Tax Collector nine successive years, and has held all the offices in his school dis- trict. He is politically an ardent Republican. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of England. :') V eorge W. Howorth, farmer on section 2i_ Chippewa Township, is a son of Peter and ■ Mary (Fay) Howorth, natives of England and New York State. The mother died in 1842. George was born in Wyoming C'o., N. Y., April I, 1826, and lived in the State of New York till aboujt 25 years old, when he went to Erie Co., Pa. Two years later he came to Jackson County, this State, where he remained 18 months. In Janu- ary, 1856, he came to Isabella County and bought 1 60 acres in Chippewa Township. He has since dis- posed of 60 acres and has 50 acres nicely improved. He was first married in Erie Co., Pa., April 4, 1847, to Sophronia A. Godfrey, a native of New York State. Five of their seven children are living : Helen M., Delavan G., Mary A., Julia R. and Melvin L.; and two are deceased: Henry H. and Darwin L. His wife dying May 30, 1878, Mr. Howorth was again married, in November, 1878, to Amaretta, daughter of William D. and Deborah (Carrier) Kim- ball, and widow of John B. Waite. She was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., March 12, 1839, and she and Mr. H. have one son, Claud W. Mr. H. has been Township Clerk, Highway Com- missioner, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, County Superintendent of the Poor, etc. He was in February, 1882, appointed Postmaster of Alembic, which office he now holds. Politically, he is a Republican. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. -{- -5— ^{ 8K|-|3linton B. Twomley, carpenter and joiner, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Feb. 16, 1846, in Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y. He is a son of James C. H. and Miranda C. (Miller) Twomley. His father was a farmer and re- moved when his son was but three years of age to Cattaraugus County. Mr. Twomley received a good education and was trained to the calling of agriculture, which he fol- lowed until he was 21 years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1867, he came to Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and remained there until the fall of 1873, when he transferred his residence to Orange Township, Ionia County. He spent one year on a farm, and came to Mt. Pleasant, where he has worked as a builder and contractor and spent the winter season in teaching. He has taught seven terms of school in Isabella County. He taught in the winter of 1883-4 in Lincoln Township. Mr. Twomley was married in Danby Township, Ionia County, .^pril 4, 1872, to Mary, daughter of Jesse and Sarah Wellfare. She was born Sept. ig, 1852, in Tekonsha, Calhoun Co., Mich. The family includes one child, — Ethel I., — born Jan. 12, 1881, at Mt. Pleasant. -g^^XO u. ^^Itndrew J. O'Boyle, farmer on section 33, Coe Township, was born in New York State, July 4, 1854. and is thesonof John 5l!M' and Mary (Connolly) O'Boyle, natives of Ire- land. At the age of 19, he was employed as I a brakeman on the Canada Southern Railroad, for about one year. He was afterward, for about a year and a half, in th; employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He came to Isabella County in 1874, and bought 40 acres in Coe Town- ship, on which he settled three years later. He was married in Gratiot Co., this State, in March, e A ^^\ (^•\®))€$i#- -^Si-A?!*^ .Li. ■^-tiii:^:tlti;^ ^ ' g ^«^ ^^^ -4^^^fi^i:^ T^J^ay^^Sr ^nn^iiD^^ V 2 TTT^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■"ZifsS^^sr ?r, to Jennie, daughter of Thomas and Amanda Gallaglier, residents of Gratiot County, where tlie daughter was born Jan. 27, 1S56. Mr. O'Boyle is a Cathohc, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. Politically, he votes the Democratic ticket. ^i,flWv Frederick Speck, farmer, section 27, ^jsr-jsfi Nottawa Township, is a son of Jacob ||g Speck, a native of Prussia who landed at A? Quebec, Canada, June 12, 1863; lived in New \ Hamburg three years, then at Wyandotte, Wayne Co., Mich., 1866-74, working most of the time at the molder's trade and the rest of the time at farming ; then was a farm laborer in Clinton County a year, and finally settled in this county. Frederick was born in Holstein, Prussia, Jan. 4, 1846; April 19, 1878, he married Miss Jessie, daughter of John and Maggie (Bain) Hyslop, natives of Scotland and still living, in Nottawa Township. Mr. S. has no children. He owns 80 acres of land where he now resides, having 30 acres in cultivation and prospering as a farmer. With regard to na- tional issues he acts with the Democratic party ; is now School Assessor, and has been Supervisor one year. Mrs. S. is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. ■ H >/v^^S-2^S-vi }r^ eorge Bleseh farmer, section 22, Coldwaler Township, was born Dec. 20, 1846, in the "c)&" ^ township of Berlin, Waterloo Co., Ont., 'vK'^ and is the son of Michael and Margaret (Meckler) Bleseh. The parents were both born in the vicinity of Elsass, Germany, and died in Waterloo Co., Can. Mr. Bleseh was four years of age when his father died and left his mother with two sons. She married again and her son remained in the Aimily until he was 12 years old, when he became a clerk in a store and afterwards was an assistant in a hotel. After reaching the period of his legal freedom, he attended the College of St. Jerome, and acquired a fair educa- tion, after which he came to Michigan. He was for three years engaged in the lumber business for Edwin Hall. In 1871 he came to Coldwater and home- steaded his place, entering his claim on the 14th day of November. He resided on it at intervals of six months, and in the fall of the succeeding year he returned to Canada, where he was married, Oct. i, 1872, to Mary Ann, daughter of Wendell and Cath- erine (Hass) Biek. She was born June 25, 1854, in Prussia, and when she was seven weeks old her par- ents emigrated to Canada, where her father worked a few years at his trade, and then bought a farm. They are now passing their declining years in Hawks- ville. Can. Mr. and Mrs. Bleseh have had six children : Joseph William was born Aug. 20, 1873; George S., June 20, 1875; Bertha Amelia, March 13, 1877 ; Ida Ma- tilda, May 6, 1S80; Mary Norma, April 19, 1882; Allan Louis, April 16, 1884. The parents are mem- bers of the Catholic Church. Mr. Bleseh is a Re- publican, and has held various local offices. He now owns 160 acres of land, having added 80 acres to his original purchase. Of this, 65 acres are in tillasie. va c^: K||Sj||enjamin P. Mount, farmer section 34, ^iifeiSJ^ Gilmore Township, was born May 18, ^fi^'^ 1832, in Middlesex Co., N.J. His par- ents, William and Lydia (Pierce) Mount, were natives of the State of New Jersey and are both deceased. At the age of 17 years Mr. Mount became the arbiter of his own fortunes. His first move was to proceed to the city of New York, where he learned the variety of business known as spar-making, which he pursued 13 years. In 1862 he settled in Jackson Co., Mich., where he bought a farm. Three years later he went to Livingston Co., III., where he be- came the proprietor of a second farm and there re- sided eight years. At the expiration of that time, he sold his i)ro|)erty in the Prairie State and returned to Jackson Co., Mich., where he again became the owner of ji farm, which he cultivated until 1879. In that year he removed his family and interests to Isa- bella Co., Mich., where he owns and resides upon 80 acres of land in Gilmore Township, and has 55 acres V/ < -^m^ ii-:^<;[j!]^[|||;'^>A^ ^^^^^ -f^^^?^(
  • ® 'mi ^^m^ 420 f (h '^ V (c\ ISABELLA COUNTY. under good improvement. About 30 acres were un- der culture at the date of purchase. In 1881 he was made Township Treasurer by appointment. Mr. Mount was the first time married in April, 1856, to Adeline E., daughter of George and Fran- ces Deborah (Field) King. She was born Nov. 16, 183S, and died Aug. 3, 1874. Following is the record of the children which constituted the issue of this marriage: George W., born June 23, 1858, died Aug. 25, r86o; Susan Frances, born June 25, i860; Mary E., June 17, 1863; Julia E., born Jan. 6, 1868, died Dec. 4, 1871; Caroline, Feb. 26, 1871. Mr. Mount was a second time married Nov. 6, 1877, to Huldah J., daughter of Norman and Sarah D. (Day- ton) Collins. She was born Aug. 26, 1844. Of three children born of this marriage one survives. Following is the record : William R. was born Jan. 16, 1878, and died Jan. 21, 1883; Sarah A. was born Aug. 16, r88o, and died Sept. 28, 1881 ; Verenea J., was born May 21, 1883. i illiam H. Elden, of the firm of Elden & White, dealers in jewelry, sewing-machines, 'p stationery, etc., at Clare, was born in Gen- * esee County, this State, July 18, 1850; and lived with his mother (his father dying when i, William, was five years old) until 1 2 years of age, attending school and assisting on the farm, which was the support of his widowed mother. He was the third of a family of six, — three sons and three daughters. From 12 to 20 he worked out in the summer and attended school in the winter. At 20 he went to Saginaw and bought 40 acres of improved land, which he cultivated for two years. His next move was to Midland, where he was apprenticed to learn the jeweler's trade under George W. Abbey. Serving his time of two years, he married and came with his wife to Clare, where he established a jewelry store with a small stock. This has been enlarged to meet the demands of an increased patronage, and he and his partner (received Oct. 15, 1883) now have a stock worth $z,ooo, with an annual trade worth $8,000. V^ He owns their business building, and three improved lots in the village. His marriage occurred at Saginaw, Nov. 18, 1873, to Miss Mary Steckert, who was born April 28, 1855, in Saginaw County. Their two children are Edna S., born April 28, 1874, and Ethel, born Nov. 12, 1879- Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the Congrega- tional Church, of which Mr. E. is clerk. He has been Justice of the Peace and has served as Town- ship Clerk one year and Village Treasurertwo years. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and is politically a Republican. I^"^^:- _ amuel Earl, farmer, section 14, Lincoln 'kM!i\ Township, is a native of the State of Ohio, ^K '" where, in Colun)bia County, he was born l\^ Jan. 4, 1 83 1. His parents, Daniel and Eliz- abeth (Little) Earl, were natives of the same State and County in which Samuel was born, and were of English and German descent. The fa- ther was a blacksmith by trade, and during the latter days of his life turned his attention to farming. Both parents are deceased, the father dying Nov. 19, Z 1883, aged nearly 82 years, and the mother in 1868, aged 65 years. Samuel worked on the parental homestead and aided the father in the maintenance of the family until he attained the age of maturity. On arriv- ing at this age, he went forth to " plant his roses on the hill of difficulty." They grew not without thorns, and he engaged as a common laborer on the farms in the county where his parents had moved. He followed this vocation until the event of his marriage with Miss Mary A. Putman, which occurred in that county March 15, 1S55. She was the daughter ot Michael and Elizabeth (Bates) Putman, natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and of German and English extraction, and was born in Wyandot Co., Ohio, April 29, 1839. One year after their marriage Mr. Earl rented a 1 farm, which he successfully cultivated for a short ►■ ;^- period, and then purchased a home of his own, ^ consisting of 40 acres and situated in Sandusky, ^ Co., Ohio. He lived on this homestead until 1876^ (^ wiien he sold it and moved to Rising Sun, Ohio, for ^ C< »e/ ^ |^V®))^#- .c^^ <^D!l^tIlli>^ ^<€»^ -"^^Jf®/":^^; ^auo^^^Z/ ISABELLA COUNTY. 425 ^^ J '<■ V ^ three years, or until 1879. In tiie spring of that year -he came to this State, and purchased 120 acres of land on section 14, Lincoln Townshi]), tliis county, where he at present resides. Mr. and Mrs. Earl are the parents of six children, viz : Leroy, horn Oct. 30, 1856, married Miss Lydia Hill and now resides at Rising Sun, Ohio; Alpheus Jefferson, born June 15, 1859, married Miss Sophia Stahl and resides in Sandusky Co., Ohio ; Jacob, born Dec. 12,1868; Dorsey, born June 10, i874;Truby, born Dec. 28, 1S77 ; Nettie, born July 16, i;^<^^^^ ^-^(^ ^KV5>)€§1#' grandmother, was. the daughter of William and Sally (Whitford) Gorton. William Gorton was the son of Dr. Samuel Gorton, whose father was Samuel Gorton. This ancestor came to Massachusetts from England, and was called a heretic by the Puritans, who drove him from their colony. He bought a home of the Indians in Rhode Island and named it " Patu.\et." He lived to be a centenarian. Samuel Hopkins, the father of Samuel W. Hop- kins, lived in the towns of Coventry, West Green- wich and Exeter, R. I., until 1857, extensively engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods. He built several mills, and was a prominent man in his section of the country. The great financial panic of 1857, which engulfed so many thousands in the vortex of ruin and which affected 10 some degree every business man in the United States, was the end of his active business career. He had been a very energetic man, of sanguine disiX)sition and buoyant spirits, but this failure seemed to break his strength of mind. With the remnant of his means he bought 80 acres of land in Coventry, Conn., where he lived a retired life until his death, Feb. 19, 1875. His family included nine children, — seven sons and two daughters. Seven of the nine lived to adult age. Samuel Whaley Hopkins, the youngest of the family, was born April i, 1845, in Exeter, R. I., where he lived until the age 1 1 years. He was very preco- cious, being able to read and spell when but three years of age. He attended the district school in Exeter for a time before leaving that town. In 1856 the family moved to Coventry, Conn. Here he studied in the district school and also received private in- struction from Miss Mary K. Hutchinson. At the age ot 15 he attended the Ellington Acad- emy, and the following year the academy at Man- chester. The ensuing winter he taught at Andover, then he spent the summer at home on the farm, and the next winter he taught at Willimantic, Conn. After another summer at home he was for a month or so at Charleston, S. C, selling boots and shoes for a brother, then went to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the Bryant & Stratton Business College. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Felton, resident Principal of the Bryant & Stratton sc'hool, and a Mr. Bigelow, estab- lished the Union Business College, from which Mr. Hoi)kins was graduated in the spring (1865). He was at home the summer of that year, sold m C< s.y ^My- s^^^. ■^>)^^>N: r I '4^6 ISABELLA COUNTY. -^^^^^(^j\'\* U >C' ^ books in the fall, and taught school near home in the 'I) winter. The ensuing two years were spent ]mrtly at •'.*.T» home and partly in selling Ijooks for Gurdon Bill * and Henry Bill, publishers. In the fall of 1868 he taught a select school at Andover. He taught at Little Falls, N. J., the next two years. Daring the summer season he read law with Benezeret H. Bill, of Rockville, Conn. In the summer of rSyo he studied law at home, and in the fall he entered the Law Department of the Michigan University. f He took a two years' course at that institution, study- .3 ing in the summer of 1871 with Hon. John M. H;ill, "% of Willimantic, Conn. He was graduated in March, 1872, and then vis- ited at home for a few weeks, after which he located temporarily at Grand Rapids, this State. There he was admitted to the Bar, but he was principally occu- pied in settling the estate of a Mr. Gardner. While A at Clare, Clare County, making collections for the estate, he met the Hon. I. A. Fancher, of Mt. Pleas- ant, who induced him to make Isabella County his future home. These two gentlemen were partners in the practice of law for three years. Mr. Hopkins was then for two years connected with Michael Dcv- ir? eraux. Commencing with Jan. i, 1875, his partner "Y was, for nearly two years. Wade B. Smith. He then associated with himself Free Estee, whohad formerly studied law with him. Mr. H.'s health having failed, his business was looked after almost entirely by his partners, first Mr. Smith, then Mr. Estee. He spent two summers at Higgins Lake, Roscommon County, and in the winter of 1881-2 visited his mother at Coventry, Conn., where lie remained for six months. The first of January, 1883, he formed his present business com ection with Daniel E. Lyon. Tliey do an extensive business in real estate, insurance and loans. In 1883 they loaned over $100,000. They represent 11 sound insurance companies, and do the largest business in that line in the county. He is a director in llie banking house of Brown, Harris & Co. Mr. Hopkins is politically a staunch Republican. He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and he has been and still is of great influence. He has ^.^ served his community in numerous official jxjsitions, (^ with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constit- ^ uents. While in Coventry, Conn., he was, at the age ) ^ I of 22, elected a member of the School Board, on both tickets, Ddnocratic and Republican. He served three years. In the early part of 1S73 he was ap- pointed Clerk of Union Township, this county, to fill a vacancy, and the same spring he was elected to that position. He was twice re-elected Clerk, and he also served seven years as Justice of the Peace. He also officiated a year or so as Deputy Township Clerk, while holding the latter office. He was for one term Superintendent of Schools at Mt. Pleasant, and for three years Chairman of the Board of School Trustees. He was the first Village Attorney of Mt. Pleasant. In 1875-6 he served the county as Prosecuting Attorney. During his term he literally reformed the village of I^omis, which had become infested with criminals and law-breakers. He was also instru- mental in breaking up an organization known as the Knights of Agriculture, which had been formed for proper purposes but which had drifted into the management of bad men. He also defended the county against an injunction brought by the authori- ties of Vernon Township (to which Clare county had been attached) in a matter involving a large sum of tax money. He afterwards, in the Legislature, de- fended the county in a similar case against the counties of Mecosta and Midland, to each of which a moiety of Isabella County was formerly attached for municii)al purposes. This matter brought on a hard-fought struggle of four weeks in the Legisla- ture, and at 'every step Mr. Hopkins won. He was elected to the Legislature first in the fall of 1876, running against Henry H. Graves, and look his seat in January following. He was a member of the Committees on Judiciary, Public Lands and Liquor Traffic. During this session he introduced a bill making libel a crime. This measure passed the House, but was killed in the Senate. In the fall of 1878 he was re-elected to the House, taking his seat in January, 1879. He was at this time a member of the (Committee on Judiciary, and Chairman (though youngest member) of the most important committee of the session — Special Joint Committee on Taxa- tion. In this he was associated with Messrs. Hall, Stanchfield, Ferguson and Kuhn, of the House, and three of the ablest members of the Senate, — J. W. Ciiilds, of Washtenaw, James W. Cochrane, of Mid- land, and George A. Farr, of Ottawa. They pre- ^ ^ v/ ^^V®>M§^ r ^ ^ _:5^;^?^;{^l_ -^^^o a r^ nii;>^^ — ^^^^^ w ISABELLA COUNTY. "^■^i^ i 1 I=Z I (h> pared and introduced a bill reorganizing the tax system of the State. This bill passed the House, but was lost in the Senate. The next year a commis- sion was apix)inted by the Governor, which carried into effect the provisions of the law now in force, which are much like those in Mr. Hopkins' bill. He has been for the last six years Chairman of the Republican County Committee, which position he now fills. In the fall of 1882 he was unanimously nominated for the office of Prosecuting Attorney. Not desiring this iX)sition, he made no canvass, and his opponent, Charles T. Russell, was elected. In 1877 he was nominated for President of the Village. Mr. Hopkins platted an addition to Mt. Pleasant in 1874, on the south, known as " Hopkins' Addi- tion." He was married at Jerusalem, N. Y , Dec. 10, 1873, to Miss Margaretta, eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. Edwin Vedder and Ida (Williamson) Vedder. Dr. V. is a native of Schenectady, N'. Y., and his wife, of New Jersey, and both live at Jerusalem, Albany Co., N. Y. Mrs. Hopkins was born Feb. i, 1846, at Lit- tle Falls, N. J., and lived successively at that place, Berne, Middleburg, Gallupville, Schoharie and New Scotland. All these places but the first are in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have had one son, Herbert Vedder, born at Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 21, 1876, and died at Jerusalem, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1877. Mrs. H. is a Presbyterian, and Mr. H. is a member of the Unitarian Society, of which be has been for two years Vice-President. In 1884, Mr. Hopkins was chosen Alternate to the Chicago Con- vention that nominated Blaine and Logan. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are pre- sented on other pages of this work. ^4->— 5- ^mWyl hydelous F. Bennett, farmer, section 32, |;Km^; Nottawa Township, is a son of J. J. and t^i-l^ Priscilla (Margeson) Bennett, natives of ^ New York State, the former born Jan. 26, '/i|- 1821, and the latter Dec. 26, 1830; both are still living. 'l"he subject of this sketch was born Sept. 12, 1852, lived with his parents until of age, when he pur- chased an unimproved 80-acre tract and settled uix)n it, where he now resides. The place is in good condition. He has been Township Treasurer two years and Supervisor two years. In ixjlitical mat- ters he is a Democrat, and in religion both he and his wife are Second Adventists. April 21, 1875, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Nancy Jane, daugliter of Silas Prothero. Her parents are both living, in this neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. B. have no children. V^ ^-0-' ^ E^ra^'' rancis Bone, farmer, section 20, Coldwater ? EMlh Township, was born in 1845, in County (4^^ "" Antrim, Ireland. His parents, Patrick and %^ Mary (McCali) Bone, were natives of the "land -^f^^ of the harp and shamrock," and about 1850 i emigrated to the New World. They settled near Geneva, Seneca Co., N. Y., where they resided about four years, then they removed to Wayne Co., Mich., where the father bought 30 acres of land. Their family included three children, all of whom are living. Their father died Aug. 7, 1862, in Browns- /k^ town, Wayne Co., Mich. The demise of the mother ii occurred Feb. 5, 1876. Mr. Bone was the first son of his parents, with whom he remained until the year in which the notes of civil war in America lung like the blast of a tem- pest round the whole world. He became a soldier, enlisting Oct. 29, 1862. He was enrolled in the 27th Mich. Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the Ninth Army Corps and attached to the armies of the East and of the West. He was in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged until he was wounded, at the battle of Spottsylvania, by a minie ball in the left shoulder. Thereuixin he was first sent to Fredericksburg, and then to the hospital c- at Washington, where he remained until sufficiently / recovered to return home. He was discharged Nov. 9, 1864. He then came to Wayne Co., Mich., where he en- tered the employment of a farmer, but his strength was not sufficiently recuperated for labor, and he came to Isabella County about Nov. i, 1S65. He ^ was in the employ of E. Hall about three years, and [ toward the end of that lime he entered a homestead •/ • claim of 80 acres, which he proved in the course of f; ' five years and obtained his patent. He has improved ^' about 60 acres. Mr. Bone was formerly a member gN of the Catholic Church. He holds the position of ^ \ m A^^ ^;n!|^ll||;>z,;g ^€§^ ®7^X^''^ ISABELLA COUNTY. -^'i-?t>J^ (bf >5 i"^ Major, or Vice Commander, in J. Bowley Post, No. 77, G. A. R., at Sherman. He was married March 20, 1876, to Minerva, daughter of Empson and Mary (Lalta) Powell. She was born Oct. 6, 1848, in Perry Co., Ohio. Her parents both died in Athens Co., Ohio. They had 14 children, of whom Mrs. Bone is the youngest She is the mother of four children, born in the fol- lowing order: Patrick, Dec. 12, 1876; Empson, May 6, 1879; Mary Elizabeth, Oct. 6, 1881 ; John Francis, Jan. 7, 1884. janiei Burdick, farmer and stock-raiser, re- ||, siding on section 16, Lincoln Township, k^P"^ was born in Williams Co., Ohio, July 25, 1838. His parents were Lewis and Rachel (Cook) Burdick; the father a native of Massachusetts, the mother of New York, and both of New England ancestry. The father followed the occupation of farming and spent the major portion of his life in Ohio engaged in that vocation. He died in Living- ston Co., Mo., Aug. 15, 1873, aged 64 years. The mother departed this life in April, 1849, in Williams Co., Ohio, aged 36 years. Daniel Burdick was the sixth child of a family of ten children, nine of whom were girls. When he at- tained the age of 22 years he apprenticed himself to his brother-in-law to learn the shoemaker's trade. He continued at this trade until the breaking out of the late war. When the news flashed over tlie wire that Sumter had been bombarded with rebel shell, and the call went forth for the sons of liberty to rally round their imjjeriled flag, our subject was among the first to respond. He enlisted in Co. D, 38th Ohio Vol. Inf., Aug. 15, 1861, and his regiment was assigned to the 3d Division, r4th Corps, of the Army of the Cumber- land, commanded by Gens. Sherman, Rosecrans and Thomas. He was in numerous engagements, promi- nent among them being Mill Spring, Shiloh and De- catur. At the latter battle he was taken prisoner, was paroled and finally, in 1863, was exchanged and re- turned to his regiment. He accompanied the regiment in its march to Atlanta and participated in all its engagements: was discharged Sept. 25, 1864. Mr. B. passed through the battles in which his regiment was engaged without receiving any serious woimds, but in one of the engagements a ball passed through his hat and cleanly shaved the hair from his head. After his discharge from the service Mr. B. fol- lowed his trade for a short period, and then came to this State. He arrived here in 1865 and purchased 80 acres of land on section 16, Lincoln Township, where he is at preseiit residing. At the time he came to Lincoln Township, the hand of improve- ment was hardly visible, and he entered on the task of clearing and improving his land amid numerous ditficulties. He was compelled to cut a road one and a half miles through the dense woods to his land, but withstood all the trials and now has 160 acres, of which 70 are in a good state of cultivation, a comfortable residence and two commodious stock and grain barns. Mr. Burdick was united in marriage, Nov. 28, 1862, in Delaware Co., Ohio, with Miss Mary Hack- ett, a native of Jamestown, Ontario, where she was born Aug. 15, 1847. ^'""^ came to the "States" with her father in 1850, her mother having died, in Can- ada, in 1848. Her father located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for about 12 years, following his trade of wagon-making. While in Cleveland, Mrs. Burdick attended the public schools, and from that place accompanied her father to Columbus, and thence to Delaware County, same State, where she remained until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. B. are the parents of six children : Orion L., born Oct. 15, i86s ; Elmer E., born March 26, 1867, died Jan. rg, t874; Ernest E., born Feb. 22, 1869; Theron D., born May 28, 1872; R. Idella, born Sept. 28, 1873; Gracie ^L, born Oct. 26, 1875. Politically, Mr. B. is an adherent to and believer in the principles of the Rei)ublican ^a.xKy, and has held the minor offices of his township. ^i dison S. Hipkins, druggist at Blanchard, is a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Loup) Hipkins, natives of Pennsylvania. The ^|S! father was born March 14, 181 r, was a drug- gist by occupation, and died in 1867, in Gilboa, j Ohio. The mother was born Oct. 25, 1825, and is yet living at Gilboa. *.^ ^V5^«^^ j^ <• :>^ ^^*^l?'Sc^^ gly®^^^ '^'■^(sQo^^r ISABELLA COUNTY. >>rr- :2J^5sr -^^i^ ^ k A >^ V s e> V The subject of this sketch was born at Gilboa, Put- nam Co., Ohio, April 14, 185 i, and remained at home until 16 years of age, when he became a drug clerk. In 187 I he entered the pharmacy institution at 45, Bleeker Street, Utica, where he remained until 1874. Returning to Gilboa, he entered the drug establish- ment of McClure & iMathias. Mr. Mc Clure subse- quently bought his partner's interest, and after a time he sold to Harmans & Son. A short time after this last change, Mr. Hipkins went to Bairdstown, Wood County, and bought a stock of drugs of Cattor Bros. After two years there, he sold to one Getman, and came to Michigan. He clerked for George Finch for a while, and in 1881 came to Blanchard, where he has since conducted a profitable business. Nov. 7, 1877, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna Phillips, daughter of Miles and Sarah (Redson) Phillips. She was born Jan. 7, 1855, the second daughter in her father's family. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. H., named Edison Maxwell, Jan. 5, 1884. In political sentiment, Mr. Hipkins is a Democrat. --f^ acob P. Yuncker, farmer, section 27, Notta- wa Township, is a son of Hubert and Bar- bara Yuncker, natives of France. Mr. Y., Sr., emigrated to America in June, 1847, settling ^l' in Erie Co., N. Y., with his parents; when lie was 18 years of age the family moved to Alden, same county. By occupation he, as well as his father, was a boot and siioe maker, for some years in the early part of his life. His father died in Erie Co., N. Y., and his mother in Clinton Co., Mich. Jacob P. was born Dec. 23, 1837. Jan. 9, 1866, he was married to Margaret Pohl, a daughter of Nicholas and Ann C. (Maurer) Pohl, both of German descent, the latter deceased and the former still living, in Clinton County. Mrs. Yuncker was born in West- phalia, that county, Nov. 21, 1843. Of the ten chil- dren born in this household, nine are living,--si.K sons and three daughters. Their names are Mary, Rosa, Henry, Joseph, Louisa, Louis, John, Arthur and Ed- ward. In political affairs Mr. Y. is independent; has been Supervisor in Clinton County four years. High- way Commissioner in Nottawa Township, this county, two years, and School Director, which last jiosition he now holds. Mr. and Mrs. Yuncker are members of the Catholic Church. -isACCr©^®^ %k4— >-@fSWiJ'»>« ^ teamuel Craft, farmer, section 7, Deerfield Township, is a son of Ridgeway and Es- ther (Bailey) Craft, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, of German and English ancestry. They settled in Washington Co., Ohio, where they lived until they came to Michigan, in 1836, settling in Lenawee County ; there they lived one year,- and then they passed the remainder of their days in Branch County, he dying Jan. 1, 1863, and she, Aug. 13, 1878. Their family comprised seven chil- dren, five daughters and two sons. Samuel, the youngest of the family, was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1832; when nearly four years old the family moved to Michigan, settling in Branch County, where he grew up and was edu- cated. He had sole charge of his father, who was a cripple the last 17 years of his life. In 1865, Mr. Craft moved to Greenville, Mont- calm County, invested in town property and resided there about 14 years; he then sold out and came to Isabella County, and bought 120 acres of wild land, in Deerfield Township, where he now lives. At present he owns 320 acres in this county, about 25 of which is under the plow. Mr. C. has taken great interest in the agricultural affairs of the county. He was the first Vice-President of the Agricultural So- ciety for Deerfield Township for three years; he drafted the constitution and by-laws of the society, has served on ^\\ the important committees, is now Chairman of the Executive Committee, and for each year has been General Superintendent. In April, 1S79, he was elected Supervisor of Deerfield Town- ship, since which lime he has served continuously in that office. He has also held the office of Justice of the Peace four years. School Inspector four years and has been Sanitary Adviser since 1879. In politics he is in sympathy with the Democratic party, but reserves the right to "scratch the ticket." May I, 1859, in Branch Co., Mich., Mr. Craft was c^: 0) f^ASi^^^ ^^€^ ^^^iimsilll'JA^ m -:2 ^ (Oj >:> > ^ 432 ' V ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. -^^C^^ ^4^t^5f5;vi married to Jeannette, daughter of Charles W. and Jemima (Westfall) Lawrence, natives of New York State who moved to Branch County, this State, about 1850, wht?re they lived until death; she died July 14, 1850, and he, April 2, 1861. Mrs. C. was born in Rochester, N. Y., June 9, 1841. The children born of this marriage are: Burt W., Florence J. and R S. We are happy to place Mr. Craft's iwrtrait in this Album, as that of a representative citizen of Isabella County. It will be found on page 430. fohn C. Eockafellow, Postmaster of Clare, fe- and Supervisor of Grant Township, Clare County, was born in Alexander Township Hunterdon Co., N. J., March 11, 1826. His ^ father, a native of New Jersey and of German descent, was at first by occupation a black- smith. He moved from New Jersey to New York, where he lived ten years, and came to Genesee County, this State, in 1836. He was one of four that were the first settlers in what is now Atlas village, that county. He has been during much of his life a farmer, but is now retired from active life, being of the advanced age of 81. He resides still in Genesee County. Mrs. Rockafellow (Catherine Thatcher) was a native of New Jersey, of Scotch extraction, and died in tliis State in March, 1880, at the age of 73. The subject of this biographical sketch was the second son and child of a family of 12, of whom i r grew to be adults. Seven still survive. He was but a few months old when his parents removed to New York, settling in Richmond, Ontario County. Two years later the family removed to Brocksgrove, Liv- ingston County, where they lived eight years. Here John spent some time at school. When he was ten years old, his parents joined the army of emigrants bound for the rich and unoccupied West, and settled in Genesee County, this State, amidst the forest, the herds of deer and packs of wolves. Being in a per- fectly new country, John was thrown on his own re- sources for gaining an education, but he did the best he could under the circumstances. His parents were Presbyterians, and were very careful with his moral training. Much of the time before he was 21, he worked in his father's blacksmith shop. During those pioneer days, the family often were pinched for the necessaries of life. They were obliged to go 50 miles, to Detroit, for provisions. Attaining his majority, he chose farming as his pro- fession, and commenced as a common laborer for the neighboring farmers. In 1854 he formed a partner- ship with his brother. In i860 he settled on a farm he had purchased, and there lived until 1866, when he moved to Atlas, same county. The following year he established a store for the sale of general mer- chandise, which he kept until the spring of 1873. At that date he came to Clare, Clare County, and en- gaged in similar business. At that time the streets of what is now a flourishing village were filled with stumps, and the surrounding country was a dense forest. He continued in mercantile life until Nov. 4, 1883, when he suffered an almost total loss ($8,000) by fire. He carried but a light amount of insurance. He was married Feb. 14, i860, in Atlas Township, Genesee County, to Miss Julia M. Wilder, daughter of E. S. and Silva (Gilkie) Wilder, natives of Ver- mont and New York. Both parents died in this State a few years ago, having followed farming up to their death. Mrs. Rockafellow was born in Gaines Township, Orleans Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1840, came to Michigan in 1856, and lived in Genesee County until her marriage. Of this union six children have been born, four of whom are not living. The surviving are: Arthur H., born Dec. 17, 1864; and Carrie L., born June 27, 187 1. The deceased are: John E., born Dec. 5, i860, anddied Dec. 3, 1863; Baby, born in 1862, and died in infancy; Carrie B., born Dec. 24, 1869, and died Jan. 6, 1870; and Daisy, born June 7, 1881, and died Aug. 16, 1SS2. Mrs. Rockafellow is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she was one of the prin- cipal organizers in the village of Clare. Mr. R. is a charter member of Farwell Lodge, No. 335, F. & A. M., also of Clare Lodge, No. 333, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of the Encampment in the I. O. O. F. He holds the office of Treasurer in the former body. As a business man, a citizen and an official, Mr. R. has made a creditable record. He has been Postmaster of Clare ever since 1874. He has filled almost every township ofifice and is now Supervisor of Grant. He has been County Treasurer for six years, receiving on his first election all but four votes in the county. He has been a member of the Village Council for two years, and is now Treas- ^ ^5 c-<>: V r ^e^ci^. J^ <>nti:^iiD;->A ,^^^j<^\d_ ^?^' i>>e>^fi* TZjW^'Sr T <:|]D>:iinr.> v T^JNii-'-ix" ISABELLA COUNTY. (h 'O urer of Clare Village. He was for two terms Assist- ant Sergeant-at-Arms of the State Senate, and for one term Sergeant-at-Arms. Politically, he is a staunch I and influential Reiiublican, as are all of his father's " family. In 1 868, his father and five sons went to the polls together and cast their votes for U. S. Grant. Mr. R.'s wide ex[jerience and varied talents fit him for almost any position, and render him in every sense a representative citizen. It is such men as he that are so rapidly developing the wilds of Northern Michigan, planting civilization and wealth where for untold ages have been barbarism and waste. --^mmm^B^ lyT^lifli^ illiam Lansing, farmer, section 8, Wise ^^ r Township, was born Feb. i8. 1832, in ^" Lennox Co., Ont., and is the son of William and Catherine (Sprung) Lansing. The father was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y-.,and Hie mother was a native of Prince Edward Co., Can. The former died in February, 1867, in Cana- da. The latter has reached the age of 84 years and is totally blind. Mr. Lansing came to Isabella County in 1877, having spent the years of his previous life in Canada, with the exception of one year which he spent in Missouri, and six months in the State of New York. In boyhood he attended the common schools, and on entering active life he became a farmer. In the fall of 1877, he bought 80 acres of land in its natural condition in Wise Township. He has since added 80 acres by purchase to his estate, and has 60 acres cleared and in tillage. Mr. Lansing is a member of the Republican party in political affiliation, and has been quite prominent in public life. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner one year, and in the spring of 1882 was elected Justice of the Peace, of which office he is the present incumbent. He was married Oct. 8, 1855, in Hastings ('o., Canada, to Minerva J., daughter of John and Marga- ret (Spears) Hart. The parents were natives respect- ively of Vermont and Canada. The mother died in the Dominion, May 21, 1861, and the father May 19, 1863. Mrs. Lansing was born in Hastings Co., Can., Dec. 25, 1840. Seven children have been born of her marriage: Margaret, Catherine, John W., Hen- ry S., Wiliiam J., Annie L. and Minnie M. W. The parents are memi)ers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. -13= !]§f annibal Gaskill, farmer on section 30, Coe Township, is a son of William and Lydia (Brown) Gaskill, natives of New England; and was born in Lockiwrt, N. ¥., July 31, 1824. He remained at home until 19 years of age, at- tending school and assisting his father on the farm. He attended one term at the Wilson Colle- giate Institute, at Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y. Since then, he has taught 28 nearly consecutive winters, working out by the day during the summer season. He has devoted all his leisure moments to study, especially history, both sacred and profane. He is a close Biblical student, but is liberal in his reason- ing and interpretations. He spent one winter in Mmnesota, teaching and farming. He first can.e to Michigan in the spring of 1845, but remained only a few months in Clinton County. In September, 1854, he settled in that county, buying a farm of 40 acres. In 1878, he traded this for 80 acres in Isabella County, where he has since resided. He has 18 acres under cultivation. He was first n^arried in Niagara Co., N. Y., March 25, 1858, to Rachel A. Clark, a native of that county. One daughter, Mary F., was born to them. Mrs. G. died July 19, i860, and he was again married, in 1865, to Anna Jeffrey, a native of Michigan. Mr. G. is ixslitically a Democrat. In religious belief he is a Universalist. ■•<^-'##-H^" ••MAAji- K aeob L. Fordyoe, farmer, section 34, Gil- WAh^ more Township, was born Ai)ril 2, (828, in Greene Co., Pa. His parents, Arciiibald G. and Nancy (Leonard) Fordyce, were both natives of Pennsylvania, where the father is still living. The mother died in 1847. Mr. Fordyce studied medicine in his earlier years, and at 25 years of age went to West Virginia and commenced its practice, to which he devoted 12 V^ A c^: *0' -c^.^ <>I »A^. -^Hf^^;/!^^ is^ii' •^434 ISABELLA COUNTY. -4^^((s^^S 1 eorge House, fanner, section 4, Isabella Township, is a native of England, where, ^ in Somersetshire, he was born Dec. 11, 1828. The parents of our subject were William and Sarah (Stower) House, natives of England and of pure English extraction. His father fol- lowed the occupation of a baker in that country and there died. His mother also died in her native country, in January, 1864. George was only ten years of age when his father died, and remained under the care of his mother until he attained the age of 16 years. At this age he en- tered the mercantile business, which ho, continued, with a moderate degree of success, until he attained the age of 24 years, living by himself and keeping " bach." May 6, 1852, in his native county, Mr. House was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Chancellor, a daughter of William and Maiy (Stower) Chancellor, natives of England, of pure English ancestry, and both died in their native country. Elizabeth was born in Walton, Somersetshire, Eng., Jan. 29, 1836, and lived at home in her native town until her mar- riage, as stated. She received the advantages afforded by the common schools of her native country, and ac- quired a good English education. After his marriage, Mr. House followed the occu- pation of fiirming in Somersetshire, Eng., and con- tinued that vocation with a fair degree of success until 1869. In the spring of that year he came to the New World and located in Wellington Co., Can. He remained there for a period of one year, when he removed to York Co., Ont., and there followed the vocation of farming for five years. Mr. House, at the expiration of the time stated, came to Monroe County, this State, and purchased 265 acres of land in that county, and entered on the laborious though pleasant task of improving it. He farmed this land until the year 1879, and then sold it and came to this county and purchased 160 acres on section 4, Isabella Township. He brought his family, consisting of himself and wife and ten chil- dren, and settled on his newly purchased land and began the improvement of a home in the then wilder- ness. There were only three acres of this land from which the trees had been chopped, and yet with such a combined determination did they one and all enter on the task of clearing and improving the homestead that to-day 90 of the 160 acres are in a good state 01 cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. House are the parents of ten chil- dren, born and named as follows : Alexander J. G., born in England, May 15, 1859; Sarah A. S., born in England, Dec. 28, i860; James George, born in England, Aug. 12, 1862: Henry George, born in England, June 8, 1864; Ferdinand George, born in England, May 6, 1866; Mary C, born in England, Feb. 29, 1868; Eustace George, born in Canada, June 9, 1869; Elizabeth M., born in Canada, Feb. 7, 1872; Emily A., born in Canada; and George, born in Monroe Co., Mich., July 6, 1876. The father and mother are both members of the Close-Communion Baptist Church, and eight of their children are of the same belief. Mr. H. has occupied the position of Deacon in the Church for considerable time. Mr. House politically is a supporter of and believer in the principles of the Republican party, and has held minor offices in his township. He is one of the representative and progressive men of his township and has met with signal success in his vocation. His family are all industrious, energetic and hard- working, and true representatives of the progressive element of the county. -43= =es- T^r jark P. Tasquelle, M. D., physician and surgeon at Mt. Pleasant, was born Oct. f^^^'"*^ 18, 1840, in Detroit. He is a son of the ^"\ well-known Louis J. Fasquelle, late Pro- ''^ fessor of Modern Languages in the University of Michigan. Professor Fasquelle was born in (iuinnes, France, in i8o8. He was thoroughly edu- cated and studied medicine, but never became a practitioner. He went to England, where he was engaged in teaching, and in 1833 he came to America. He settled in Detroit for a short time, going thence to the vicinity of Pinckney, Livingston Co., Mich., where he purchased a large tract of land, comprising nearly 1,000 acres. He remained there until 1846, when he accepted the Chair of Modern Languages in the University at Ann Arbor, which he continued to hold until his death, which occurred X Jo' c lr>^^T^ ^a^m'^ jrf-'' 438 ISABELLA COUNTY. -#^C(^-(# m a> I 'pi Oct. I, 1862. Professor Fasquelle was married in England to Grace Whiddon, a native of Barnstable, where she was born in 1810. She died at Ann Arbor, in March, 1876. The family of Professor Fasquelle included four children : Louis W., a physician at St. John's, Clin- ton Co., Mich.; Caroline M., the wife of Alfred Hennequin, Assistant Professor of French at the University of Michigan ; and Frances E., a resident of Ann Arbor. Professor Fasquelle attained permanent distinction through his series of French text books which have been standard works for more than 30 years, and their excellence is fully attested by the fact that they are still in use in many leading educational institu- tions, notwithstanding modern innovations. He was technically conversant with 72 languages and dia- lects. " Fasquelle's French Course " was published in 1850, followed successively by "Telemaque," "Napoleon,'" " Racine," " Colloquial French Reader," "Juvenile Grammar" and the "The Key to the French (bourse." His works were published by Newman & Ivison, and afterwards by the successors to that house. Professor Fasquelle was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery at Ann Arbor. No finer tribute to the merits of his methods of instruction could be offered than that afforded by the adoption of the " French Course" in the training of the primary classes in the Chautauijua School of Languages, a movement which establishes their value beyond cavil. Dr. Fasquelle, the subject of this biography, vvas educated at Ann Arbor, matriculating at the Uni- versity in 1856, and completed his studies in the classical course in i860. In 1862 the second degree — Master of Arts — was conferred upon him. During the year 1861-2 he studied in the Medical Department of the same institution. Meanwhile he purchased 160 acres of land in Lodi, in Washte- naw County, where he resided until the spring of 1866. He sold his farm and came to St. John's, Clinton County, and established a shoe store under the firm style of Fasquelle & Wells. The partner- ship soon terminated, and Mr. Fasquelle operated singly until the summer of 1869, when he returned to Ann Arbor. In the fall of 1870 he resumed study in the Medical Department of the University, where he was graduated in the spring of 1872. He opened an office in the city of Ann Arbor, where he practiced his profession a few months. On the first of Jan- uary, 1873, he came to Mt. Pleasant and established himself in practice in company with Dr. Miller. Four months later he opened an office independ- ently and has continued to conduct the business of his profession with steady and growing success, his field of operation including a large portion of Isabella and adjoining counties. Dr. Fasquelle is a member of the State Medical Society of Michigan and belongs to the National Health Association. He was married March 21, 1863, in Ann Arbor, to Julia F., daughter of Seth and Amelia Smith. She was born Feb. 8, i84r, in Connecticut. Grace A., only child, was born May 17, 1869, at St. John's, Clinton County. In presenting the portrait of Dr. Fasquelle, the publishers of this work take more than ordinary satisfaction. He is a worthy son of an honorable sire, — one whose best work is a part of the peerless educational history of Michigan. The private and professional record of him who represents a name which the world of learning delights to honor, is such as to reflect luster on these pages. 5^«^#' -5*^^^ -K^^I ^(|KS3yreiius Kinter, retired farmer, living on g,hjBs=g^ section II, Lincoln Township^ and one of %|ii^ the representative self-made men of the coun- fjif ty, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., March 16 f 1812. The parents of Cyrenus, Barney and Orril (Thomp- son) Kinter, were of German and Connecticut parent- age. The father was killed in the battle at Black Rock in the war of 181 2, and the mother died the year previous. At the time of the death of his father, Cyrenus was but two or three years old, and was the eldest of two children, brothers. Thus, at an early age he was bereft of father and mother, and thrown on the charity of foster parents. His foster father was a Mr. Peter Powers, and our subject remained in his family until he attained the age of 25 years. Mr. Powers died when our subject was 1 6 years of age, and Mr. K., being obliged to work toward the supixjrt of the family, was debarred from seizing the opiX)rtu- nities afforded by the common schools, and only ob- c< Si, ^ l^gss- "Tsf^^^^^isr -r<;iliil^:ijils>>v ISABELLA COUNTY. (h >; V (!) tained such education as his leisure moments enabled him. When Mr. Kinter left the Powers home he came direct to this State and settled on a piece of land in Eaton County, which he had purchased in 1S36. He lived on this land about 20 years and improved 60 acres of the 130-acre tract. "Hope" brought him to the State, " Faith " kept him here, and earnest Effort, " tlie mother of success ," crowned his labors ; but his " roses ," planted in the establishing of his home in tills then wilderness, grew not without thorns. He experienced all the trials and difficulties of the early pioneer and yet, being endowed with that energy and perseverance which are so essential to success, he concpiered them all, and looking from the present to the past he contemplates the pleasure and happiness which honest effort has accomplished. In 1859 Mr. Kinter came to this county, and made an exchange of his property in Eaton County, for 320 acres on section 8, Coe Township. This trade was made with Mr. Eben Stewart, and before the organ- ization of the county, and while it was in its wild state. At this lime Coe Township embraced the en- tire county. This was just prior to his establishing the Indian Mills neai the present city of Mt. Pleas- ant, ard he usually went to St. John's and other dis- tant towns for his supplies. Mr. K. entered upon the improvement of this land, and, although "clouds of difficulty obscured his star of prosperity," he relied on his faith and brought all his energy to bear upon his enterprises, and nobly fought ;he vicissitudes which accompanied him and sits to- day in the sunshine of happiness and plenty. Mr. K. gave one of his sons 80 acres of land and aniitlier 120 acres, equalizing the difference with a moneyed consideration. In 1882 Mr. Kinter sold the remaining 120 acres in Coe Township to liis youngest son, and purchased 40 acres on section 11, Lincoln Township, on which he and the sharer of his toils and trials in the past have settled for a life-time in the enjoyment of the comforts surrounding them. Mr. Kinter was united in marriage, April 11, 1839, with Miss Jane Lee. She was born near Chenoa, McLean Co., 111., Dec. i, 1819. Her parents were Henry and Betsy (Meech) Lee, natives of New York and of Iris!) descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and moved into Illinois [trior to its being "'1 "^ admitted as a State, and settled near Chenoa, in McLean County. Here Mrs. K. was reared and educated. Her " palace " school-room had " mother earth " for a floor, and the open door for a window. The scholars studied their lessons on the " loud " plan, and the louder they studied the more they were sup- posed to learn. When she was 18 years of age, her parents came to this State and settled in Ingham County, and they were the third family to settle in the county. Mrs. Kinter'slife has been spent in true pioneer style. She was born in the pioneer days of McLean Co., 111., and spent her girlhood among the first settlers of that county. Coming to Ingham Co., this State, she spent her womanhood among its ear- ly pioneers ; and even now, while enjoying the com- forts of plenty, shelooks back u]jon the past with many pleasant recollections. Mr. and Mrs. K. are the father and mother of three children: William H., born Nov. 21, 1842, married Emily White, and is the present proprietor of the hotel at Salt River; James M., born Aug. i, 1844, married Miss Clara McFarren, and now resides in Coe Town- ship, this county; Mary J., born Nov. 9, 1841, died Feb. I r, 1865. Mrs. K. is identified witli the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. K. is a Republican in politics, and has been honored with the office of Highway Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, and other minor offices of his Townsliip. ohn Yarnell, farmer on section 22, Coe Township, is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth ^■^'^ (Schneider) Yarnell, natives of Pennsyl- vania, and was born in the Keystone State, April 22, 1832. He received an elementary education in private schools, and at the age of 17 engaged to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he has since worked, in connection with farming. He has built 58 barns and 20 houses. /f^ He remained in Pennsylvania until the spring of [ 1876, when he came to Isabella County, and bought J'., 40 acres in Coe Townshij). He has of this 30 acres m improved. >& He was niaiiied m Crawford Co., Pa., March 2, (^ 1853. to Sarah, daugliter of George and Margaret ^ m PI -c^nii:^! ISABELLA COUNTY. (9, ^^ (Helmholtz) HoUabaugh, natives of Pennsylvania. /W Mrs. Y. was born in the Keystone State, in February, ^ 1834. She and her husband have had nine children, % seven of whom survive: Mary A., William H., Mar- ^ garet J., George W., Ellen, Emma E. and Ida R. The two otliers died in infancy. Mr. Y. is politically a National. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. ^iip/pf^il ichael Dalton, farmer on section 13, Ver- • T '■ '^ J non Township, was born in Ireland, in >5 ^% ^ I '^ August, 1845, and lost his father when ^ '^ three years old. Five years later he came to America with his mother. For ten years he lived in Ontario, and then, having become an orphan, he went to Pennsylvania. He worked in the mines and woods in McKean and Elk Counties one year, and was then employed for five years in the woods of Minnesota. Next, he followed farming for six years in the Red River Valley. In December, 1878, he came to Michigan and bought 160 acres on sec- tion 13, Vernon, partly improved. He was married Jan 7, 1874, to Miss Catherine i'urkill, who was born in Ontario, in March, 1856. She is the mother of five children, as follows : John H., born April 22, 1875 ; James E., Jan. 29, r877 5 Frank D., June 4, 1879; Edwin M., Nov. 22, 1883; and one which died in infancy. Mr. Dalton is a Republican, and is present School Treasurer. He and wife are Catholics. g'VVx^ ^ * illiam H. Wonch, farmer on section 9, Coe Townshii), is a son of Francis and Catha- rine (Campbell) Wonch. The father was born in St. Catharine's, Canada, and the mo- ther was also a native of Canada. They re- sided in that Dominion until her death, which occurred Aug. 2, i860. The father then came to Sanilac County, this State, and thence to Isabella County, where lie lived lo years. He then went to Saginaw, where he died, in 1882. Their family com- prised four sons and five daughters, William H. be- ing the eldest one of the nine. He was born at St. Charles, Can., July 30, 1833, and resided in Canada until 21, attending the district school and working on the farm. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county and took up 200 acres of Government land on sections 21 and 22, Coe Town- ship. This land he did not occujjy, however, and eight years later he sold it. He returned to Canada soon after his first visit to Isabella County, but not permanently. He soon came once more to this county, and bought 80 acres on section 13, to wliich he has since added 80 acres on section 9. He has in all 80 acres improved. He was married in Canada, July 2, [860, to Melinda, daughter of Robert and Christine (Wago- ner) Nutt, natives of America and Germany respect- ively. Mr. and Mrs. Nutt lived several years after their marriage in the State of New York, and then removed to East Missouri, Oxford Co., where they lived until their death. He died July 13, 1865, and she Nov. 22, 1873. Mrs. Wonch was born in Can- ada, Aug. 23, 1837. Eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. W. survive: Robert H., William A., Anna M., Francis B , Alice M., Luman L., George W. and Howard E. The parents are members of the Methodist E])is- copal ("hurch. Mr. W. is iioliticallv a Republican. -veaaa^B^^" K^»^/S^^S1'^OT'V► v|) A .,■<>! 4 K^>)«^#^ -y^,^^ qP'..'r'f.'rJ^ If l^.on. John W. Hance, Senator from the 24th District of Michigan, was born Aug. 2, 1848, at Marengo, Morrow Co., Ohio. His paternal ancestors were German (Quakers, who settled at an early period of the history of America in New Jersey. His fatiier, Adam Hance, was born in Knox Co., Oliio, in February, :8 — , there attained to man's estate and married Mary A. Morrison. She is a native of the Buckeye State and descended from Welsh ancestors. Five sons and a dauglitcr (now de- ceased) constituted the issue of this union. In 1863 the family removed to Michigan and settled in Isa- bella County, where they became identified with the agricultural element. The sons are all practical farmers and landholders in this county. Mr. Hance is the third son of his parents. He had fair educational advantages in his native State and develo[)ed rapidly, in early youth, in mental • nn; ^-ip^ — ^s^^^^ e c Tllt^i^ ^ >5 V rzfi. xW^T ISABELLA COUNTY. growth. He grew up under the influences of the period of " storm and stress " which preceded the civil war. Morrow County lay in the direct route of the refugees from Southern bondage, and the father and grandfather of Mr. Hance were agents of one of the stations of the "Underground Railroad.' That scene in " Uncle Tom's Ca'uin " which portrays with inimitable power the depth of feeling and hatred of oppression in the breasts of those who lent every as- sistance to the fleeing victims of the slave element, was a daily repetition under his observation, and im- bued him witli the earnestness of purpose and de- cision of character which are his predominating traits. He passed the years of his minority in the discharge of the duties pertaining to his nonage, and at the expiration of that period engaged in teaching, which vocation he followed six years. The char- acter of the work he performed in the sparsely peo- pled districts where he labored, made his value known to the leading men of Isabella County, and to his faithful and laborious as well as able efforts, he owes the position to which he attained in the early years of his manhood. In January, 1875, he entered upon the duties of Deputy County Clerk and Register of Deeds, to which position he had been appointed by Joel C. Graves, who had been elected to that two-fold office in the fall of 1874. The circum- stances of the appointment of Mr. Hance [lossess a curious interest. He made a visit to Mt. Pleasant previous to the commencement of another term of school, for which he had engaged. Chance threw him in the way of Mr. Graves, to whom he was in- troduced by a mutual friend. Mr. Graves remarked : " I am glad to see you, and I am reminded that I had a singular dream last night, in which I was ofli- ciating in the duties of the office to which I have been elected, with you as my deputy ; and I propose to make it reality, by tendering you the appoint- ment." Mr. Hance accepted the offer and hastened to release himself from his engagement. In 1876 he was elected to succeed Mr. Graves, who removed to Urownsville, Col., and in 1878 was again elected. In the fall of 1882 he was placed in nomina'.ion on the Republican ticket for Senator from this Dis- trict, which includes Isabella, Gratiot, Midland and Clare ('ounties. He made a most gratifying run, re- ceiving a majority of 700 votes over the Fusion can- didate. He did effective service in behalf of local and 'general interests, and was Chaiiman of Com- mittee on State Public School. He was also mem- ber of Committees on Canals and River and Harbor Improvements, on Banks and Incorporations, and on Federal Relations. Among the important bills intro- duced by Mr. Hance was that which constituted the office of State Agent for the Public School at Cold- water, a measure whose practical benefit has already proven the wisdom of its instigators. On his removal to Mt. Pleasant Mr. Hance in- terested himself in transactions in real-estate and in lumber traffic, continuing the management of his farm of 160 acres of land, adjoining the village. He has continued liis operations in those avenues until he has largely extended his connections and scope, and is one of the substantial and prominent business men of the county. Associated with Mr. Devereaux, in 1883 he built one of the largest and finest brick blocks in Mt. Pleasant. It is 45 x go feet in size, two stories above the basement, and is utilized as stores and offices. He is one of the stockholders in the banking; house of Brown, Harris & Co., at Mt. Pleasant. -^' "ohn B. Walton (deceased), late farmer on section 4, Coe Township, was born in Ma- comb Co., Mich., Nov. 30, 1833. Losing his mother when ipiite young, he remained ^L with his father six years longer, and then for \ ten years he worked at farming by the month. In the fall of 1855 he came to Isabella County and took up r6o acres under the Graduation Act. He built a log shanty and began clearing his land. " keeping bach " for three years. He was married Jan. ro, 1858, to Miss Artemisia, daughter of Frederick and Anna (Watkins) Blount, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. VValtoir was born in Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 3r, 1834, and is the mother of six children, as follows : Mina, born Sept. r6, i860 (wife of Miles Abbott, and mother of one child, Hazel, born Jan. 23, 1884); Fred, April 8, r862 (married to Lillian Vining, and father of one daughter, Mina, born June 12, 1882); Perry, July 26, 1866; Charles, Dec. 15, r868; Frank, June 2, 1874: Willard, July 15, 1878. Mr. W. disposed of 80 acres of his farm, and at C c^: ^^\m^^ ^^^^^^ — '^^^^^nn^nti^D-^ — ^s^^^^p^ ^ T2i^^^^^ ■r=r'7<^M'^\ ISABELLA COUNTY. V t ? the time of his death, June 15, 1879, the entire 80 acres remaining had been reduced to a system of '.^ scientific tillage. He was a man who stood excep- I tionally high in his community. He was for three ^ years Road Commissioner. ^ We take pleasure in presenting Mr. Walton's por- trait to our readers, on a previous page. '^■■'^^^^^'^^^^ ^- — Seott Partridge, cashier in the banking j'ii a^fl liy house of Hicks, Bennett & Co., at Mt. Iip^^ Pleasant, was born Oct. 6, 1851, in Pratts- 'OTiv burg Township, Steuben Co , N. Y. His fa- ^ther, I). Scott Partridge, M. D., was a graduate of i Geneva (N. Y.) College, and a physician of marked ability, with every promise of a successful career in ills practice; but his death, almost at the beginning of Itis life of active usefulness, alike put an end to his prospects and the hopes of his friends. He died July 22, 1851, aged 24 years. The mother, Fanny (Weld) Partridge, was next to the youngest in the order of birth in a family of 14 children. She is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., and resides at "Blood's," a vil- age in that county situated on the Rochester Divis- ion ofthe Erie Railroad. The ancestral line of the Partridge family is of un- mixed British origin. Burke states that the first of the name was Robert Partridge, the Norman, a man of valor who received the borough of Maiden for his services in the war between Matilda and Stephen of Hlois, in 1837. William Partridge, the earliest ances- tor who settled on this continent, came from Ber- wick-on-the-Tweed, Scotland, and settled in Hartford, Conn., about 1636, going later on, with a pioneer col- ony, to Hadley, Mass., from whom conies the direct line of descent. He was the progenitor of a pos- terity that in every generation sustained the honor of the [latronymic and with one or two exceptions reach- ed distinction. They intermarried with the Dudleys, Cottons, Haynes and Wylys, families of New Eng- land, whose connection with the settlement of that section is inseparable from its history, and whose de- s( eiidants located in Massachusetts, going thence to Vermont, where the earliest traceable lineal descend- ant of the family referred to in this sketch, Joseph Partridge, was born, Oct. 18, 1763, the year made memorable by the administration of the "beach real" in the settlement of the arbitrary claims of the State of New York. Jonas B. Partridge, son of Joseph, was born Nov. 25, 1795, in the Green Mountain State. Dr. D. Scott Partridge was born in 1827, in Pratts- burg, N. Y., and died as slated, two and one half months before the birth of his son. Mr. Partridge, of this sketch, attended the common schools of his native county until he was 13 years old, when he came to Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich., making the trip alone. He entered the High School there, where he studied one year. He returned to his native State and became a student at the Naples Academy, where he remained a pupil about 18 months. On leaving that institution, he went to Pough- keepsie and entered upon a course of commercial study in Eastman's Business College, where he was graduated April 2, 1868. He returned to his native county and passed the next two years in varied em- ployment. In October, 1870, he began to read law under the instructions of Butler & Parkhill, attorneys at Liberty, Steuben County. He was admitted to practice in the State Courts of New York in the Su- preme Court at Syracuse on the 8th day of Januarj', 1874. He first engaged in practice with his former preceptors, and in the spring of 187 4 opened an office independently at Hornellsville, where he remained until December of the same year, when he came to .Mt. Pleasant. He arrived on the 30th day of the month and at once established his business, which he continued to manage alone until April 1, 1878. He was elected Justice of the Peace in k\)X<\, 1875, and has held the incumbency ever since. On the first of April, 1878, he formed a partnership with the Hon. I. A. Fancher and Peter F. Dodds, firm style Fancher, Dodds & Partridge. This firm, after carrying on the heaviest and most successful law business in the county for 18 months, terminated by mutual consent, and Mr. Partridge operated singly until the first of April, 1882, at which date he became associated with William I. Cutler, in the management of a real-estate, loan and collection office, under the firm name of Partridge & Cutler. This relation was in existence until Dec. 1, 1883. On the 9th of January, 1884, he assuiT.ed the duties of his present ixjsition. On his accession thereto he received the following testimonials from the local press at Mt. Pleasant, published in January, 1884: " D. Scott Partridge is now the cashier of Hicks, I V^ /\ I I j^_^ ^^ — ^^ ■^ h^j^ ?t^ H.>v-^ ISABELLA COUNTY. T h :-« V V Bennett & Cos bank. He is in every way capable of filling the iwsition, and will make a popular cashier." "The pleasant countenance of D. Scott Partridge, Esq., is now to be seen in Hicks, Bennett & Co 's bank as cashier. We think the bank made a wise choice in selecting Mr. Partridge. His business ability is good, integrity unquestioned, and he is respected by every one." Mr. Partridge is an adherentof the [irinciplesof the Democratic element in his political affiliations. He has been prominently identified with local politics, having served his party as delegate to county and State conventions, and in 1878 was placed in nomi- nation for Representative. He has also held the office of County Superintendent of the Poor, and been the incumbent of other local positions by appointment. In 1878-9 he discharged the duties of Village Clerk of Ml. Pleasant. He is prominent in Masonic cir- cles, and is serving his sixth term as Master of Wabon Lodge, No, 305, at Mt. Pleasant. On his last re-elec- tion, Dec. I 2, 1 8S3, the Northwestern Tribune pub- lished the following: "At the annual election of offi- cers of Wabon Lodge, No. 305, F. & A. M., a large number of the brethren were present, and D. Scott Partridge was re-elected Master, after which he was presented with a beautiful silver water service. Bro. S. C. Brown made the presentation speech, which by request is herewith published. The presentation was a complete surprise to the Master. " Worthy Brother: I have been accorded the dis- tinguished honor, by the brethren of Wabon Loflge, of presenting to you a token, not only of their respect for your personal character and gentlemanly courtesy toward your brethren of the craft, but of their appre- ciation of your valuable services during the six years you have presided in the East. They have not failed to recognize the fact that your administra- tion during all these years has made a very marked improvement in the affairs of the lodge. They remember that when you assumed supreme command, the lodge was not only financially embarrassed, but in many other respects was incum- bered with a heavy debt that had Ijeen steadily accumulating, and no proper effort being made for its liquidation. ***** My brother, I trust that you will not consider that I am indulging in fulsome (lat- tery when I make the statement that under your mas- ter hand the debts of the lodge have all been paid, new furniture bought, a splendid lodge room provid- ed and money in the treasury. Appreciating, there- fore, your honesty of purpose and purity of character, and your strict integrity in the discharge of the ardu- ous duties of your office, the brothers of this lodge have delegated to me the pleasing task of presenting to you this silver set. Its sterling purity will remind you that your brothers present it to you as an emblem of the purity of purpose which has marked every offi- cial act of yours while you have presided in the East." Mr. Partridge also belongs to Mt. Pleasant Chapter, No. Ill, Royal Arch Masons, which he was largely instrumental in organizing, and to St. Bernard Com- mandery. Knights Templar, No. 16, stationed at East Saginaw. He made the pilgrimage to San Francisco, in August, 1883, in connection with the Michigan Grand Commandery, on the occasion of the holding of the 22d Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States. His residence is a fine building, with tasteful grounds, including six lots. He owns besides, about three acres within the corporation, which was platted in 1880 under the name of " Partridge's Addition." He also owns building lots in other parts of the vil- lage, six acres of valuable land joining the village, be- sides valuable farm lands in the county. • He was married June 28, 1876, at Avoca, Steuben Co., N. Y., to Mary E., daughter of Albert T. and Elizabeth Parkhill. She was born Nov. 18, 1856, at Howard, Steuben Co., N. Y. Fannie, only child, was born Sept. 11, 1877,31 Pleasant. Mr. Partridge is a gentleman of active, ambitious temperament, keenly alive to all the laudable enter- prises common to the young men of his generation. He has been in the past zealously interested in the science of music, and when but 19 years of age or- ganized a band at Cohocton, N. Y., of which he was musical conductor two years. During his residence at Hornellsville, he was the leader of the band at that place. He also organized and obtained the equip- ments of the Opera House Band at Mt. Pleasant, in 1881, of which he was the instructor and leader. He has been interested in the game of base ball at Mt. Pleasant, and has been the chief of every cl.;b organized at this place until 18S3, when his health prevented his joining the company. He is a stockhold- er in the Mt. Pleasant Driving Park, and was its first President. He was subsequently re-elected to the same position. ':2>^iii?'Kr f /■ /^ 1 f > ISABELLA COUNTY. The career of Mr. Partridge has been marked from first to last with the element that has become the true type of American character, — a laudable ambition to make the most of an opixirtunity and wrest from circumstances their best possibilities. Thomas W. Walton, lilacksmith, resident on section 5, Wise Township, was born Jan. 17, 1857, in Canada. His parents, Thomp- y^ son and Mary (Elgie) Walton, were natives of England and emigrated to Canada, where the mother died, at the age of 73. The father died at Loomis, this county, aged 82. Mr. Walton attended the common schools of the Dominion until he was 17 years old, when he was a[)prenticed for three years to learn the trade of a blacksmith. He came to Midland County in 1876 and was in liis brother's employ two years, working as a blacksmith. He was similarly employed at Cole- man for two years, and in 1877 came to Isabella County and bought out a shop in Loomis, where he operated five years. In 1883 he took possession of 140 acres of land on section 5 and 6, of which he had become the owner some time previous. On this he has since continued to reside and combines the callings of blacksmith and agriculturist. He is a Republican in political principles and has officiated two years as Township Treasurer, one year as High- way Commissioner, and was Deputy Sheriff iS months. Mr. Walton's marriage with Minerva Baker oc- curred June 6, 1877. Her parents, August and Mary Baker, were natives of Germany. Mrs. Wal- ton was born in Canada. She and her husband are both members of the Presbyterian Church. ^ohn C. liieaton, attorney at law, Mt. Pleas- ant, was born Oct. 18, 1848, in Port Rowan, Ont. He is a son of John T. and Eliz- abeth (White) Leaton. His father was for many years extensively engaged in lumbering in Canada and Michigan, and is yet doing a large business in the same line in Mississippi, but resides in Memphis, Tenn. Mr. Leaton, our subject, was placed in St. Mary's College, in Montreal, at the age of 12 years, in which institution he remained until 18 years of age. The five-years course of study gave him a thorough classical education. His parents moved to Saginaw in 1855, and John C. entered the law office of Messrs. Webber & Smith, under whose efficient tutelage he rapidly advanced in legal knowledge. After three years spent with this firm, he entered the Law De- partment of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, at which institution he was graduated with honor, after taking a six-months course. Graduating in the spring of 1870, he returned to Saginaw and entered the office of Gaylord & Hanchett, attorneys, where he remained one year. In 187 i, he opened a law office in the village of Mt. Pleasant, and also engaged in buying and selling real estate. To say that Mr. Leaton has been very successful in business only partially expresses what the term really means, for his successes have been the basis of much of the enterprise and improvement which characterize this prosperous village. His connection with many prominent cases before the Courts of this county and elsewhere have given him a fine reputa- tion as a lawyer, which is second to none among the members of the Isabella County Bar. He has served a number of terms in an official capacity in this vil- lage, and was President of the Board in 1877. The management of the Flint & Pere Marcjuette Railroad have recognized in him an efficient attorney, having secured his services in several important suits; and he is their attorney at present. He was one of the members organizing Brown, Harris & Go's Bank, and is now largely interested in the general banking busi- ness of that company. He is also the senior mem- ber of the firm of Leaton & Upton, lumber dealers, who own the large mill formerly operated by Messrs. Pickard & Upton, which does the principal manu- facturing business of this place. Forty men are em- |)loyed by the firm, and the manufacturing capacity of their mill is 55,000 feet per diem. The firm of Brown & Leaton also own 30,000 acres of valuable timber lands in the county, and several mills are running on these lands in their in- terest. Messrs. Brown & Leaton are the owners of 400 acres of fine farming land tmder cultivation; also a brick-yard near Mt. Pleasant, as well as a sixth in- terest in Bennett's Addition. Everything which Mr. ^ Y W V V c i |a^®))«^# ■^T^^^nti^^titiv-)-^-^^^ — ^^^ -*^ji. -wsi^ssat-: c^-i^^-^-^ ^^p^-ea^i^-z^ *► .,,# <-X^^'Cv-<3L cJ^-^^v^.e-^ tf^* (h > /s s E s ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^rrK^X -4?^§5((®V^M 45 « Leaton lias engaged in has been successful in a busi- ness point of view, and he ranks high in the estima- tion of the community, as a careful and iiijright man, whose prosperity is equaled only by his liberality and energy in promoting tho public good. His marriage to Stella L. Gaylord, of Saginaw, oc- curred Dec. 5, 1878. They are llie parents of two very interesting children — both daughters : Helen was born May 29, 1880, and Juanna, Oct. i, 1883. Mrs. Leaton was born in Geneva, Ohio, her parents being Harvey and Stella (Atkins) Gaylord. '-''^(1 ohn Fraser, retired farmer and one of the ' \T-ih c.uliest settlers in Isabella County, residing at Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 16, 18 19, in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y. His parents were Adkins and Mary (Richmond) Fraser, and were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The mother was born in 1783 and died in 1867, in Michigan, aged 84 years. Tlie father was one year older .ind died in 1853, in tjie State of New York. Mr. Fraser was brought up on a farm and received a common school education. He left home at the age of 20 years to begin life on his own responsi- bility. His first venture of any importance was in the matrimonial line. He was married Dec. 31, 1841, at Watertown, N. Y, to Sylvia Ferris. She was born in 1822, in Permelia Township, Jefferson County, and is tiie daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Fer- ris. Mr. and Mrs. Fraser have had six cliildren, as follows: Julia (deceased) was the wife of Franklin Cushway, a printer, now resident at Saginaw City ; Elizabeth, deceased; Lepha is the wife of \Vm. H. Saxon, owner of the stage route from Gladwin to Loomis; Richmond is managing the family homestead in Chippewa Township ; Mary, wife of John Doods, is also residing there; Franklin was killed on the farm by a stroke of lightning, in 187 i; Ella is tlie wife of Stephen Potter, and resides witli her father at Mt. Pleasant. Soon after marriage, Mr. Fraser bought 58 acres of land in Hounsfield Township, Jefferson County, and afterwards increased his real estate by the purchase of 48 acres adjoining, the entire acreage constituting a desirable and valuable farm. He sold the property in the fall of 1856 and came to Isabella County with his family, consisting of his wife and six children, and his household effects and provisions. Tlie jour- ney to Saginaw from Jefferson County was made by water. Mr. Fraser bought a team at Saginaw and hired three others to convey his family and goods to their destination. They were obliged to cut the road they traversed for a distance of 50 miles. He had previously obtained a claim of 320 acres in Chip- pewa Township, on section 31. At the date of the purchase it was all dense forest, but is now in emi- nently creditable and valuable condition. It com- prises 320 acres of land in a finely improved state, with two sets of farm buildings. The orchards con- tain the best assortments of fruit, and altogether the place is one of the finest types of the advancement of agriculture in Isabella County within the last 30 years. When Mr. Fraser settled in Chippewa, the town- ship contained but five other families. He cleared a small " patch " of ground and prepared to erect log buildings. The entire white male population of two townships, including eleven men, came to the I rising. Mr. Fraser built the first frame barn in the county, in the spring of 1857. There was no saw-mill in the county, and the braces and girths were hewed with the broad-ax. The boards in the doors and floors of his house were hewn in the same manner. The log house of his first building is still standing on the place. The products of the farm found ready mar- ket among the lumbermen, and everything com- manded prices which to-day seem fabulous. Mr. Fraser has sold hay for $80 per ton, corn at $1.50 per bushel, and wheat at $250. The nearest milling point was Matherton, on Fish Creek, in Ionia County, 50 miles distant. The thoroughfares were mostly trails, or the poorest roads, and a grist of about 20 bushels of grain cost a week's travel under the most periilexing circumstances. Provisions were brought from Saginaw in canoes on the river. The first marriage in Isabella County took place in 1858 or 1859, in Coe Township. Mr. David Foutch married a daughter of William Bowing. The ceremony was performed in the ab- sence of the bride's jiarents, and the Justice of the Peace, Willard Stewart, received a coon-skin for his fee. Witiiin Mr. Eraser's memory, the condition of the country and the trails from the effects of rain and other causes made travel impossible, and star- I C-^r^ -4^^^^- r^ i!0!4;^ r 45 = ^ 1^ 2^ vation seemed inevitable. At one time, when he had ^ $i,ooo in gold in his house, he was obliged to shave •^ corn from the ear with a jack plane in order to obtain * food ; and grinding corn and wheat in coffee-mills was a common affair. A volume could be filled with such detail within his own experience. In the earlier years of his residence in Isabella County he practiced law and conducted numerous local cases arising from the emergencies of the times. He was elected the first Prosecuting Attorney of Isabella County, but did not qualify for the office, his farm requiring his undivided attention. He served one term as Justice of the Peace, with great reluctance. He retired to Mt. Pleasant in 1879, where he owns a house and lot on Franklin Street. He is a Democrat in his political connections. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Fraser appear on other pages. J illiam Adams, farmer on section 4, Coe ^:aJl lf., Township, is a son of William and Martha '"^JI^J/"^ (Cunningham) Adams, natives of Ireland. j r^V The parents emigrated to Canada in 1836, JXK and afterwards removed to Hillsdale Co., \> Mich., where he died. The mother died in the State of Illinois, at a later period. Their family consisted of three sons and one daughter, William be- ing the youngest son. He was born in Ireland, Aug. 4, 1818, and when 18 years old, left the Emerald Isle with his parents for America. He lived with them until 27 years old. Going to Vermont, he was for two years employed on a railroad, and then he returned to Hillsdale County, this State, to engage in agriculture. In No- vember, 1857, he came to Isabella County, and lo- cated on 160 acres in Cue Township, which he had purchased three years previous, and where he has since resided. He was married in Canada, May 6, 1S45, to Mary, daughter of Robert and Ann (Leach) Sheph'.'rd, na- tives of England. Mrs. Adams was also born in England, Sept. 22, 1824. She and her husband have been the parents of nine children, five of whom survive: Mary A., William E., Oliver H., John F. and Wellsley VV. The deceased children are Matilda J., Eliza D., Lydia E. and David R. Mr, A. ISABELLA COUNT\ fSE ^Tf ?Ay.' ^S^^-i. ^A<^I y^i was Ta.x Collector of his township three years, and Township Treasurer three years. Politically, he is strictly independent. He and wife are liberal in their religious views, but incline toward the Baptist faith. — -*^#a^«^ — "^F^ll eorge Abram Dusenbury, banker and ■'i ksJf jL express agent, Mt. Pleasant, was born Feb. _^.,^4 21, 1845, at Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich. ^'if''^ He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Butler) ■^ Dusenbury, natives of Broome Co., N. Y. The father was born in 1815, and grew to manhood in the place of his nativity, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in 1836, after his marriage, removed to Marshall, Mich. He prosecuted the business of a merchant in that city until his death, which occurred May 18, 1857. His remote ances- tors were Hollanders. George's mother came of Eng- lish parentage, and now resides with her children at Mt. Pleasant. Five sons and three daughters were in the above family, four of whom are living. They were born ir. the following order: Frank, Kate, Ellen, Harper, George, Edgar, William and Emily. The oldest son was a Paymaster in the United States Navy, during the progress of the civil war, and is now deceased. Mr. Dusenbury received a common-school educa- tion, at Marshall, and, at the age of 16 years, went to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he became accountant in the employment of E. B. Walbridge, a miller and grain merchant of that city, where he continued nearly a year. He obtained a situation in the joint offices of the United States and American Express Companies at Bloomington, 111., where he operated a year, and was called thence to the office of the "American" at Chicago, where he officiated four years as corresponding clerk. In 1866 he went to Cincin- nati, and was there interested in the organization and establishment of the City Express Company. At the end of a year he sold out and went to the city of New York, where he again entered the employ of the "American," and continued his connection with their interests until the fall of 1876, when he came to Michigan. He located at Homer, Calhoun County, and associated himself in commercial business with C. J. Murray, under the firm style of Murray & % C< r \^^ JSi^^:~ ?2C3?ia=«, T2^v— 6v<>nIl:^:no^> A >.•' V ^ y R ISABELLA COUNTY. .^./-X--^ _ A^^^' ^ i^t^fsvii 453 Dusenbiiry. The relation existed until the spring of 1880. The deatli of his brother Frank, which took place at Mt. Pleasant in January, 1880, summoned Mr. Dusenbury hither. His widowed mother and sister had moved here a year previous, and he deemed it expedient to locate here, as the circumstances of the family reipiired his personal attention ; and he ac- cordingly sold his business at Homer to his partner, and transferred his interests and family to Mt. Pleas- ant. His first business transactions were in the line of financial operations, in real estate and other loans. In 1881, associated with his brother William, he es- tablished his present business, which includes the operations common to private banking institutions, and also lending on real estate. Mr. Dusenbury is identified with the solid business interests of Mt. Pleasant, and is the possessor of considerable real estate in the village where he lives and in Isabella County. He built his residence in 1881, and in the winter of 1884 the Dusenbury Brothers erected a business block at Gladwin, in the county of the same name, where, in company with J. M. Shaffer, they established a trade in general merchandise. Early in 1884 they disposed of their share of the stock and retained ownership of the real estate. Mr. Dusenbury was married June 24, 1875, at Evanston, 111., to Ida S., daughter of Theodore and Jane (Stebbins) Perry. She was born Dec. 14, 1850, at Lacon, 111., where her father was a merchant for a score of years. Her mother is deceased. Three of four children born of this marriage are yet living. Bessie was born Aug. 27, 1876; Allan T., Jan. 6, 1878, and Ross Butler, Nov. 10, 1879. Adele was born June 3, 1881, and died Aug. 27, 1882. dward C. Ney, farmer on section 36, Coe Township, is a son of John and Rebecca iW*^"* Ney, natives of Connecticut. The mother died in Van Buren, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and the father died in DeVVitt, same county. Tiie subject of this notice was born in the State of Connecticut, Sept. 5, 1816, and was four years old when his parents left Connecticut to live in New York. He remained in that State until 1840, and then came to Lapeer Co., Mich., and lived until May, 1880, when he made his last move, coming to Isabella County and buying 60 acres in Coe Township, where is his present home. He has about 30 acres under cultivation. He was married in Lapeer County, Aug. 8, 1840, to Rebecca Robison, who was born in the State of New York, July 5, 18 17. Of this marriage there have been born eight children, — Ellen R., Tacy, Sarah, Edward, Cynthia, William and (Jeorge. One died in infancy. Mrs. N. is in religious belief an Adventist. Mr. N. is politically a warm Democrat. ,|'i;;^dgar W. Allen, farmer, section 17, Wise "■ Township, was born in Ohio, Mar. 13, 1848. His parents, Samuel and Nancy A. (Doug- e V/ ( A<:ag^ ijk lass) Allen, were natives of Vermont and Con- necticut respectively. They made their first lo- cation after marriage in Northern New York, and ^^ afterwards in Ohio, where they passed many years in ft/ different localities. They came later in life to Gen- =^= esee Co., Mich., where they remained about seven years. At the expiration of that time they removed to Tuscola County, where the father died, July 31, 1868. The mother is an inmate of the home of her daughter in Fulton Co., Ohio, and is 86 years of age. Mr. Allen is the only son of his parents, and ac- quired his education in the common schools of his native State previous to his reaching the age of 16 years. At that period he came to Michigan. His father had met with financial difficulties, and the son became the main dependence of his parents, to whom he proved dutiful and loyal, repaying them with large interest the kind care he had received from them. At the death of his father, his mother return- ed to Ohio, where she now lives. In the spring of 187 i, Mr. Allen came to Saginaw, Mich., where he interested himself in various occu- pations for two years. In the fall of 1873 he came to Isabella County and bought the property on which he has since resided and labored. His land includes 80 acres, with 30 cleared and cultivated. He was one of the pioneers of Wise Township, and has taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to his duties as a citizen. He is of the Republican ^ I ^^!V,^ ISABELLA COUNTY 4^t^(^''i T J C'-) ^ faith, and has officiated in most of the important lo- cal offices. In August, 1883, he was appointed Supervisor to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of James McLeod, of which office he is still the incum- bent, having been re elected in the spring of 1884. He lias served as Highway Commissioner a year, and has held the various school offices, among them School Inspector. Mr. Allen was married in Genesee Co., Mich., Sept. 9, 1862, to Minerva A., daughter of Eden B. and Minerva (Bacon) Parker. She was born Aug. 25, 1846, in Livingston Co., N. Y. Her parents are natives of Vermont. Maud M., Ruth S., Ralph C. and Clyde O. are the names of the children now in- cluded in the household of Mr. Allen. V rank Williams, farmer on section 35, Coe J Township, is a son of William R. and Bet- 5^''^ sey (Gibbs) Williams (see sketch of W. M. Williams) and was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 18, 1852. He was three years old when his parents came to Ingham County, and eight years old when the family settled in this county. He has since followed farming and working in the woods, and now resides on the home- stead his father owned. He was married in Coe Township, Sept. 26, 1877, to Delilah A., daughter of Anson and Eliza (Turner) Davenport, residents of Coe Township. Mrs. W. was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1859, and is the mother of a daughter, Minnie B , born May 28, 1878. Politically, Mr. W. is a Repuljlican. -\ei2£fir©ig^— fe ""ames O'Connor, farmer on section 18, Vcr- % non Township, was born in the city of De- troit, Dec. 25, 1849, the son of Michael O'Connor, who was a native of Ireland. Losing his parents when seven years old, he lived with an uncle until 14, receiving a fair common English education. He then commenced to earn his own livelihood. Feb. 4, 1864, wliile in his 15th year, he cnlislcd in Co. F, 17th Mich. Vol. Inf ; and during his service he was engaged in seven battles, among which were the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-House and Cold Harbor. He was wounded at the last named place, and after nearly a year's confinement in the hospital, was honorably discharged July 18, 1865. Returning to Flint, Mich., he was employed as a shingle packer and afterwards as a sawyer, in a shingle-mill, for four years. He then became a saw filer, and was thus occupied until 1872, four years of the time being in the employ of Gov. Begole. In the year named he came to this county, and engaged as filer for Wilson Bros., of Vernon Township. In 1881 he settled on 80 acres on section 18, which he had purchased in 1875. He has improved half of this tract. June 20, 1872, was the date of his marriage to Miss Amanda M. Brooks. She was born in Tuscola County, Aug. lo, 1857, and is the mother of two children, one of whom is dead. Charles was born Nov. 12, 1873. Willie was born Nov. 2, 1881, and died Sept. 22, 1881. Mr. O. is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is in politics a Democrat, and is Township Treasurer, hav- ing been elected in 1883. j ev. John R. Robinson, preacher and mis- sionary on the Petosky Indian circuit and resident in the township of Isabella, Isa- bella County, is the only child of Rix Robinson, the first white settler in Kent Co., Mich. Rix Robinson came to the Grand River Valley in 1821, in the interests of the American FurCompany. He was a man of remarkable character, who com- manded the respect of the savages among whom he spent his life and from whose history he is insepara- ble, l)y the nature of his relations with them. In September folloiving his arrival in Kent County, he married Mis-so quot-o-^^cyi^^ ^^i>-/^^'i^^t^^^t-^V^ ISABELLA COUNTY. -:2j>^-isr 4^^j(^V^ T 6 Y ) ^ I C 457 John R. Robinson received the best educational advantages of the sections wliere his father had busi- ness interests. He was sent to an infant school on the island of Mackinaw, taught by Mrs. Sarah C. Owens, and later to the school at Flat River, now Lowell, in Kent County, taught by Caroline Beard, who was married to Caleb Page. Later on he was sent to Grand Rapids to complete his period of study. On reaching manhood he became manager of his father's large estate, and during the winter seasons J engaged in buying furs for Nelson Robertson, for the •J Fort Wayne Company, Louis Canipau and A. Rob- j erts & Son, of Grand Rapids. He was afterwards in- terested in the construction of the Detroit & Milwau- kee Railroad, and superintended the building of six miles of the track near Spring Lake and in the vicinity of Ionia, this enterprise occupying two years. On its termination he engaged as an Indian trader in Oceana County at Pentwater and Elbridge, in which he continued three years. During the past 2o years he has been engaged to some extent in the same variety of traffic at various points in Michigan. He has acted all his life as Indian interpreter, hav- ing learned from childhood both the English lan- guage and the Indian dialects. In the years 1862 and '3 he assisted in raising a company of military recruits, and intended entering the service of the United Slates under a Lieutenant's commission, but his father interfered, as he was an only son. Still he continued to do valuable service as a recruiting officer, and received the enlistment of a considerable number of whites and Indians. While at Pentwater he was converted to the Chris- tian religion, through the efforts of the Revs. Lee and Boynton, revival preachers of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and from tiie period of his conversion was a changed man. The license of the life he lived, and the opportunities afforded him by unlimited re- sources of money, etc., derived from his father's immense property, had subjected him to deleterious influences and he ran a career of dissipation, of whose character he was scarcely conscious until its enor- mity was brought to his comprehension by the efforts of the Methodist missionaries. Within a year after his conversion he was licensed a local preacher, and has since done valiant service among the people with whom he is connected by blood. He was married March 15, 1846, to Lucy A., daughter of Solomon and Clementina (Granger) Withey. She was born in 1829, in St. Alban's, Vt., and by her marriage became the mother of five chil- dren, liorn as follows: Harriet E., Feb. 13, 1849; Andrew J., Aug. 17, 185T, died Aug. 27, 1852; Charity C.,June 13, 1853, died Aug. 24, 1866; Den- nis W., Feb. 8, 1856, died Aug. 25, 1856; James B., Sept. 29, 1857, died Feb. i, 1879. Mrs. Robinson passed many years of her life as a teacher among the people to whom she became al- lied through her marriage. At the time of her death she was teaching at the Sheldon school-house near Nipissing. She died in the religious harness, and is succeeded in her labors by her sole surviving child, Harriet E. Robinson, who is following worthily in the work of her sainted mother. -taasiQ/^^^ ^©fS'Zizrzriv V^ feenry Woodin, farmer and mill owner on ^^—.jJs section 28, Sherman, is a son of Henry and xi^ Lydia (Earl) Woodin, natives of New York. Henry Woodin, Sr., was a farmer, and died in his native State. His son Henry was born Nov. 6, 1S27, in Monroe ('o., N. Y., and lived at home until 19 years of age, receiving a good elementary English education in the common schools. After leaving the parental roof he was employed in various grist-mills until 1853, when he came to Saginaw, this Slate. He then worked at farming and lumbering until 1869, when he came to this county, selected a mill-site on (Chippewa River, and erected a grist and saw mill, which he has operated ever since. He owns at the present time 1,050 acres of land, includ- ing 1 20 acres of winter wheat. He has in all 200 acres improved, and good farm buildings. He was married in 1838, to Miss Sarah B. Rose, who was born Sept. 10, 1825, in Ontario Co., N. Y., the daughter of William and Anna (Barber) Rose, of New York Slate. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. W. : George E. was born Aug. 11, 1848, and was accidentally killed in iiis father's saw- mill, in 1878: Anna A., was born July 12, 1850 ; and Louella E., Aug. 10, i860. In |iolitical faith, Mr. Woodin is a Democrat. He was elected Supervisor in 1871, and held the office / m 4S8 ISABELLA COUNTY. •ZiS^^ .-A''*-. fsix consecutive years; and in 1883 and 1884 he was again chosen to the same position. He is a member %» of the Masonic Order. I The portrait of Mr. Woodin is given in tliis work, as (^ that of a worthy and representative citizen of Isabella County. O '41^"""^ nett Hou: ^ St. John's, Cli ■ M^ rederiek A. Stebbins, of the firm of F. . ^ , A. Stebbins & Co., proprietors of the Ben- se at Mt. Pleasant, was born at John's, Clinton Co., Mich., March 7, 1859. 'l^ He is the son of Wolcott L. and Lucinda i (Francisco) Stebbins, residents 01 St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Mich. Their family comprise eight chil- dren, — Edgar, Arthur, Clara, Fred, Orville, Minnie, Bessie and Mynie. Clara, the eldest daughter, is ) npw Mrs. John Hughs, of St. Louis. Mr. Stebbins spent his boyhood and youth in ob- ^^ taining his education, and at the age of 17 decided ° to learn the business of harness-maker, and spent ^t^ some time in acquiring its details, in a sliop at St. ° Louis. After completing his knowledge of the voca- ^y tion he attended school one year. Afterward he formed a partnership with his brother, A. M. Steb- {( -s bins, in the business of harness-making. The rela- tion existed two years, when he purchased the interest of his brother and continued its managen.ent singly for some time, when he interested himself in the jewelry business, which he prosecuted three years in Ithaca, Gratiot County. He was married Aug. 30, 1879, at St. Louis, to Cora A. Richardson. She was born June 2, 1862, in Lyons, Fulton Co., Ohio, and is the eldest child of M. D. and Roby L- (Worden) Richardson. (See sketch of M. D. Richardson.) Louie R. , eldest child of this marriage, was born July 11, 1880, at St. Louis, and died in that place Dec. 24, 1880. Pearl T. was born March 29, 1882, at Ithaca, Gratiot County. After his marriage Mr. Stebbins purchased the fix- i tares of the Fox (Retan) House at Ithaca, which he, f associated with his father in-law, opened for the ac- commodation of the public, and they continued its management until the first of May, 1S83. At that f® date they came to Mt. Pleasant and took [Msssession 7* of the Bennett House, a new hotel built by Come- lius Bennett, whose name it bears. It is a finely constructed building, fronting on Broadway, three stories in height above the basement, and is 118 by 60 feet in dimensions. It is one one of the most popular and best managed hotels in Northern Michi- gan, holding a large and constantly increasing pat- ronage. It is supplied with first-class modern fixtures, has fine, convenient sample rooms, billiard hall, etc. Messrs. Stebbins & Richardson own, as auxiliary to the hotel, a farm of 20 acres in Union Township, sit- uated three-fourths of a mile east of the village of Mt. Pleasant, which they have placed in the best order of cultivation, and design to supply the hotel which they manage with the table commodities of the best character, securing fresh eggs, dairy products and vegetables, thus promoting the comfort and well- being of their patrons. 1^0 ffl ndrew r. Childs, farmer on section 29, Coe j ^'"j^| .| Township, is a son of John and Mary %i^^ (Craig) Childs, natives of New York and Maine. The parents came to Michigan and settled in Monroe County, afterwards reniov- ' ing to Jackson County, where they died. Their family of children numbered nine, six of whom grew to be adults. Andrew, the fifth, was born in Wash- tenaw County, Jan. 30, 1833, and remained at home till 22 years old, attending the common schools and assisting his father on the farm. He came to Isabella County in February, 1853, and is truly a pioneer. He bought 160 acres on sec- tion 29, Coe Township, where he has continuously resided. He has about 125 acres improved and in a state of scientific cultivation. He was first married in Jackson County, this State, Nov. 22, 1852, to Sarah Bunce. She died March 12, 1865, leaving four children, — Clarissa A., Eliza J., Darwin and Orlando. Eliza J. died May 28, 1879, aged nearly 21, having married Merritt I-eonard, of Coe Township. Mr. C. was again married, in Isa- bella County, April 20, 1865, to Susan E , daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Waters) Casey, and widow of Alden S. Davis, who was killed in the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. Mrs. Childs was born in Gen- esee Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1834. She had by the first J <^ A c^: (p^ I > r>A^. '-^fri^r^f^ ISABELLA COUNTY. r^^ /\ >: V 4 ^^ marriage a son, Frank, and by her second, two chiU ' "i dren, Jessa and Raldon. .'*", Mr. C. has held the different school offices, and r has also been Pathmaster. He is a Kepuhlicaii, a Freemason, and, with his wife, a member of ilie Methodist Episcopal Church. rthur N. Ward, teacher in District No. 6, Isabella Township, residing at Mt. Pleas- ant, is a son of Nathaniel and Emily («(•<• Everest) Ward, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively, and both of New England [jarentage. The father was a teacher and surveyor by occupation and died in 1863. The mother is still living, and is a resident of Chippewa Township, this county. Arthur N. was born in Ionia County, this .State, Jan. I, 1S62. Four years later he came witli his mother and step-father to this county. They settled in Chippewa Township and entered on the arduous though pleasant task of improving their land. When they first came to the township, but few families had settled in it and the land they procured was a dense forest. With true pioneer " grit " they entered on the task of improvemeit, and, supported by faith in the future development of the country and an abundance of energy, they overcame all obstacles. Arthur lived on llie old homestead, assisted the father on the farm, and attended the public and com- mon schools until he attained the age of 15 years. On arriving at this age he began teaching in the public schools of this county. He continued to teach winters, and during the spring and summer attended the union school at Mt. Pleasant, the more thor- oughly to educate himself for his profession. Though a young man, he has attained that perfection and system in his profession whii h calls forth many en- comiums from the citizens in whose district he has taught. Mr. Ward was iniited in marriage, Sept. 3, 1882, with Miss Minnie, daughter of Charles and Sophro- nia (Landon) Taylor, natives of England and Can- ada respectively. The father, by occupation, was a farmer and is at present living in Chippewa Town- ship, this county. Minnie was born Jan. 4, 1862, in Chipjiewa 'i'ownship. She was reared and grew to womanhood under the parental roof, and the mem- ories of the old homestead, with its trials and cares, its joys and pleasures, are fondly cherished by her yet. Her education was acquired at the old log- cabin schools of her county and the schools at Mt. Pleasant; and at the age of 15 she entered upon the profession of teaching, which she continued with credit and success until the date of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are the parents of one child, an infant, born May 12, 1883. Politically, Mr. Ward is a staunch supporter of and believer in the prin- ciples of the Republican party. M. Brooks, farmer, section 14 ^llfH-i^harles ^1(^7^3^ Union Township, and ex-Sheriff of Isa- ^jg^ bella County, was born Sept. 5, 1840, in fjl? Clinton, Seneca Co., Ohio. His father, James I M. Brooks, was born June 14, i8ii,in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and married Nancy Myers. The mother was born Oct. 6, 1810, in Fairfield Co., Ohio. Her family was of German origin and settled in Virginia. Mr. Brooks, senior, removed his family to Iowa City, Iowa, in the fall of 1849, returning thence in the spring of 1850 to the township of Rives, in Jack- son Co., Mich. They settled on a farm of 162.64 acres, where they reared their children, giving them the education of the common schools. The father died on the homestead June 12, 1865. Thedeatiiot the mother occurred June 23, 1861. Mr. Brooks was engaged in agriculture until his marriage, which took place in 1868, and soon after that event he went to Everett, Cass Co., Mo., where he opened a general store and continued its manage- ment about seven months, when he exchanged his stock for 40 acres of land in Bates Co., Mo. He took possession of the place, and a short time after- wards discovered that his title was defective. He returned to Everett, where he opened a general store, in company with Jefferson Willhite. Six months later, the firm style became Brooks & Wilson by a change in the junior partnership. This relation ex- isted about a year, when Mr. Brooks disposed of his interest and returned to Jackson County, to take charge of the home estate. He continued to man- age the property about a year and a half. On the first of March, 1873, he came to Isabella County and I SJ^ c) myymm^-- -55:^^^ .l:^^ m ls>A 'Sfir. (O, >5 ^ bought 80 acres of timber land on section 23, in Union Township, where he resided till March, 1884, when he sold the estate. He removed to a farm of 40 acres, which he owns on section 14, and which he is vigorously engaged in placing in first-class farm- ing condition, and proposes to erect thereon a fine house and suitable buildings. He also owns three building lots in the village. Mr. Brooks has been continuously in public office for the last decade. He served as Township Treas- urer during the years 1874-5-6-7, and in 1878 dis- charged the duties of Supervisor. In the autumn of that year he was nominated for Sheriff on the Demo- cratic and Fusion tickets, and made a successful run against Thomas J. Fordyce, Republican nominee, and Tunis W. Swartz, whose name appeared on the Independent ticket. Mr. Brooks received a majority of 24 votes. In the fall of 1880 he achieved another triumph, being re-elected to the same position by 150 Wiajority. He returned to his farm in January, 1882, and was elected Supervisor, which position he is now occupying. During the year 1881-2 he was engaged, in addition to the business of his office, in selling agricultural implements, in company with Messrs. Hance & Upton. The firm style was Charles M. Brooks & Co., and the business was located on Broad- way, nearly opposite the Bennett House at Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Brooks was married June 18, 1868, in Colum- bus Grove, Futnam ('o., Ohio, to Mary A. Mc Clure. She was born Dec. 15, 1843, in Putnam County, and is a daughter of Andrew and Mary A. McClure. Stratton D., only child, was born Sept. 10, 1869, in Bates Co., Mo. I^nson Davenport, farmer on section 26, Coe |!( Township, is a son of Hezekiah and Nellie S-'ja* (English) Davenport, natives respectively of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and Tioga Co., Pa. The parents first settled in Tompkins Co., N. Y., and afterwards removed to Onondaga County, same State, where they lived two years. They then returned to Tompkins County, where they died, he in October, 1848, and she in April, 1851. Their family included eight sons and three daughters, Anson being the fifth son. He was born in Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1835, and received a common-school educa- tion and assisted on his father's farm until 15 years old, when he was for two years employed at gun- smithing. He was next employed on the Erie Canal, and then worked for a short time in a hotel. In the fall of 1851 he came with his oldest brother, Ben- jamin, to the Peninsular State, and lived for one year in Parma, Jackson County. He then lived al- ternately in New York and Michigan until the fall of 1866, when he bought a farm in Montcalm County, on which he lived two years. His next venture was to build a hotel at Carson City, same county, which he operated one year. Disposing of his hotel, he bought a farm in Ingham County, which he worked five years. He then lived one year ni Gratiot County, and in January, 1875, he came to this county and bought 80 acres in Coe Township, where he has since resided. He has disposed of 40 acres, and one-half the remainder is under the plow. He was married in Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1856, to Eliza, daughter of Alanson and Sarah (Weeks) Turner, natives of New York. She was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., July 27, 1840. Of this marriage one daughter has been born, Delilah A., the wife of Frank Williams. Politi- cally, Mr. D., is strictly independent. ohn A. Schafer, farmer, section 14, Notta- wa Township, was the son of Mathias and - Catharine («(V Schueller) Schafer, natives of Germany. The father died Sept. 2, 1874, ^r and the mother is still living, in Dallas Town- \ ship, C'linton County, this State. Mr. Schafer, Jr., the subject of our sketcli, was born in Prussia, July 31, 1848. He emigiated with his parents to America and settled at Westjjhalia, Clinton County, this State, July 10, 1854. Coming, as he did, to Clinton County at an early day, he experienced all the trials of tiie early pioneer and successfully battled against and overcame them. He remained in that county unlil 1880, when, on the 3d day of June, he came to this county with his faniily. He had previously, Jan. 27, 1880, purchased a farm of 80 acres, on which he moved and entered on the pleasant though laborious task of improving it. I'Vb. 26, the same year, Mr. S. purchased 40 acres I I ^ ■ 1 — ' (V r^ ,.sy?%^. -K"^D n "^^ ti ^'<>^ — :2%p#^ 445^:^11 ^yri- ?-1^'d^^^ T -2f^^t ■^rv'v'':! A b^?^r^ ISABELLA COUNTY. 463 -L 4 more, making the aggregate of his landed possessions 120 acres. Of this, he has improved 50 acres, and has erected thereon a commodious residence and a good barn. Mr. Schafer was united in marriage, Nov. 4, 1873, Y •'■' Westphalia, Clinton County, to Miss Katrina, daughter of Peter Smith. Her father and mother are both deceased, the former dying Nov. 6, 1S69, and the mother Dec. 18, 1859. Mrs. Schafer was born March 7, 1S50, in Westpiialia. To their union four children were born, three of whom are living: John P., born Dec. 29, 1874; Anna M., born Nov. 20, 1879; and Frank, born July 27, 1882. Josejjh was born Sept. 15, 1877, and died May 4, 1882. Mr. Schafer is now holding the office of Township Assessor, and in politics affiliates with the Demo- cratic party. He and Mrs. S. are both members of the Roman Catholic Church. ■-^1 — <^tg!= Crego, farmer, stock-raiser and residing on section 30, Lincoln Township, was born in Liberty, Jackson ^ Co., this State, Aug. 8, 1858. The father of our subject, Richard J. Crego, was a native of Erie Co., N. Y., of English and (German e.xtraction, and came to this State in the year 1835 and settled in Jackson County. When he came to that county it was but little settled and he may be considered one of the pioneers. He located on a farm in the township of Liberty about ten miles south of Jackson, and cast his lot with those of many others of Michigan's early pioneers. Jackson at that time was but a small village, consisting of a few log huts, and in many parts of the county the hand of improvement could not be seen at all. Possessing great faith in the future development of the county and an abundance of energy and perseverance, he set to work to clear and improve his land, and before his death he succeeded in placing his second farm in high cultivation, and erecting thereon a fine resi- dence. He was a man of good education and was greatly honored and respected by the citizens of the county. He was Representative in the State Legisla- ture during the entire administration of Gov. Blair and in the Senate during Gov. Crapo's term. Frank C. Crego, the subject of this biographical (c\ I notice, left the farm in Liberty \x\x>x\ which he was born and moved with his parents to the town of Co- lumbia, near Brooklyn, when seven years old. He lived on the farm, attending school at Brooklyn, Napoleon and Jackson, and spent a portion of his ^ time on the farm, where idleness was not permitted, y and acquired a good practical knowledge of agricul- ture. At the age of 16 years the father of our subject died, and (his mother having previously died) Frank was sent by his uncle to Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale. He remained at that school for two and one-half years, and then went to the home of of his uncle and there remained until lie had at- tained the age of manhood. When 22 years old Mr. Crego came to this county and purchased 80 acres of partly improved land. This was the summer of 1878, and Mr. Crego has spent his time and means since then in the improve- ment of that land and his stock interests. He is a breeder of swine and sheep, and prides himself, as justly he may, on his success in that line. His speci- alty in swine is the "Thoroughbred Chester Whites," and in sheep the "American Merino." He has at- tended several exhibitions of stock, almost all the county fairs and the Northeastern District fair at Saginaw, with his stock, and has always succeeded in obtaining the " blue ribbon," or first premium. At Saginaw Mr. Crego was awarded five first pre- miums on his " Chester Whites," and also second premium. He competes with the best breeders in the State in his line, and has always succeeded in capturing the prize. Mr. Crego was united in marriage, iShirch 13, 1879, with Miss Caroline McGregor. She was a daughter of Hamilton and Eliza (Hazlett) McGregor, natives of New York, and of Scotch and English e.\traction. They are at jjresent residents of Fremont Township, this county. Caroline was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 12, 1857. She came to this State when 12 years of age, and has since lived in Hillsdale and Isabella Counties. She acijuired a good education at the common and public schools and taught two terms previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Crego are the parents of one child, Ida A., born June 21, i88r. Mr. C. at present is Chairman of the Board of School Inspectors and Highway Commissioner for his township, as well as a member of the Executive Board of the County c^: ( (^ 1 ■^nM'^<^>^r^ — ^^^^ ^mmj^m m w "^^^"i:^'^ v-^ :^^— 464 V ISABELLA COUNTY. i%l i^- — - — ^y At;ricuUural Society and General Sui)erintendent for 'f,\ this year. In politics he affiliates with the Repub- ^ lican party. XThe portrait of Mr. Oego, on a preceding paj^e, will be considered a necessary addition to our collec- tion in this work. Cames Wilsey (deceased), late farmer on section 17, Coe Township, was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1811, and was a son of Conrad and Polly Wilsey, natives of the State of New York. He lived in the Empire State until 1845, then came to Jackson County, this State, and rented different farms for about nine years, in Jackson and Washtenaw Coun- ties. In October, 1854, he came to Isabella County and took up 160 acres under the Graduation Act. He at once began to clear the same, and at the time of his death had about 40 acres under cultivation. He was married in Jackson Co., Mich., to Lydia, daughter of John and Mary (Craig) Childs. (Sec sketch of A. F. Childs.) Mrs. Wilsey was born in Medina, N. Y., Aug. 12, 1S21. .\mos, Hoffman and Lester are the three children added to the family circle. Mr. Wilsey was a prominent and popular man. He was Probate Judge of this county two terms. Supervisor of Coe Township two years, and Highway Commissioner four years. He was an ardent Demo- crat in his political views. He belonged to the Dis- ciples' Church, to which organization Mrs. \V. also adheres. % , harles P. Jeflfords, of the firm of Jeffords '!ll^=^| & Whitney, manufacturers of sash, doors (ind blinds, all kinds of building material and ^£t novelties, Mt. Pleasant, was born in Niagara n\ Co., N. Y., Sept. 27, 1845, ''^"'^ 's ''^^ son of Horace and Clarissa (Partridge) Jeffords. He was reared on his father's farm, attending school winters; and when less than 17 years old, Aug. 21, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Battery M, First N. Y. Light .Art. He served until June 23, 1865. Besides skirmishes, he fought in about 15 regular engagements, among them being Chancellors- ville, Antietam and Gettysburg. In the fall of 1863 he was transferred to the Southwestern Army, and fought at Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Peach-tree Creek, Atlanta, Savannah and other places with Sherman's army. He was taken prisoner at Fayette- ville, N. C, and sent to the Libby at Richmond, Va. Thence, after 30 days, he was paroled, and he then went home on t,o days' furlough. Rejoining his battery at Washington, he was soon after discharged at Rochester, N. Y. Returning home, he engaged in farming. He was married in Porter Township, Niagara Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1866, to Miss Stella L. Baker, daughter of Warren and Rosalinda Baker. Of this marriage three chil- dren were born, in Porter Township, — Rosa E., Sept. 2, 1867; Sarah, Oct. 5, 1870; and Helen C. Mr. J. had a fine farm of 60 acres, highly improved, in Niagara County, which he sold for $100 per acre. In November, 1879,116 came to Mt. Pleasant and entered upon his present business, in company with C. C. Whitney. They have recently built a new mill, 60 X 60 feet, two stories and a basement, on Mill Street, at the foot of Michigan Street. They employ usually about 15 men, and in the building season they employ from 12 to 15 more, they being exten- sively engaged in contracting and building. They have a large yard at their mill, and do both a whole- sale and retail business. Their mill has a capacity for finishing 50,000 feet of lumber per day. heodore A. Tombs, farmer, section 16, Coldwatcr Township, was born May 12, '"'' 1848, in Kendall Co., 111., and is a son of Martin A. and Mary (Thomas) Tombs. (See sketch of Martin A. Tombs.) Mr. Tombs remained under the guidance of his father until he was of age. The family had settled in Coldwater Township in 1868, and on at- taining his majority he bought 160 acres of school land on section 16, in which he has since resided as a farmer. In political faith he is a Republican and has been Highway Commissioner one term. He is now Director of hirs school district. Mr. Tombs was married March V^ 1S70, to Jennie Sly c I --^ ^ ^ (^^ <--ii!i:->:nii>>^ -^^€S^ ^^^".3 ||k/^®^€^#- >^^ia7-'-Sr >: ISABELLA COUNTY. ) ^1^ A., daugliter of Daniel and Alniira A. (Munson) Ride- nour. She was born Oct. 12, 1852, in Brighton • /» Township, Clinton Co., Mich. Ada Almira, born '' Sept. 17, 1873, and Minnie Alta, born March 22, ^ 1878, are the children now included in the family circle. ffp^^eter Gruber, farmer at Salt River, Coe 5 E^'^ -; Township, is a son of John and Catherine '^ m A-^j and was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Dec. ')i^ '^' '^'^- ^^ followed farming in that county 1 till the spring of 1867, when he came to Isa- bella County and bought 160 acres in Coe Township. He has since disposed of 40 acres, and has now about 45 acres under cultivation. He was married in Clarion Co., Pa., June 27, 183S, to Lydia Machnay, and has had five children, Cathe- rine, John E., Fietta, Mary E. and Jacob M. Mrs. G. died March 11, 1853. Politically, Mr. Gruber is a Democrat. -fe-^ ^ -5— ft;ames Swindlehurst, farmer, section 26, 'J^^Si!',- Isabella Township, is a native of Canada, li :3 ■" where, hi Peterborough Co., Ont., he was %^ born July 10, 1851. He lived on the paren- ^r tal homestead, assisting in the maintenance of \ the family and attending the common schools, until he reached the age of manhood, in 1872. On arriving at that age, Mr. S. came to this State and located at Evart, Osceola Co., where he remained for a short time, and then came to this county. He purchased 80 acres of unimproved land in Isabella Township, on section 26, and entered on the labo- rious though pleasant task of improving the same. His purchase consisted all of wild land, and yet so strong was his faith in the future development of the c;ounty, that he threw all his energy into the work of clearing and imjiroving his land and establishing a home for self and family, and now has 60 acres of his farm in a good state of cultivation. His neat resi- dence was built in 1876, and his commodious barn was erected in 1874. Mr. Swindlehurst was united in marriage, June, 7, t g*: ^ I 466 ISABELLA m if ^ living in Montcalm County, this State, five miles &) from Greenville, and the mother died Sept. 17, 1880. •-> Mrs. Mitchell was born Jan. i, 1838, and is the T mother of five children born to her husband, as fol- (^ lows: Charles S., March 21, 1861 ; Clara E., Nov. 4, 1866; George C, Sept. 14, 1869; Letta A., April 29, 1878; Willie A., July 4, 1880. Mr. Mitchell was a soldier in the late war, enlist- ing Aug. 2, 1862, at Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, in the 1 8th U. S. Inf., and served for two years, seven months and seven days. He participated in the battles in which Gen. Sherman's army engaged dur- ing its march from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He was in Gen. Thomas' corps, and at the battle of Altanta, Ga., Aug. 7, 1864, was wounded in the arm by a shell, that broke the bone and necessitated the ampu- tation of the arm, which was done on the 15 th of the same month the battle was fought. He received his ~) discharge March 9, 1865, in consequence of his dis- ability. /7S Mr. Mitchell has a fine farm of 120 acres on sec- i=i tion II, Nottawa Township, 40 acres of which arc »>* well improved. Politically, he is an adherent of the =3 principles of the Democratic party, and lias held the •'\- office of School Director of his district. COUNTY. -Illl>^OIlf>^ ■:2S(s^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. :% (^ >^ V ^ culture. In 1867 he came to Coldwater Township, where he established a homestead claim of 80 acres on section 26. He remained about seven years on that property, sold out and purchased 80 acres on section 30, Gilmore, which is now the property of Mr. Brubaker, to whom he sold the place a year later. He then rented a farm of his son-in-law, which he managed two years. In 1878 he rented 80 acres of land on section 24, Coldwater, leasing the same for five years. At the expiration of four years, in the ^ fall of 1882, he bought the place, of which 35 acres -^ are now improved. He served as Township Treas- ~ urer three terms from the organization of the town- ship. Mr. Ryerson was married Dec. 21, 1852, to Har- riet Isabella Vantine. She was born July 17, 1834, in Huron Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Charles and Mindwell (Hurlbert) Vantine. Her mother died Oct. 22, 1867, in Lenawee Co., Mich. Five of the children born of the marriage of Mr. Ryerson are living; five are deceased. The following is their record: Ann Elizabeth, born May 9, 1854, married Hanford Roberts, Sept. 4, 1872, and died Sept. 2, 1877; Charles Melville, born Sept. 24, 1855, died March 10, 1859; Mina Isabella, born Jan. 10, 1858, died Sept. 13, 1861; Frances Jane, born Oct. 11, 1859, married Sylvester Hammond March 6, 1876; Elsie May, born July 4, 1861, married Andrew Hill, Nov. 30, 1879; Florence A., born May 3, 1863, mar- ried Charles E. Wilcox, July 14, 1880; Mary Belle, born June 18, 1866, died Feb. 12, 1867; Willie A., born Jan. 2, 1868, died July 15, 1875; Milo Elmer, May 13, 1870; Clara Helen, July 6, 1872. '(^d flli^ illiam T. Whitney, of the firm of Russell & Whitney, at Mt. Pleasant, and County Su[)erintendent of the Poor, was born Dec. 17, 1838, in Hopewell Township, Ontario Co., N. Y. He is a son of Benjamin and I ' Caroline (Hall) Whitney, who were born re- spectively in Vermont and New York. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and later in life became a farmer, which calling he pursued until his death, which occurred in the State of New York. The mother resides at Salt River in Isabella County. Mr. Whitney was brouglit up on his father's farm. rr^, :^$>i:€^^ -^<^D!i:^: and in 1858 he and his uncle, John F. Hall, bought a saw-mill in Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y. After continuing the management of this two years, they sold out and Mr. Whitney went to Mason Co., 111., where he operated six months as a farm assistant. Afterwards he went to Cambria Township, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and engaged as a builder until the second call for troops in the war of the Rebellion. He en- listed Aug. 6, 1862, in Co. D, i8th Mich Vol. Inf., Capt. C. B. Van Valer. Mr. Whitney served with his regiment in all the service for which it was de- tailed and was iii action in several skirmishes. He was in the detachment which left Decatur Sept. 24, 1864, to reinforce the garrison at Athens. The com- mand included 231 officers and men. When within two miles of Athens they were attacked by a reiiel force under Gen. Forrest, and, after five hours' des- perate fighting and pushing toward the fortifications at Athens, they surrendered, as the fort was in the pos- session of the rebels. A few of the command escaped, the remainder were captured, killed or wounded. Mr. Whitney was among the latter and received four gunshot wounds, — in his right leg, abdomen, right fore-arm and left lower leg. He was wholly disabled and was finally discharged from Harper's Hospital, Detroit, May 2, 1865, when he returned to Hillsdale County. In the spring of 1866 Mr. Whitney came to Mt. Pleasant, where, in company with his brother, C. C. Whitney, he engaged as a builder until 1870. After that date he was variously occupied. He was the proprietor of the Whitney Exchange Hotel in 1882-3 and has since operated in insurance and other light business. In January, 1884, he formed his present association with F. Russell, and the firm are trans- acting insurance business. Mr. Whitney has never recovered from the severity of his injuries received in his country's service. Besides the duties of his official trust as Superintendent of the Poor, he his discharging the obligations of the offices of Secre- tary of the Village Hoard, Village Clerk, and Clerk of Union Township. He was Township Treasurer in 1879-80. He is a member of Lodge No. 217,1. O. O. F., at Mt. Pleasant, and belongs to Wabon Lodge, No. 305, Chapter No. iii,R. A. M., and member of Wabon Post, No. 250, G. \. R. Tlie marriage of Mr. Wiiitney wiili Selinda M. Fry occurred Sept. 2, 185S, at Farmington, Ontario V^ r 1=3 4 fo^- ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. t Co., N. Y. She was born Jan. 17, 1841, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and is a daughter of Obadiah and Luna Fry. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, three of whom are deceased — Isabel, Hiram B. and Walter. William B. is a printer in Coburg, Can. Irving E. and Walhice remain with tlieir par- eiits. The portrait of Mr. U'liitney is presented on another page. It will prove a substantial addition to the collection of portraits of representative men in Isabella County. :>J V r^ zra P. Plowman, farmer on section 32, Coe ^^jij Township, is a son of William T. and Mary A. (Potts) Plowman, natives of the ^|§. State of New York, and was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 15, 1834. At the age of seven, he went with his parents to Clinton County, where he developed into manhood, securing a limited English education. In the fall of 1S54 he came to this county and bought 160 acres in Coe Township, where he now re- sides. He has since sold 40 acres, and of the re- mainder 90 acres are under cultivation. He was married in Gratiot County, March 3, 1857, to Barbara L., daughter of Joseph and Martha (Mc- Kee) Brady, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. P. was born in Wyandot Co., Ohio, May 20, 1840, and came to this county with her parents in 1855. Hav- ing no family of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Plowman have cared for and reared three children,— William Small, Salem V.. Richardson and Louisa M. Gifford. Mr. P. has held the office of Highway Commissioner several terms. Politically, he is independent, but he generally supports the Rei)ulilican party. |Fk'jJ ||b illiam H. Gaumer, farmer, section 22, 4^^^^ Coldwater Township, was born May 15, m'SSr' '^5°' "'' ^'''^ State of Pennsylvania, county of Lehigh. His parents, Isaac and Mary D. (Mctz) Gaumer, were born respectively in Penn- sylvania and New Jersey. They came to Mich- igan in April, 1855, and settled in Oakland County, where the father was a renter until 1865, when he removed his family and interests to St. John's, Clin- ton Co., Mich., and rented farms in that vicinity until 1869. In that year, Mr. Gaumer came to Isabella County and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres in the township of Coldwater, which he made his residence and lived upon about six years, when he exchanged farms with his father, who owned 80 acres on section 22. On this he resided about eight years, when he sold out and about a year afterward he bought 18 acres on section 22, where he has since lived. In the year 1877, Mr. Gaumer went to Denver, setting out on the first day of January. He returned July 28, 1877, and, during his absence, was engaged in carpentry at Ballarat and Jamestown, excepting a few days, when he was employed in the Smuggler mine at Ballarat. Mr. Gaumer was married June 19, 1873, to So- phronia A., daughter of William F. and Lozina (Decker) Baker. She was born Aug. 30, 1853. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaumer, as follows: Edna A., Sept. 7, 1875; Mattie S., May 3, 1877 (died Feb. 21, 1883); Charles E., March 18, 1880; William T., Sept. 30, 1883. Mr. Gaumer is a Republican in political faith. His father died April 13, 1879, in Coldwater Township, and his mother resides with her daughter, Mrs. Jesse E. Forbes. 'ames Tubbs, proprietor of the Loomis House, at IvOomis (Wise Township), was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., March 22, 181 2. His parents, Lebbeus and Hannah (Matthews) Tubbs, were natives of Orange Co., N. Y. After their marriage they settled in Chemung Co., N. Y., where they passed the remain- ing portion of their lives. The father died July 29, 1843; the mother died about 1853. Mr. Tubbs has been an agriculturist during the greater part of his active life. He was a resident of his native county until he was 32 years of age. In May, 1S44, he settled in Oakland Co., Midi., where he rented different farms for a period of four years, after which he removed to Genesee Co., Mich., and set- tled upon 160 acres of wild land. He spent 16 years I <^ A ^< c <' K>^- -*?>-♦•?•*-■ il •7<^llll^llllv> "TTT- V "i' >: V > -^ i •J ISABELLA COUNTY. "Z^^^ in its improvement, and at the end of that time sold out and made another transfer to Oakland County. He bought 240 acres of land in the township of Highland, and resided thereon until the spring of 1869, when he again disposed of his property and removed to Fentonville, Genesee Co., Mich. He was in impaired health, and he spent one year in that village in comparative idleness to regain health and strength. In the spring of 1871, he purchased a hotel in Holly, Oakland County, which he retained and managed nearly two years. He again sold out, and in the fall of 1873 he came to Isabella County and became the proprietor of the hotel which he is now conducting, and which is the most prominent public house in Looniis. In regard to national affairs, he is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. Mr. Tubbs was first married in his native county, in December, 1833, to Charlotte Bailey, a native of the same county. She bore him four children — Robert B , Melinda, Fletcher and Alice G. The second named died when she was 24 years old. The mother died A])ril 17, 1865, in Oakland County. Mr. Tubbs was again married, in the last named county, Aug. 8, 1866, to Jeannette Maxwell. She was born Jan. ri, 1834, of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. Tubbs is a lady of more than ordinary educational attainments, and was a successful and popular teacher of Oakland County, where she taught 17 terms of school. ^f K3.^-,harles T. Russell, Prosecuting Attorney of t)l|^a|i^ Isabella County, was born May 17, 1853, ilj^"^ in Grand Ledge, Eaton Co., Mich. John wfe W. Russell, his father, was born Aug. 24, 181 9, y^ in Oneida Co., N. Y., of English ancestry. He \ was married in 1 841, to Sophronia L. Camp- bell, a native of Canandaigua Co., N. Y., where she was born in 1820, of Scotch [larenlage. Their fam- ily included seven sons, two of whom became soldiers for the Union. Edwin O. and James Franklin, the two eldest, enlisted in the Seventh Mich. Cav. The latter died May 10, 1865, of disease contracted in the army. He was 19 years old, and passed througli much arduous service under Gen. Sheridan in the valley of the Shenandoah and elsewhere. John VV. Russell was, in point of fact, the founder of Grand Ledge, where he settled about the year 1844. Among his first acts was the erection of a saw-mill, and he built the first dam across Grand River. He has always been a man of activity and enterprise, and identified with the progress of the place. He owns a valuable estate of 280 acres near Grand Ledge, where he resides; and he is 66 years old. Calvin C, Oliver E., J. Newton and Fred are the names of his other sons. Mr. C. T. Russell is the sixth son of his par- ents. He was a student in the district scliools, and afterwards studied at the High School in Grand Ledge. He decided on the profession of law for his vocation in life, and on leaving school he engaged in teaching winters and reading law summers. He passed three years in this manner, and was admitted to practice in the State Courts of Michigan, at Char- lotte, Eaton County, Oct. 15, 1877. He came to Mt. Pleasant, where he opened his office for practice, April 25, 1878. He has met with gratifying success, and has at- tained some notoriety through his connection with y^ noted cases, among which was the trial of Joseph ^'• Bucher, at Harrison, Clare County, for murder, in which case he was associated with H. H. Graves. The following journalistic comments on the man- agement and outcome of this celebrated trial, will present a better exhibit of the forensic abilities of Mr. Russell than later records can do, as they were cotemporary and the public interest in the case was at the time intense. The Mt. Pleasant Tribune said : " Chas. T. Rus- sell, as counsel for the defense in the case of People vs. Bucher, made one of the most eloquent argu- ments to which we have ever listened. He is a law- yer of rare promise, and we predict for him a brilliant future." Saginaw Courier : " Mr. Charles Russell, one of the defendant's counsel, argued the law points lo Judge Hart, in which he showed great fiimiliarity with his subject. His brief was very exhaustive, exhibiting extensive research among voluminous legal matter. If the defendant is not acquitted, it will not be the fault of his counsel, who have not left a stone un- turned that would work to the defendant's benefit. Mr. Russell is a young man, and though not long in practice, is fast climbing to the top round of the lad- of the Bar of Isabella County." Other notes: "They secured for their client a dis- (^ §>: V) t ^^ £^ •.r'?<^yr^ -^s^:^^ ■# #t^f1^ 472 (Oj :^ > ISABELLA COUNTY. (J^ agreementof the jury, and he was never convicted." Mr. Russell's argument to the jury was a striking exhibit of his character as a man. His position was that of a defender of the general principle of human rights, and that every accused person is presumably innocent until conclusively proved guilty; and he argued with distinguished ability on the essentials to crime and the necessity of integrity in the evi- dence where so great a iiuestion as human liberty is involved. In 1880, Mr. Russell was appointed Village Attor- ney, and in 1881 accepted the position of Village President. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 267 votes, — a most flattering result, as the district is strongly Republican. The vote on the village ticket of Mt. Pleasant was Republican, and Mr. Russell was the only successful nominee on the Democratic ticket. He has been the incumbent of numerous minor official' positions. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows at Mt. Pleasant. The marriage of Mr. Russell to Nettie M. White occurred March 22, 1882, at Burlington, Vt. She was born at Duxbury, Vt., March 8, 1853, and is a daughter of Walter H. and Lestina White. One child— Ruby — was born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell, Feb. 10, 1883. Mr. White was born in Vermont, March 8, 1823, and has been a prominent farmer and active politician of Chittenden County many years. He was a member of the Assembly of the Green Mountain State in the years 1878-9. His wife was born in Duxbury, Vt., March 31, 1S33. Cerritt Leonard (deceased), farmer on section 22, Coc Township, was born in "'T^ Greene Co., Pa., Aug. 21, 181 8, and was ij^'\\X^ the son of Lot and Elizabeth Leonard, na- tives of Pennsylvania. He practiced his pro- fession (medicine) in the Keystone State until December, 1869, when he came with his family to Isabella County and bought 120 acres in Coe Town- ship, on which he resided until his death, which oc- curred Jan. 18, 1871. He was married in Washington Co., Pa., May i, 185 1, to Jane, daughter of William and Martha (Clark) Dickerson, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. L. was born in Washington, Pa., May 25, 1826. To this marriage six children were born, four of whom survive: William D., Orlando A., Leroy B. and Lizzie M. Lot L. and an infant are deceased. «v V Ibert A. Shaver, dealer in furniture, under- [ taker, and Treasurer of Clare County, re- ^ sides at Clare, near the Isabella County line. '•jiaT He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Sept. 17, if 1840, the sou of Lewis and Sarah (Chapman) ' Shaver, natives of New England and of Eng- lish-German descent. The father died in Gratiot County, this State, in 1879; the mother resides with Mr. Shaver at Clare. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Emerson Township, Gratiot Co., Mich., in 1856, and lived there until Sept. 13, 1862. On that date he enlisted in Co. D, 26th Mich. Vol. Inf , and his command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Hancock. On the last day's fight in the Wilderness he was wounded in the left hip by a minie-ball. He also fought at Petersburg and on the South-Side Railroad, of Virginia, where he was C ' again wounded, a bullet passing through the liver and kidney. At the time he received this second wound he was color-bearer of his regiment. From these two injuries he was in hospital 13 months. He was discharged July 24, 1865, after an honorable service of about three years. Returning to Gratiot County, he lived at home two years, during which time he was married to Ellen Muscott, a native of Gratiot County, where she was born April 9, 1849. After marriage, he resided on a farm in Gratiot County until 187 i, when he came to Clare. Here he worked at carpentry, which trade he had learned after leaving the army. He built the first house in Clare, camping out under a large elm tree while at work on the same. In August, 1879, he entered upon his present business with a stock of ii!ii,2oo, which is now increased to $5,000. He does an annual business of $6,000. Mr. S. is Trustee of the Congregational Church, of which he and wife are active members. He has

    A-c^ JSs^'^^ tyst:2 ^cJ, U^ T2^'v "^■Xi^C ISABELLA COUNTY. *^5 ;^ -S V been School Assessor, and for six years Treasurer. In 1879 he was Supervisor, and the following year he was elected County Treasurer, which office he now holds. In politics, he is a staunch Republican. WfnW i^li^'^ ^- Brown, attorney, banker, and M l^Jq i lumberman, residing at Mt. Pleasant, was J^^r^ born in the city of New York, June 24, JJ$^^ 1849. His parents, James and Sarah (Wales) "I3J' Brown, belong to the race known and com- l, prehended distinctively as Scotch-Irish. The father was connected with lumbering interests in the metropolis of the Empire State, and about the year 1852 removed his family and interests to Zilwaukee, Saginaw Co., Mich. Two years later they went to a farm in Richland Township, where the family now reside. Mr. Brown's mother is one of that class of women whom no pen can adequately portray ; to whom motlierhood brings a sense of responsibility which can never be obliterated; whose duties can never be wholly discharged while life continues, and whose best praise is that " her children arise up and call her blessed." Reverses might hamper choice in the method of the training of her sons in such a mother, but her purpose to guide them in proper avenues could be affected by no circumstances, and she molded them from their earliest years by her quiet but inflexible personal influence. She felt that, in this country, the empire of mind must be the only object worthy of aspiration, and she sacrificed every- thing to obtain for her children the opportunities and advantages she herself was powerless to supply. The son, who is the subject of this sketch, was, even in his early boyhood, a boy with a purpose. Although so young, he had developed an eager taste for knowledge which to the observant, vigilant moth- er seemed certain to lead him to the results she so earnestly desired for him ; and when the family left Saginaw he became the protege of the Hon. Aniasa Rust, of Saginaw, from whom and his family he re- ceived the kindest aid and encouragement. He paid his way by manual labor in the intervals of school, and made marked progress. He obtained odd jobs of employment and saved his earnings until he ac- quired a sufficient sum to defray his expenses while attending the High School in the city of Saginaw, where he was a pupil one year, during which he mastered every branch of study taught in the school and passed a most creditable examination before he had attained the age of i 2 years. Young as he was, his active mind had been thor- oughly aroused by the events which preceded the ad- vent of civil war ; and when matters culminated in the assault on Fort Sumter he sought with eagerness an avenue where he could e.xert his small strength and effort in behalf of the Republic. He became a drummer boy and continued to serve in that capacity throughout the entire course of the contest. He en- rolled Oct. 16, 1861, in Saginaw City, in Co. B, Mich. Vol. Inf , under Capt. Charles H. Richmond. He was under fire through most of the prominent en- gagements in whicli his regiment was involved. Perhaps the most remarkable fact in the career of Mr. Brown was the indomitable purpose of his boy- hood, to which he adhered without change or shadow of turning. The incidents and events of camp life, filled with thrilling novelty and calculated to interest and absorb a keen, ambitious mind, never caused him to waver in the pursuit of knowledge, to which he devoted every leisure moment and which instiga- ted in him a frugality which resulted in the saving of every dollar of his earnings. At the termination of the war he had accumulated sufficient money to en- able him to obtain a university education, to which he had looked forward as the acme of his youthful ambitions and aspirations. He matriculated at an educational institution at Rochester and was gradu- ated there with all the honors for which he had so assiduously labored and so laudably craved with all the desire of a strong, young soul, full of the aspira- tions of a noble nature, guided by a judgment and firmness of character which would have graced men of maturity and experience. His constant and unre- mitting efforts resulted in the temporary loss of his sight, and he came back to Detroit in darkness, under the care of a personal friend. Rest and the best medical skill proved effective, and one of his first efforts after his recovery consisted in making an ex- tended tour through the northern portion of Mich- igan, in company with the friend and patron of his boyhood. The route included Isabella County, then in an unbroken state of nature, which he traversed and observed with interest without even an intuition V' i c< ^. ^\&t^^Si ■e^^e^ i^nD>>^- f^^^^ ^ 476 I ISABELLA COUNTY. (b ?^^ > {^ i that it would constitute the scene of the efforts of his later years. On his return to Saginaw he entered the employ of the Hon. D. H. Jerome as book-keeper, a position which he filled with such marked ability and integrity as to secure the entire respect and confidence of the distinguished gentleman in whose interests he acted. He refused a liberal offer for further services in a position of advancement to attend the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He had lost a large pro- portion of the money he had saved for his education, through the misfortunes of a friend to whom he had made a temporary loan; but, instead of yielding to the weight of the disaster, he found in it only the in- centive to greater effort. He endured absolute pen- ury during his collegiate course, and through the closing days subsisted on the most meager fare. He was graduated with honor and soon after entered the office of the Attorney General of Michigan, the Hon. Dwight May, at Kalamazoo, being specially recom- mended by the University faculty for the [wsition. The quality of his services may be readily estimated by the fact that he was soon entrusted with the most important business pertaining to the office, even to the preparation and argument of State cases in the Supreme Court, and that he received special official commendation from the Attorney General. On the termination of his connection with the office of the Attorney General, Mr. Brown returned to Saginaw and began his career as an attorney, de- voting himself especially to a class of cases for which his character and peculiar abilities eminently fitted him, and of which the state of affairs in Isabella County were in extreme need. The interests of the non-resident land-holders were in the utinost peril from the manipulations of a variety of rascals, whom Federal institutions seem powerless to eradicate, and whose business is the direct outcrop of the mal- feasance in office which has left indelible stains upon the escutcheon of the Republic. To the honest efforts and clear-sightedness of Mr. Brown, is Isa- bella County indebted more than to any other one individual for the peerless condition of her municipal affairs. In 1872 he established his legal practice at Mt. Pleasant. In 1873 he was compelled by the colossal proportions of his office business to divide its labors, and he associated with himself John C. Leaton, un- der the style of Brown & Leaton, one of the most prominent legal relations of this section of Michigan and well-known from its connection with imjiortant local litigation. Mr. Brown has achieved signal success as a busi- ness man, and has displayed the same acumen in his investments as in his other efforts through life. He is the owner of several thousand acres of land rated among the most valuable in Isabella County. He has made his purchases from some of the most prom- inent lumber firms in Northern Michigan and has ac- complished substantial results in lumbering opera- tions in his own behalf. In the local interests of his township, village and county, Mr. Brown has been and is an invaluable factor. He operates on the basis of a truly wise man, who recognizes the fact that the furtherance of gen- eral interests pays largest to the promoter, while his unselfishness and disinterestedness are unmistakably set forth. He has invariably shown himself ready to aid substantially in every project that seemed to hold a promise for his own or future generations. He has never held his lands as a monopolist, but has made a practice of offering the most liberal terms to actual settlers and affording means of improvement. His moral attitude is unblemished, and in his religious connections he "is most consistent and tolerant. He is a communicant of the Church of England, and one of the most substantial testimonials to his liberality and genuine Christian purpose is the elegant church of the denomination in which he was born and bred near his residence at Mt. Pleasant, in the erection and equipment of which he and his wife were chiefly instrumental. The inside of the beautiful building is designed after a model on the estate of the Duke of Devonshire, and is very elaborate without the least attempt at ostentation.- In 1878 the only daughter of Gen. Dwight May became the wife of Mr. Brown, and they celebrated their marriage by an extended continental tour. Mrs. Btown is in every sense the counterpart of her husband. Cultured, well-bred, possessed of graces and gifts of nature granted to few, she sheds the luster of a perfect womanhood over the elegancies of the circumstances which surround her. In her social relations she is gracious and genial; in her domestic life she shines as nowhere else ; and a^ an earnest Christian lady solicitous for the well-being of those V^ A C< ? T I ^.^^ •K-^D!]>:dd;>^ -^^^ T2i?^ir^ •^m^m^ ^'^^'•^ ^^^^(^\^ ISABELLA COUNTY. 477 , around her, she has no superior and few peers. Among other local matters with which her name and ' influence are inseparably associated is tlie public library at Mt. Pleasant, of wliich she was for a long » time the chief official. The home of Mr. Brown is that of a gentleman of cultured taste and unaffected intelligence. Art and literature have contributed to its adornment and value, and the mementoes of the foreign travels of Mr. Brown and his accomplished wife are everywhere visible. The collection of pictures is uniijue in this I section, in rarity and notoriety ; the private library contains a large and choice selection from the best authors, and the law library of Mr. Brown is the most extensive in Northern Michigan. The exact attitude of a man to his generation and his influence in the community to which he belongs can be justly estimated from the stand-point of no other man's prejudice or favor. Opinions differ as educa- tion molds mentality, and experience teaches the bio- grapher to portray character from the standard of motive and achievement. Opportunity may serve largely in what one accomplishes, but the underlying fact that a greater ability is necessary to the just com- prehension and value of op[)ortunity is left out of consideration. If a man takes advantage of a chance that opens before him, he is comparatively insignifi- cant in view of the opportunity being afforded. Ob- jects and sound are vain without the complements of sight and hearing; but the comparative significance is quite apparent, and the scope of the one unlimited while the other is in a sense but the result of acci- dent. The responsibility lies with those who fail to take advantage of the tide and move on to disaster, while they who accept the flow at the opportune mo- ment, win its advantages and seem but the children of prosperity. The fact that others fail, in no sense detracts from the merits of those who win. The re- lations of Mr. Brown to Isabella County are such as to render him prominent in his generation. His benefactions to the community of which he is a mem- ber are numberless, and in the majority of them he is simply wise and provident. He exercises the ut- most discrimination and guides his operations with the view of benefiting the greatest possible number. He prefers to act untrammeled, and persistently refuses office, althougli repeatedly solicited to lend his name for positions which in themselves reflect honor upon the incumbent. -^m^. He was nominated Sept. 7, 1882, to represent the 24th Senatorial District of Michigan, comprising the counties of Isabella, Midland, Clare and Gratiot, but declined. The election was secure, as the Republi- can majority in the district was very large. Jan. i, 1883, the bank of Brown, Harris & Co., was organ- ized, and' the institution has since operated in the financial avenues common to similar establishments with satisfactory results. Mr. Brown was elected the Vice-President and one of the Directors of the Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern Railroad, and is a member of its Executive Committee. He received election Feb. 5, subsequent to the incorpora- tion of the road. The portrait of Mr. Brown appears on page 474. g^Iijah Moore (deceased), late resident of Coe Township, was born in Chautauiiua -f^^"^ Co., N. Y., Jan. 27. i8r7, and is a son of i!vL Elijah and Jane (Cazar) Moore, natives of Mas- '' sachusetts, and of Puritan ancestry. The par- J ents were married in the Bay State, and journeyed on horseback ficm Massachusetts to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where they lived until their death, — he dying Nov. ro, 1840, and she May 26, 1862. They reared seven children out of nine born to them : Rebecca, John, Isaac, Catherine, Elsie, Walter, Elijah, Eben and Jane. The subject of this record was the fourth son. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood until n years old, and afterwards attended the acad- emy at Mayville, in his native county, until 22 years old. With this efficient preparation, he taught school with gratifying success for eight years at Nor- walk, Ohio, three years at Amherst, Ohio, and also at other places, — in all 52 terms. He was prominent in public affairs when he lived in New York and Ohio, and held many offices. He was engaged at various times in lecturing, and being possessed of a magnetic temperament, he always had complete con- trol of his audience. He was the owner of a fine farm of 250 acres in Chautauqua County, which he sold in February, 1864, and came to Isabella County. He first bought 80 acres in what is now Salt River. He selected this land with the sole idea of founding a village, in which he succeeded. He also owned c-o: %^^- I ■^ (51 >5 V <^ 'S^ 1 60 acres in different parts of the township of Coe. He was of a genial, hospitable disixjsition, and, with a desire to form the acquaintance of all the new comers in the neighborhood, he opened a hotel in a log house at Salt River, of the commodious dimen- sions of 18 X 20 feet. This was often filled to over- flowing with travelers. He afterwards put ui) a good house on the corner where a hotel is now kept by W. H. Kinter, and had an extensive patronage. He kept a strictly temperance house. He platted what is now Salt River in September, 1866. He was married in Cliautau(iua Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 1839, to Samantha, daughter of Robert and Betsy (Crane) Wilkins, natives of Maine. She was born in Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 4, 181 9, and became the mother of three daughters: Wealthy M., Betsey and Alice. The first named is now the wife of J. J. Upton, and the other two are deceased. Mr. Moore died at Salt River, Dec. 28, 1872, after a prosperous and useful life. His wife followed him from this world of care May 2, 1880. He was a member of the Baptist Church, but was liberal in his views. Politically, he was a Democrat. "W^i • i#^a,' jjQQQjj Q Brown, editor and proprietor of the A^orthwestern Tribune, published at ■ Mt. Pleasant, was born in Clay Township, Knox Co., Ohio, May i, 1825. He removed with his parents, when he was 12 years old, to Marion Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1845. During this time he was educated as a physician and began the practice of his profession at Locke, Knox Co., Ohio, in the year 1845. He removed in 1852 to Williams County in the Buckeye State, where he pursued his chosen vocation until 1864, when he en- listed as a soldier in the war for the Union. He was in the service but a short time and was mustered out Feb. I, 1864, on account of disability. In 1867, Mr. Brown was elected Journal Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives. In the following year he removed to Gull Prairie, Isabella Co., Mich. While a resident there he was elected Justice of the Peace and continued to hold the incumbency of the position eleven successive years. He has served two years as Cirouit-Court C'omniissioner of Isabella County, and in 1879 he was elected Clerk of the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Legislature of Michigan. During the same year he commenced the publication of the Northwesfeiti Tribune at Salt River, and in March, 1881, he removed his interests to Mt. Pleasant, where he is now engaged in prose- cuting his journalistic enterprise. . (5;U raneis M. Hopkins, farmer, section 3, Deer- j<|&H|,?, field Township, is a son of Allen and Deli- gp5 ''^ lah (Hodges) Hopkins, natives of the State ^j^ of New Jersey, who moved to this State and ■^l'^ settled in Ionia County in 1832, where our sub- i ject was born March 24, 1854. Francis M. remained under the parental roof-tree, assisting his father on the farm and attending the common schools until he attained the age of man- hood. He then went to Montcalm County and remained 14 years, engaged in farming, and then returned to Ionia County. In the spring of 1880, Mr. H. came to this county and settled on his present farm of 50 acres, 35 of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage, Aug. 21, 1870, with Barbara, daughter of George and Isabella (Dawalt) Myers. The father is deceased and the mother is still living, in Steuben Co., Ind. Mrs. Hopkins was born in Williams Co.,C)liio, March 20, 185 1. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of six chil- dren, all of whom are living, and were born as follows : Wm. W., Oct. 24, 1871; Jennie, Nov. i, 1873; Min- nie, Aug. 30, 1875 ; Elmer E., Feb. 20, 1878; Mary A., Jan. 19, 1881, and Frederick C, May 20, 1883. Mr. H. is an esteemed and respected citizen of his township, and has held the offices of Township Col- lector and Path Master, and several school offices. ebster T. Ross, farmer on section 23, Coe ^ Township, is a son of Wilbur and Rachel j|^^ 'n " C^'^O""") K.OSS, natives of the State of New S^ York, and was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 13, 1827. When he was nine years old, he removed with his parents to Lenawee County, this State. There he lived until 1846, when he returned and spent 10 years in Ontario Co., N. Y., c A .< c & ^^2^wvt^ (^a/'^^u/^ ^^^ 'C^ mSm 'ic..x..ujy ■M^r^^^^ :2s€^^ .^^i. 'Ci^p>^:nD^•> T mABELLA COUNTY. 4^^5f engaged in farming. In the fall of that year he came to Hillsdale County, this State, and in tlie fall of 1863 he came to this county and bought 40 acres on section 23, Coe, where he has since resided. He ^2j has about 24 acres under cultivation. He was married in Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. io> 1850, to Eliza, daughter of James and Mary (Tower) Eddy, natives of the State of Vermont. She was born in Chili, iVIonroe Co., Mich., May 22, 1831. Four children have blessed their marriage : William / VV., Charles A., George E. and Mary E. I Mr. Ross has been Township Superintendent of a Schools two years. Drain Commissioner two years, School Inspector one year. School Assessor one year, and School Director 12 years. He is an educational man, and has taught school in Isabella, Gratiot and Midland Counties 60 months. He is a Freemason, and is politically a Republican. "VLQSi^(^^r >^^%(mi!t\^ V t ^JF^^g^dwin Eussell, farmer on section 19, Vernon 'ij g^Mj lj Township, is a son of Richard and Mary 5?x^y^''' Ann (Walker) Russell. The parents were tic natives of England, emigrated in 1855, and I now reside in Simcoe Co., Can. The subject j of tliis notice was born in Somersetshire, Eng., Jan. 15, 1 841, and lived with his parents until 23 years old. He came with them to America in 1848, landing at New York. He went thence to Quebec, and tlien to Toronto. For four years he lived four miles from the latter city. He then moved about 100 miles north of Toronto, to a place called Medonla, where he lived 1 1 years. In 1864 he came to Sag- inaw, this Slate, where he remained 15 years, engag- ed in lumbering and milling. In 1879 he removed to Isabella County, where he had purchased liis present farm 01573 acres al)out 1868. He has industriously cut off the pine and improved for cultivation about 250 acres. He built a fine house in 1882, and a barn in i88t, at a cost of perhaps $7,000. He was married June 6, 1873, to Emily Love, daughter of Jacob and Anna (Root) Love. The par- ents are now residents of Tioga Co., Pa. Mrs. Rus- sell was born July 10, 1841, in Lycoming Co., Pa., and is the mother of the following three children ; Mary Ann, born in Saginaw June 16, 1875; Edwin Lovell, born in Saginaw, June 4, 1877; and Joseph Adrian, born in Vernon Townsiiip, Oct. 21, 1880. Mr. Russell is in political affiliation a Republican. He has been Highway Commissioner one year, and is a highly esteemed citizen of Vernon Township and Isabella County. We take great pleasure in presenting the portraits of both Mr. and Mrs. Russell in this Ai.iiUM, on pre- ceding pages. -<-^'4# >»— !- i 7it ^ — ''^-rf ^ lil |( P fAf'-) arvin D. Richardson, of the firm of F. y' rjJl'^ &J A. Stebbins & Co., proprietors of the Ben- |'1|^'''~' nett House, Mt. Pleasant, is the son of ^WA>^ Elias and Lucinda (Doud) Richardson, and • "•• was born m Royalton, Fulton Co., Ohio, June I.I, 1838. Elias Richardson was born July 3, 1821, in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y. In 1836, in company with five brothers and two brothers-in-law, — Thomas, Butler, Hiram, Elisha and Martin Rich- ardson, and George Welsh and A. H. Henderson, — he came to Ohio. They left Niagara County and came to the city of Detroit by water. They set out thence for Lucas Co., Ohio, where they settled, each one entering a claim of 160 acres of land. They established a township, which they named Royalton, in memory of that they left, and which is now in Fulton County, then attached to Lucas County. Hiram Richardson is the only one of the brothers who is deceased, and all are living on the land of which they were the original proprietors. The father of Mr. Richardson is the third son and fourth ciiild of his parents. His wife is a native of the village of Cortland, N. Y., and was born Sept. 2, 1814. Their marriage occurred in Niagara Co.. N. Y. Their children were Melissa and Minerva (twins), who were born May 26, 1836. The first named died on the day of birth ; tlie second died June 9, following. Martin and Marvin (twins) were born June 14, 1838. Martin died \ug. 19, 1838. Minerva A. was born April 5, 1840, and is the wife of T. G. Richardson, of Lyons, Ohio; Lovinia was born June 7, 1844, and died July 2^ of the same year. Mr. Richardson passed the years of his minority assisting his father in improving his farm, and when he reached the age of 21 years he went to Lyons, ^ '^K!i:^m^ > .S!i>5N!3^ ■^fy^^Jf^^ ■^v>v 484 ISABELLA COUNTY. Ohio, where he purchased the mercantile interests of Jenks Morey. He managed its affairs alone about *^ six months, when he formed a partnership with James I Herrick. At the expiration of a year he sold out and (^ returned to 80 acres of land deeded to him by his father when he attained liis majority. He was mar- ried while in Lyons, at Sylvania, Lucas, Co., O., Sept. 3, 1858, to Roby L, daughter of Sullivan and Fidelia (Worden) Johnson. Mrs. Richardson was born in Lake Co., Ohio, July 25, 1841. Her father was born July I, 1814, in the town of Lunenburg, "Essex Co., Vt. Her mother is a native of Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and was born April 2, 1818. The record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson is as follows : Lillie, born Sept. 2, i860, died March 14, 1 86 1 ; Cora A. (Mrs. F. A. Stebbins: see sketch) was born June 2, 1862; Bettie L., March 13, 1866; Minerva P., Aug. 23, 1870, and Reedie E., Tan. 26, D 1878- Mr. Richardson continued on the farm two years, ^N went he went to Lyons, Ohio, and bought the Ex- ° change Hotel, whicli he managed 18 months. At ^ the expiration of that lime, he sold the hotel property = and again embarked in mercantile business, asso- ■^C ciated with George W. Edson. The connection ex- isted two years, wlien Mr. Richardson became sole proprietor by purchase, and continued to conduct his general mercantile interests eight years at tliat point, when he went to Morenci, Lenawee Co., Mich., and, in company with William Miner, established a large store, and also conducted a series of 14 cheese fac- tories and creameries, located at different points in Southern Michigan and Northern Ohio. The man- agement of their mercantile connections required the assistance of 12 clerks, and they finished daily for market about 300 cheeses. In 1872 Mr. Miner failed, and the entire concern was in the liands of Mr. Richardson, who operated alone until 1873, when the financial crisis wliich convulsed the busi- ness world caused a shrinkage of values in his possession to the amount of $30,000. Disaster ■5 followed financial stringency, and in 1876 he relin- 1, quished his business. In 1877 he came to St. Louis fand bought the Commercial Hotel, in company with S. R. Dewey. He took jjossession of the Leonard House, in that village, which he occupied and con- f® ducted for the accommodation of the traveling pub- lic six months, while the " Commercial " was being ?yv®>5«^*i-' ;5^^3jr^ — ^^^^n !i ^) put in thorough repair. The house was opened Jan. I, 1878, and Mr. Richardson continued its manage- ment three and a half years, when he sold and went to Detroit, and, in company with Wheeler & Merrill, engaged for a short time in the perfumery business. Li 1 88 1 he went to Ithaca, and in company with his son-in-law, F. A. Stebbins, leased the Fox (now Re- tan) House. Later the firm leased the Clarendon House at Ionia, and Mr. Richardson went thither, and managed its affairs about two months, when, in consequence of unforeseen circumstances, he relin- quished his claim and returned to Ithaca. Messrs. Stebbins & Richardson came to Mt. Pleasant in May, 1883, and on the i8th of June following they opened the Bennett House. It is the leading house in the pluckiest municipality in Northern Michigan, and is managed in a manner that has secured for it a wide-spread, constant and increasing patronage. It possesses every appointment and facility of modern hotels and secures to its guests home-like and whole- some accommodations of a first-class order. The proprietors are eminently fitted for their business in temperament and character, are genial, affable gentlemen, giving every attention to the comfort of their patrons, and are business men of more than ordinary abilities. Mr. Richardson secured a good education in his youth and taught several terms of school during his minority. During the civil war he enlisted in the "National Guards," enrolling in the 130th Regt. Ohio Vol., Col. C. Phillips. He was in Company D, under Capt. L. J. Carroll. His term of service continued 100 days, and his regiment received official acknowledgment from President Lincoln for merit- orious services in the Army of the Potomac. ohn J. Grimm, farmer, section 34, Gilmore 'r- Township, was born F"eb. 13, 1826, in Greene Co., Pa., and is the son of Chris- topher and Sarah (Parker) Grimm. His father was of German birth and his mother was a native of New Jersey ; both died in Greene a. After lie was 20 years of age Mr. Grimm served an apprenticeship of 18 months, learning the trade of shoemaking, to which he devoted several years. He V^ g S < fo) m nt>A^- -^^^J-M W^ ^v/^^>)«^#» ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. \y/^ >J ^ S .) ^ 4 began his work in that line in his native county and pursued the same vocation in West Virginia. In the fall of 1865 he purchased 40 acres of land in Coe Township, Isabella County. It was in a wholly wild condition, and lie took possession of it with his fam- ily Feb. 28, 1866. In the spring of 1879 he ex- changed his " 40 " in Coe Township for 160 acres in the township of Gilmore, on which he has since car- ried on the work of clearing, improving and culti- vating. He was married (;)ct. 29, 1854, in liis native county, g to Elizabeth, daughter of Martin and Nancy (Martin) ^ Fox. The grandsires of Mrs. Grimm were both sol- ^ diers of the war of the Revolution. Her parents are living near Morgantown, VV. Va., aged respectively 94 and 88 years. Five of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Grimm are living. Following is the rec- ord : Oscar M., born Aug. 10, 1855; Martin L., March 18, i860; William S., May 27, 1862; Nancy ^ J., March 11, 1865 ; Hiram H., April 6, 1872 ; Clar- ence N. was born May 14, iS6g, and died June 23, following. Tiie parents are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. Grimm is a Republican in political sentiment. "I^^- ietor F. Conlogue, dealer in agricultural implements and manufacturer of harness- •^ makers' goods at Mt. Pleasant, was born ''IV ^^'K- i3i '847> ^t Grand Rapids, Mich. His ^ parents, Archibald and Sarah (Franklin) Con- logue, removed from Michigan to Kendalivillc, Noble Co., Ind., in 1852, and a year later made a second transfer to Rome City, in the same county. The father died there two years afterward. Mr. Conlogue celebrated his fifteenth birth-day by enlisting as a soldier in the Union Army. He en- rolled at Kendallvilie, in Co. A, i42d Ind. Vol. Inf, Capt. Ambrose Joiinson. He remained in the ser- vice until the end of the war, and received honorable discharge Aug. 6, 1865, at Indianapolis ; and reached home nine days later. His active service included tlie ca.npaigns in which his regiment figured. On his return to the life of a private citizen, lie re- sumed the occupation of farmer, to which he had been trained, and continued the prosecution of that pursuit in the State of Indiana until 187 i, when he came to Michigan and engaged with Hay Brothers, of Grant Township, Clare County. He spent 15 montlis in the work of clearing land in their employ, with from si.x to twenty others similarly occupied, their labors resulting in the clearing of about 200 acres of land. In the spring of 1873 he came to Lin- coln Township, in Isabella County, and bought 80 acres of timber land on section 10, where heoperated until he had placed the entire tract under improve- ments of the best character, with orchards, good buildings and other suitable farm fixtures. He sold the place in the fall of 1882. The previous spring he came to Mt. Pleasant and engaged as salesman with C. M. Brooks & Co., dealers in agricultural im- plements. In the fall he purchased their entire in- terests and has since continued to manage a prosper- ous business. His stock includes all varieties of farming implements and machinery, wagons, car- riages, harness and other merchandise common to similar establishments. March i, 1884, he started a branch store in Glad- win, Mich., where he is doing a satisfactory business. His aggregate stock represents about $to,ooo, and his establishment is the only one of its kind at Mt. Pleasant. His interests require two local assistants, and he employes three traveling salesmen. Mr. Conlogue was married Nov. 3, 1870, at Ken- dallvilie, Ind., to Alice, daughter of Aaron and Nancy Fields. Siie was born May 13, 1854, in Cuyahoga Co., Chio. The two children now included in the family of Mr. Conlogue were born in Lincoln Town- ship, as follows: Ethel L., F'eb. 18, 1S74, and Nel- lie t;., Jan. 2, T876. eorge Gruber, farmer on section 16, Coe .._^~j Township, is a son of John and Catherine fs^ (Faust) Gruber, natives of the State of Pennsylvania. The parents first settled in Northampton Co., Pa., and several years later removed to Clarion County, where they re- mained until their death. He departed this life in i85i,andshe Aug. 23, 1872. The father had by this (his second) marriage seven children, in the fol- lowing order: Peter, Christina, Henry, Hannah, John, Andrew J. and George. The subject of tliis biography, the youngest of the ^^ 0) IvJ^T^- J^^^^fKL A A ^ Za^^^j/i^ I 'f >: o (J^ family, was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Oct. 2, 1828, and was nine years old when his parents re- moved to Clarion County. He lived at home until 17 years old, and was then apprenticed for three years to learn the tanner's trade. After serving his time he worked at that trade for a period of seven years. In 1859 he removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was employed at different occupations until August, 1862. In that month he enlisted as a pri- vate in the Fourth Mich. Vol. Inf , and served until the close of tlie war. He was with the Army of the Potomac from the battle of Chancellorsville until the surrender of Lee, and was an eye-witness in the last scene of the bloody drama, when Gen. Lee delivered his sword to Gen. Grant. He was honorably dis- charged at Alexandria, Va. He returned from the army to Pennsylvania, and a short time after, Septem- ber, 1865, came to Isabella County, settling on 40 acres of land on Coe Township, which he had pur- chased in December, 1863. He built a log house on his farm, which he has since occupied. He now owns 80 acres, 65 of which are in good cultivation. He was married in Clarion Co., Pa., Dec. 25, 1850, to Mary M., daughter of Conrad and Sarah (Cratser) Best, natives of Northampton Co., Pa. Mrs. G. was born in Center Co., Pa., May 13, 1830. Mr. Gruber has held the office of Constable one year, and also the various school offices. He is politically a supporter of the Democratic party. He and wife are members of the German Reformed Church. They took an active part in the Grange movement, and are both Good Templars. Mr. G. is a member of Salt River Lodge, No. 288, F. & A. M. ' fT^ homas McNamara, dealer in dry goods, I j^j 1 loots and shoes, groceries and crockery, rjWo "*^ hats and caps, in the Hance & Deveraux '^^ Block, Mt. Pleasant, is a son of Michael and tw Mary McNamara, and was born in Wayneport, I Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 1849. His father, a contractor and builder, living at Lapeer, Mich., was born in Ireland, in 1820. He built two or three miles of the Erie Canal, and also took railroad con- tracts. He came to Lapeer, Mich., in 1856. His wife, born about 1819, in Ireland, is still living. Their son Thomas attended school at Lapeer until 16, when he entered a store as clerk. In 1877 he went to Mt. Clemens, Mich., where he was for three years successfully engaged in the mercantile business in his own interests. In April, 1880, he came to Mt. Pleasant and opened a general store in the old Har- ris building. Thence he removed to the Upton Block, and in January, 1884, he occupied his present location. He carries a well selected stock of from $8,000 to $10,000 in value, and does a flourishing business, employing constantly two or three assistants. He was married at Mt. Pleasant, June 26, 1882, to Miss Lizzie Dibble, and of this marriage one son, Edward M., has been born, March 26, 1883. Mr. McNainara owns a nice residence and a lot in Kin- ney's Addition, on the corner of Broadway and Kin- ney Avenue. He was for one year Treasurer of the village of Mt. Pleasant. -vtizjza'©^-" --^^wjznrav. 'ames M. Kinter, farmer on section 8, Coe '^ Township, is a son of Cyrenus and Rebecca J. (Lee) Kinter(see sketch of Cyrenus Kin- ter), and was born in Eaton Co., Mich., Aug. I, 1844. He received a common-school edu- cation in his early youth, and in 1859 came with his parents to Coe Township, this county. He lived at home until 20 years old, and then for one season rented a farm in Chippewa Township, after which he returned to Coe Township and locat- ed on 80 acres which he had previously purchased on section 8. This was in the fall of 1864. The following spring he enlisted in the 8th Mich. Vol. Cav., serving six months, and was honorably dis- charged at Nashville, Tenn. Returning home he worked for 14 winters in the woods, workingand improving his farm in the summer seasons. In the spring of T882, he sold his farm, and bought another of 120 acres on section 8, where he has since lived. He has disposed of ten acres, and of the remaining no, 70 are in a good state of cultivation. He was married in Coe Township, May 28, 1863, to Clara, daughter of William D. and Nancy (Davis) McFarren. Mrs. Kinter was born in the State of Vermont, Nov. 8, 1S46. One of two children is living, Ida .\., born July iS, 1S65. James H. was born June "^ Z< V f I ^\m^^ .:^-'*-^->pt^. ^ <^Dii^tin>> -4^^^fl!>;p ^/' <^7iir^^y^eL^ /^e/ic^^c^ m^ TssC^"^ -K^I b^> ~;is^--^ -^|?§5^(®. V ■)^?|*' ISABELLA COUNTY. 491 ^ present farm in July, 1881. He now owns 60 acres, most of which is under cultivation. He was married Dec. 20, 1S67, at "Indian Mills," Union Township, to lAicretia T., daughter of Marcus and Deborah (Manchester) Grinnell, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Grinnell died in the Empire State, Dec. 7, 1846. He remarried, came to this county in the spring of i860, and settled in Chip- pewa, where he lived until his death, Feb. 22, 1884. Mrs. Struble was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1842, and is the mother of three living children: Helen J., born Nov. 6, 1868; Cora E., March 25, 1872: and Myrtie M., Sept. 30, 1874. Mary J. was born Dec. 4, 1877, and died March 7, 1880; Hattie R. was born April i, 1S81, and died March 30, 1882. Mr. Struble has held the office of Township Treas- urer two years, and in politics is a Republican. He and wife are Seventh-Dav Adventists. />. ^|[^"ames N. Vansice, proprietor of the Penin- WMl sular House at Mt. Pleasant, was born j^ V Q^ i ISABELLA COUNTY. May 16, 1828, and is the mother of three children, — James M. R., Stephen S. S. and A. Denight. Mr. K. has been Supervisor of Coe one year. He is now Sexton of the Salt River Cemetery. He was superintendent of the building of the court-house at Mt. Pleasant, and clerk of the building committee. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. He has been a Republican, but is now a supporter of the Prohibition party. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. !-»— f- , illiam I. Cutler, real-estate, loan, abstract and insurance agent, at Mt. Pleasant, was born Jan. 16, 1853, in the township of Adams, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and is a son of William and Esther (Van Auken) Cutler. His father was a farmer in the State of New York, whence he emigrated in an early period and became one of the first pioneer settlers of ,'^dams Township, where he died, July g, 1869. The mother is a resident of Hillsdale. Mr. Cutler was reared on a farm and attended the common schools until he was 16 years of age, when he became a student at Hillsdale College, where he studied one year in the commercial department and a second year in the classical course. In 1873 he went to St. John's, Clinton County, where he obtained a position in the First National Bank as clerk. He officiated in that capacity 13 months, when he en- tered the real-estate office of Cutler & Walker. The senior member of the firm was his brother, and he remained in their service about a year and a half In 1877 he came to Mt. Pleasant, and obtained the position of teller in the banking house of Hicks, Bennett & Co. He discharged the duties of the po- sition eight months, and on the first day of Decem- ber, 1878, he opened his office. He became asso- ciated with D. Scott Partridge April i, 1882, and the relation continued to e.vist until Dec, i, 1883, when Mr. Partridge withdrew. Mr. Culler represents the following named fire in- surance companies: Germania, Underwriters' In- surance Co. of North America, Detroit Fire & Marine, and the Cooper of Dayton, Ohio. He effects loans on real estate, buys and sells property on commission, and is operating with gratifying results. He has built an attractive cottage of the Queen Anne order of architecture, in " Kinney's Addition;" and he also owns two farms in Isabella County, — 80 acres on section 8 of Chippewa Township, and 40 acres on section 35, Nottawa Township. He is a member of the blue lodge. Masonic Order, and in the years 1880-1, he served as Clerk of Union Township. Mr. Cutler's marriage with Mary Lynch, daughter of John and Elizabeth Lynch, took jjlace Jan. 16, 1879, at Mt. Pleasant. She is a native of London, Ont. The family circle now includes one child, Es- ther J., born Oct. 18, 1879. "'>«2ae'©f3^— ^/| -gf^S^^JTiTIv I Jlas Fosgitt, farmer on section ^t,, Chippe- wa Township, is a son of Silas and Abigail (Weymouth) Fosgitt, natives of the State of New York and the Province of Nova Scotia. The parents lived first near Rochester. N. Y., then in Monroe County, same state, and in ^ 1835 they removed to Oakland County, this State, '^ where they died, he Sejjt. 22, 1841, and she July 15, ^ 1850. Their family numbered three: Abigail, Elias and Silas. The two latter were twins, and were born in Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 31, 1818. The subject of this biography was 17 years old when his parents removed to this State. He received a common-school education and made his home with his parents uncil 23 years of age. He then worked out for two years, and then, his father having died, he carried on the farm for an equal petiod, when it v was sold. He next returned to Monroe Co., N. Y., and three years later came to Oakland Couniy again, where he bought a farm. This was his home for five years, when he sold, and worked a farm on shares in Calhoun County four years. In January, 1857, he came to tiiis county and settled on 160 acres in Chip- (lewa, bought under the Graduation Act at5octs. per acre, in 1855. He at once built a log house and set out to clear his farm, which was covered by a dense forest. Maple Rapids, Clinton County, was his nearest trading point. He has since disposed of 80 acres, and has 50 acres improved. He was married in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1842, to Lydia, daughter of Robert and Susan (Broadley) Carver, natives of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. 5s / r % G > Wm ^-^^ ^ <^[i!]:^^nDi> -Sy^ -^i^^^^W: m :^-« :i%;fAsr ^ --V<^tltl>:llD>i>^r-r- 1 SAB ELLA COUNTY. -:2$%"^v: SI' Si Carver removed to New York, where she died, in Monroe County, July 2, 1839. He removed to Cal- houn Co., Mich., about 1850, and died Dec. 5, 1858. Mrs. Fosgitt was born in Rupert, Vt., Dec. 7, 1822. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. F., three sur- vive, Abbic, William W. and Cynthia. The de- ceased were Robert, Sophia and an infant. The parents are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Politically he is a Republican. fj f^i evi S. Smith, farmer, section 26, Coldwater ^li x&l ,tt Township, was born April 23, 1831, in the 'i'l^'&v town of Fairfield, Harrison Co., Ohio. His parents, Hiram and Betsey E. (Longley) Smith, were both natives of the State of New York. In 1837 they emigrated to Allen Co., Ind., where the father purchased a farm, which he sold two years later and bought a tract of Government land in De Kalb Co., Ind., where he remained eight years, sold out and removed to Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1847. He purchased a farm and Mr. Smith remained as his father's assistant until he was 21 years old. On attaining his majority, he engaged by the month as a farm laborer about three years, when he fitted himself for the trade of a builder, to which he de- voted the next 17 years without intermission. When he was about 22 years old, he bought So acres of Government land in Montcalm County, 13 miles north of Ionia, which he sold not long after in the same original state in which it was at the date of purchase. May 2, 1859, he started for the West, and went through Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and then, commencing May 20, traversed the length of tlie Mississippi River to Baton Rouge, thence up the Red River, which he followed into Texas, where early in July he engaged in freighting from Shreve- port. La., to Sulphur Springs, in the Lone Star State, a distance of 225 miles. He remained there until the last of October, t86o, and during the time he made the longest journey of his life on foot, walking from Sulphur Springs to Gaines' Landing on the Mississippi River, 333 miles, occupying lo days on the journey. He returned from Texas to Hudson, Lenawee Co., Mich., where he engaged in working at his trade. He bought a house and lot, and Resided there be- tween six and seven years, when he removed to Coldwater Township, Isabella County, reaching here in January, 1868. He took up his residence on land which he had entered under the provisions of the Homestead Act, Dec. 6, 1866. On tiiis he lesided until June, 1876, when he sold the property and bought the farm where he has since resided. It in- cludes So acres, 70 acres of which are cleared and improved. Mr. Smith is a Republican in his politi- cal connections, and has been Justice of the Peace and School Assessor. He has been a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, but has withdrawn from active membership in the fraternity. He was married Dec. 2, 1856, to Fannie M., daughter of Warren J. and Melinda Louisa (Ells- worth) Ashley. Her parents were born respectively in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and are both deceased. Mr. Smith was born May 4, 1840. Of her marriage to Mr. Smith, eight children have been born, as follows : Perry L., Dec. 9, 1857; Warner A., March 17, 1862; Wallace D., May ri, 1864 (died Feb. 24, 1S65); Florence R., Nov. 18,1867; Clarence E., Jan. 27, 1870; Milo J., Dec. 17, 187 1 ; Clara M., July 28, 1S73 (died Aug. 25, 1873); Bur- nett L, Sept. 7, 1S78. '"ylj _ ichael Devereaux, an aUorney at law and _iMa!'' Justice of the Peace of Mt. Pleasant, I !(|pi£^''V was born Jan. 17, 1845, in the township S* ■^?^, of Irondequoit, Monroe Co., N. Y., about 8 ^^ miles from the city of Rochester. His jiarents, Patrick and Mary (Conklin) Devereaux, came to Michigan in 1845, settling on a new farm of 40 acres in Osceola Township, Livingston County, which the father had purchased at a previous period. The family continued to reside there until 1855, when they removed to Deerfield Township in the same county and settled upon a farm of 80 acres, where the mother died in November, 1858, leaving a family of six children. In 1859 they removed to the town- ship of Hartland in the same county, where the father, now about 70 years old, still continues to reside. The subject of this sketch, when but ten years old, met with an accident, cutting one of his knees while making a hand sleigh, in such a way that it unfitted V^ I J{ t /5a^1^^)J^^ -^^^^ — ^V4>llli:t:illl^>v^ ISABELLA COUNTY. him for farm work. His father ther\ exerted himself ,® to keep him in school, so that he might fit himself ^'^^ for some trade or profession. Mr. D. attended the I common schools until he was about 18 years of (hi age, when he became a student at the private semin- ary of Mrs. P. C. Dayfoot, in Howell, Livingston County. After a year of study there he spent some time at the Howell union school and then com- menced teaching. His first teaching was in a district school in Osceola Township, where his father first settled. After this he taught the village school at Fowlerville, in the same county, for one winter, and also had charge of the village school of Zilwaukee, in Saginaw County, for one year. He had an ambition for a more liberal education, and having earned sufficient money to prosecute his studies further, he went to the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he studied two years in the classical course. He then received an appointment as Princi- pal of the union school at Ontonagon on Lake Superior, the school having at that time a corps of i=i four teachers. He continued its management for •^ five years, and in the fall of 1874 left the field of T=x teaching and entered the Law Department of the •^j- University an Ann Arbor, where he graduated with the Centennial Class of 1876, and in May of the same year came to Mt. Pleasant and formed a part- nership with S. W. Hopkins for the practice of the profession. This relation existed until November, 1878, when his associate was elected to represent the county in the Legislature, and in the same month Mr. Devereaux was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county, by a majority of 171 votes over his Re- publican competitor, Dr. S. C. Brown, himself and the Sheriff, Charles M. Brooks, being the only ones elected on the Democratic ticket. In May, 1882, he entered into his present business relation, under the firm name of Hance & Devereaux, for. the transaction of a general real-estate and loan business. They also deal in lumber, in connection with the regular business of their office, their interests in that branch being situated in Midland County, where, with Charles Stirling, they own the timber on 2,000 acres of land. Their logs are put into Salt River, and from there into the Chippewa and run to Saginaw. During the summer of 18S3 Messrs. Hance & Devereaux built the fine business block where their O office is located. It is of brick, 45 xgo feet in dimen- sions and two stories high above the basement. The first story is devoted to mercantile business, while the second is utilized for offices. Mr. Devereaux is actively interested in the educational interests of the county, being at present Chairman of the Board of County School Examiners, and he has also been Secretary of the School Board since 1877. The portrait of Mr. Devereaux is given on another page. K[|,«.oshua J. Upton, farmer on section 17, Coe plL"" Township, is a soit of Joshua and Priscilla (Taggart) Upton. The parents were natives of Peterborough, N. H., where they lived until about ten years after marriage. They then lived one year in Warren Co., Pa., and then re- moved to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where they resided the remainder of their lives. He died in December, 1870, and she in the spring of 1878. The nine mem- bers of the family were named Priscilla, Albert, John A., James M., Joshua J., George W., William H., Thon.as J. and Mary P. The subject of this biographical notice, the fourth son, was born in Peterborough, N. H. Jan. 8, 1832, and was an infant of one year when his parents re- moved to Pennsylvania, and two years old when the family settled in New York. He received the ele- ments of a common English education in the dis- trict schools of his neighborhood, and worked on his father's farm until 21 years old. He then began to work at the capenter's trade, which he followed most of the time ten years. In February, 1864, he bade adieu to the Empire State, and, selecting Isabella County as his future home, bought 80 acres of land in Coe Township, where he has since resided, and on which he has erected a creditable residence and other buildings. In connection with farming, he has worked at carpentry, and has built or assisted to build many buildings in the vicinity of Salt River. He has improved about 36 acres of his home farm, and owns in the township 157 acres, 113 of which are improved. He was married in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1862, to Wealthy M., daughter of Elijah and Samantha (Wilkins) Moore, natives of Chautauqua f C c^: < .^^^^ -X^>il!l:^llBi>a^ — ^>^^ I ;^V®:^«^#- z^^^^ I I ISABELLA COUNTY. -;^<. 497 -^ v^ /^ >^' Co., N. y. Mrs. U. was born in Crawford Co., Pa., July 31, 1S42. Myrtie B., Lola L., Jedde L. and Iva P. S. are the four younger members of the family circle. Mr. Upton has been Township ("lerk one year, and School Inspector. He is adirector of the Farm- ers' Mutual Insurance Company of Gratiot and Isa- bella Counties. Politically, he is an ardent and influential member of the National party. Being an anti-monopolist, he is a believer in railroad competi- tion as a legitimate agent in developing a new coun- try, and he is largely interested in the proposed To- ledo & Ann Arbor line through this county. He is very liberal in his religious views, and does not hesi- tate to denounce priestcraft as a cloud over human progress. jlbert A. Preston, residing at Mt. Pleasant, is a son of William and Mary (Fisk) Presr ton. The former was born in Stratford, Vt., June 28, 1803, and the latter in the same locality Jan. 31, 1806. They were married ' Sept. 7, 1824, and were blessed with nine children, of whom five are now not living. The survivors are the following: Albert A.; Ellen L., wife of Samuel Woodworth, veterinary surgeon at Mt. Pleasant (she taught the first school at Mt. Pleas- ant, while her husband was absent in the army); Wallace W., now County Treasurer; and Althea M., wife of Hon. Isaac A Fancher, of Detroit. The de- ceased were Sarah E., wife of John Fuller; Mary A., second wife of John Fuller; Walter Scott; Celia E., wife of E. H. Bradley, of Mt. Pleasant (their marriage, the first in Mt. Pleasant, was celebrated Oct. 10, 1865); and Emma A., wife of Albert Fox, wiio was at one time editor of the Isabella County Enter- prise. ^ Mrs. Mary (Fisk) Preston's father was born at Boscawen, N. H., April 18, 1773, and her mother was born at Newbury, Mass., May 28, r777. They were married June 22, 1795, and of their nine children three are yet living, — Mary, mother of Albert A.; Ephraim, a farir.er in Ceneva, Kan.; Levinda H., wife of Josiah Beckwith, a farmer of Buchanan Township, Berrien County, this State. William Preston's father, Robert G., was born Aug. 12, 1766; and mother, Hannah, «^^ Brown, Dec. 6, 1770. They were married at Cliester, N. H., May II, 17S6, and were the parents of 14 cliildren, — John, Robert G. (first), an unnamed infant daughter, Will- iam (first), Roswell, Edward, Oliver W., Hannah, William (second), Hazen, Alniira, Eunice, Robert G. (second) and Royal. Robert G. Preston's parents (Albert A.'s great- grandparents), Edward and Edna (Greenough), were married Jan. 27, 1763. Their six children were Moses, Robert, Edna, Molly, Edward and an infant not named. The subject of this biography was born in Strafford Township, Orange Co., Vt., Aug. 16, 1827, and was reared on a farm. When he was eight years old (1835) his family moved to Bethany Township, Gen- esee Co., N. Y.; and in 1839 they again moved, to Java Township, Wyoming County, where his father bought 100 acres. Here Albert developed into man- hood, having attended school most of the winters of his youth. In the spring of 1855 he moved to Sauk Co., Wis., returning in the fall of the same year to New York. In May, 1862, he came to this State and settled in what is now Lincoln Township, Isabella County, homesteading 160 acres of timbered land on section 2. At that time his nearest market was St. John's, 48 miles away. He has given his son Wilbur 60 acres, and now owns 100 acres. Of the wliole farm he cleared 100 acres. It was at first difficult to "et lumber, and he had a bark roof, which let in the rain profusely, often saturating his bed and clothing. After getting in his first crop, however, he found time to construct a roof of shakes, which he split from the surrounding pines. Deer were plentiful, — also bear. His first team of horses were brought from New York State when he first came. His route was by lake to Detroit, thence by wagon via St. John's to his new home. The roads were muddy, the wheels were often in the mud to the axle, and he was five and a half days in making the trip. Mr. P.'s parents came to Mt. Pleasant in February, 1864. On account of the illness of his father, Mr. Preston moved to Mt. Pleasant in tlie f;ill of 1881, and he cared for his father until the latter's death, Nov. 10, 18S1. His present residence was the first frame house in Mt. Pleasant, and was built by Dr. Burt. Mr. Preston helped build many V^ (5 s % -cr v<^DD^IiD>>r -*^p- J SAB ELLA COUNTY. ^ of the first buildings in the village, including the M three first stores. .'^ He was married in Java Township, Wyoming Co., ? N. Y., April 13, 185 1, to Miss Martha Nichols, ,-^. daughter of George and Mary Nichols, who was born in Keene, N. H., April 16, 1833. Of five chil- dren given to Mr. and Mrs. P., four survive. The record is as follows : Mary E., born in Java Dec. 15, 1852, and now the wife of Arthur B. Caldwell, a farmer of Fremont Township, this county (she has had three children, — Lillian (deceased). Genie and Alice); Wilbur E., born Oct. 21,. 1854, now a farmer on sec- tion 2, Lincoln Township, and married to Marilla Abbott; Alice, born Feb. 20, i860, now the wife of William Atkins, farmer of Coe Township; and Wendell B., born Dec. 16, 1S67, and now living at home. David D. was born May 19, 1863, and died when three and a half years old. ^4 — f^Sidnnny r^- (£1/ 1^^ n a \ Wing, farmer on section 33^ Jp Chippewa Township, is a son of Benjamin "' '^ and Bathsheba (Tobey) Wing, natives of Hampshire and Franklin Counties, Mass. The parents settled in Hawley, Mass., where they lived till the father's death, March i, 1835. The mother died while on a visit to Kansas, Oct. 17, 187 1. Their children numbered four, — Elizabeth M., Sarah, Benjamin and Bathsheba T. The subject of this sketch, the only son of his parents, was born in Hawley, Mass., March 20, 1832, and received the rudiments of an English education in the common schools, attending also one term at the Sanderson Academy at Ashfield, Mass. Losing his father when three years old, he lived with his mother until 21 years of age. He then worked out by the month for four years, when he bought a farm in Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass. This he tilled until 1869, when he sold and removed to DeKalbCo., Mo. He bought a farm there, but not meeting with the success he expected, he sold out, and in the fall of 1875 came to Isabella County and bought 40 acres of wild land on section 33, to which, he has since added 60 acres. He has 80 acres under cultivation. He ivas married in Hawley, Mass., May 22, i860, to Hannah M., daughter of Clark and Emeline (Kelly) Sears, natives of Franklin Co., Mass. Mrs. Wing was born in West Hawley, June 22, 1839. The four children added to the household are Walter S., Wallace B., Lizzie G. and Clara E. Mr. Wing has been Supervisor of Chippewa three years, and School Director several terms. Politically, he is a staunch Republican. He and wife adhere to the faith of the Universalist Church. H ^^^^^m-^ ! ames Davis, stave manufacturer, resident '1^ atMt. Pleasant, was born Dec. 27, 1847, in Oxford Co., Can. His parents, Tliomas and Catherine (Rourke) Davis, are both deceased. Mr. Davis was reared on his father's farm, and in 1867 went to Green Bay District, Wis- consin, where he engaged four years in lumbering. In the spring of 1872 he came to Tuscola, Mich., where he established himself in the stave business. He spent some time subsequently in Clare County, Mich., and in 1878 came to Mt. Pleasant and founded his present establishment. He moved his family hither in 1879. His business relations afford em- ployment for a force of assistants numbering from 75 to 125 men. He ships his products chiefly to Quebec and New York. He manufactures yearly from 100,000 to 200,000 hand-made Canada Pipe staves. Mr. Davis was married Nov. 3, 1879, at East Sag- inaw, to Mary, daughter of James and Mary Sweeney. She was born May 20, 1857, in Ireland. Three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, as follows: Mary C, Aug. 12, 1880; Margaret L., Sept. 23, 1881 ; Helen E., Sept. i, 1883. Ijharles W. Sawyer, farmer on section 16, Coe, is a son of Charles^ T}. and Mary (Covey) Sawyer, natives of Vermont. 'i"he parents emigrated first to New York, then to Illinois, and three years later to Michigan, locating in Barry County. In 1864 they came to Isabella County and settled in Coe Township, where ihey lived till their death, 'i'he mother de- 11 € ^ V ■3. .r:::.'^^. JL <^t]ll^[lllr> .£u=x -4^^^%> t^ ^) ^^Up^-A^^'^/J^ m r^J^i^ cnK'JDD^Dtl^^r TZS^Qr- ISABELLA COUNTY. V ;^ parted this life June 20, 1869, and tlie father Jan. i, 1879. The subject of this sketch, their second son, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1842, and lived with his parents, following them in their several removes, until the death of his motlier in 1869. He learned the carpenter's trade of his father, which oc- cupation he has followed a small portion of tlie time since. He was for one year at Salt River a clerk for Aaron Wessels, but he has been principally engaged in agriculture. In 1865 he bought 40 acres of land on section 16, and he now has 25 acres under culti- vation. He was married in Coe Township, April 3, 1870, to Louisa C, daughter of Richard and Louisa (Gleason) Hoy, and adopted daughter of Dunham D. and Mary A. Burnham. Mrs. Sawyer was born in Colchester, Vt., Oct. 27, 1850. Of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. S., two died in infancy. The surviving one is Richard R., born Jan. 15, 1878. Mrs. Sawyer died at her home in Coe, Oct. 10, 1878. Mr. S. supixirts the principles of the Republican party, is a Freemason, and has been Township Treasurer two years. "oseph Myers, farmer on section 21, Coe ^ Township, is a son of Michael and Eve (McCoy) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The parents first settled in the Keystone State and afterwards removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and thence to DeKalb Co., In the fall of 1855, they came to this county, where the mother died. The father afterwards went to Williams Co., Ohio, where he died, in May, 1866. The subject of this notice was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1830, and was 13 years old when his parents re.iioved to Indiana, where he lived until 1855, engaged in farming. In the spring of that year he came to this county and bought 1 20 acres of Government land in Coe Township, where he has since lived. He has now 80 acres under cultivation. He was married in DeKalb Co., Ind., Oct. 8, 1848, to Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Solama (Anthony) Sawvel, natives of the State of Pennsylvania. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 18, 1833. To this marriage were given 15 children, of whom 13 sur- Ind. vive : John F., Edward, Sarah J., Ralph, Mary, Useba, William C, Addie, U. S. Grant, Elmira, Samantha, Nellie and Elma. Charlie and Winnie are deceased. Politically, Mr. Myers is a Republican. He was drafted in September, 1864, was assigned to Co. I, 23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and served about nine months. He fought at Fort Anderson, Franklin (Tenn.), Columbia (Tenn.), Nashville (Tenn.), Wil- mington (N. C.) and Goldsboro. He was severely wounded at Town Creek, Feb. 20, 1865, and was honorably discharged at Salisbury, N. C, June 28, following. esley J. Corbus, M. D., eclectic physician and surgeon at Mt. Pleasant, was born Aug. 17, 1818, in Wayne Co., Mich., eight miles west of Detroit. He is the son of Jo- seph and Sarah (Britton) Corbus, and in 1828 his parents removed to Hillsdale Co., Mich. About three years later they again removed and set- tled in Girard Township, Branch County, where the father became the proprietor by purchase of 1 60 acres of land. Both parents died on the homestead in Girard. Dr. Corbus obtained a good elementary education, and at the age of 23 years he went to Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio, and taught school two years. He returned to Branch County and entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Moses E. CHiauncey, a practitioner at Girard Center. He spent nearly four years reading for his profession under the instruction of Dr. Chauncey, and commenced his career in the practice of medicine at Warsaw, Ind. He remained in business there about three years and went then to Union City in Branch County, where he operated sev- eral years. His ne.xt place of action was at Tekonsha, Calhoun County, where he remained until April, 1863, when he came to Isabella County. He bought 320 acres of land on section 13, Lincoln Township, which was all in heavy timber. He cleared and improved 130 acres, erected good buildings, planted orchards, and put everything in the best order for successful agriculture. He has deeded a portion to his children, and retains 107 acres, with 60 acres cleared and im- proved. He began his practice immediately on be- 1 ()) ¥, w C i Ci^±, r^ ^ — ^^^ -|f^^v% -^>^x- <^^aii:t:i]Ds>r T ISABELLA COUNTY. (h ^l i^^ {^ I coming a citizen of the county, and has been actively engaged in the career of medicine without interrup- tion since that time. In 1874, Dr. Corbus purchased a farm adjoining the southern limits of the village corixiration. On this he erected a fine residence, after which he sold the place, and in December, 1875, he settled in Mt. Pleasant, opened an office and entered uixin the vig- orous prosecution of his profession. In 1878, Dr. Corbus went to Cincinnati and took a course of study in the Eclectic Medical Institute, under the celebrated Dr. Scudder. He was graduated there in 1879. His business includes a wide circle of town and coun- try patrons, and is permanently established on the foundation of ability and success. Dr. Corbus is a Swedenborgian in religious views, and belongs to the Masonic Order, Chapter in. Royal Arch. His marriage to Christiana Popham occurred Oct. 14, 1844, in Knox Co., Ohio. She was born Feb. 27, 1827, in Pike Township, Knox County, and is the daughter of Francis and Mary (Scoles) Popham. Fol- lowing are the names of the six children born to Dr. and Mrs. Corbus : Mary A., deceased ; Eugene M., a farmer in Oregon ; Joseph, also engaged in agricul- ture in Oregon ; Lydia B., wife of Michael Walsh, a farmer of Washington Territory; and Francis P., de- ceased. The portrait of Dr. Corbus is presented on a pre- ceding page of this work. M Pj hilip Servoss, deceased, late resident on LkJ section 31, Chippewa Township, was a son jjll^'* of Daniel and Doxy (Briggs) Servoss, na- \(f^ tives of New York State. The family num- yiV bered seven : Hiram, Charlotte, Philip, Chaun- cey, Olive, Margaret and Christopher; Philip being the second son and third child. He was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 18 1 8, and was six weeks old when his parents re- moved to Orleans Co., N. Y. Here he lived until April, 1866, engaged in farming. Coming to Isabella County at the date mentioned (walking from Lan- sing), he bought 80 acres in Chippewa Township, where he lived until his death, April 10, 1881. He was married in Niagara Co., N. Y., May 20, 1856, to Miss Emma, daughter of Marcus and Deb- ^v.2^5.,, ^.^^ —^-^113 orah (Manchester) Grinnell, natives of the State of New York. Mr. Grinnell came to Chippewa Town- ship, this county (walking from Detroit), in the spring of 1861, and was employed several years as a Gov- ernment blacksmith. He bought several tracts of land and at the time of his death owned 80 acres on section 31, Chippewa. He died Feb. 22, 1884. He held numerous offices, — Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk, and was in other ways prominent in his locality. He was the maker of " Grinnell's Universal Balsam." Mrs. Servoss was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., May 14, 1840, and has been the mother of seven children, six of whom sur- vive : Hiram D., Carrie A., Elmer A., Alonzo D., Mina J. and Earl 1*. One died in infancy. Mr. S. held the office of Highway Commissioner and several school offices. He was a member of the Society of Seventh-Day Adventists, as is Mrs. Ser- voss. m I rank S. Swreeney, of the firm of Sweeney & Co., grocers and provision merchants, dealers in crockery, produce and baled hay, at Mt. Pleasant, was born in Scarborough, near the city of Toronto, Ont., Can., Oct. 31, 185 1. His parents were Francis and Mary (Fox) Sweeney, and belonged to the agricultural class in the Dominion. Mr. Sweeney became a clerk in a London grocery house at the age of 15, but left the business shortly after, and at the age of 17 years came to Michigan and made the stave business his work for three years. Then for a few years he was employed as " land- looker," locating land and timber for parties in the Saginaws and Bay City. He next engaged in the manufacture of staves on his own behalf, and carried on the business successfully in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, as opportunities for profitable transfers pre- sented. Had not the panic of 1872-3 demoralized the markets, Mr. Sweeney would have made a real success of the business. From his thorough knowl- edge of the timber and early experience he was call- ed an expert by many of the leading stave men in the State. In 1879 he engaged in the grocery and produce trade as an assistant in an establishment at Strathroy, Ontario, and in th(; spring of 188 1 located A ^- r ^ ^^ COUJVTV. ■^J^^'i^ ISABELLA T ) V s 503 at Mt. Pleasant, and formed a partnership with James Barry for the prosecution of the business which he has since followed. They purchased two very desir- able lots near the corner of Main Street and Broad- way, and erected the building where they are now operating. It is 20 x 90 feet in dimensions, two stories high, with brick front, and with an addition in the rear 24 x 35, brick fire-proof, with a stone cellar, and utilized as a warehouse. They have also built a ware- house on Main Street, near the Flint & Pere Mar- quette depot, 36 x 55, where they keep a first-class Dederick hay-press, and press and ship hay. Its capacity is one car-load pei day. Their business is prosperous and includes extensive yearly purchases and shipments of produce, of which they make a specialty. Mr. Sweeney was married July 19, 1S81, at Stratli- roy, Ont., to Maria T. McNulty. She was born in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney have one daughter, Eva, born Aug. 9, 1882, at Mt. Pleasant. In matters of religion Mr. Sweeney is a Catholic; in politics a staunch Republican. He was elected Treasurer of his village and surrounding township in the spring of 1883, and re-elected in 1884 by one of the largest majorities in the county. He has made some money, owns some real estate near Mt. Pleasant, and two very desirable building lots on Broadway, in that vil- lage. ^4->— ^ M. Forbes, farmer and lumlier- man on section 20, Chippewa Township, is a son of Levi and Charlotte (Hazelton) Forbes, native-; of Massachusetts. The par- ents settled in Canada, where he died. She afterwards removed to her present home in Ingham County, this State. The subject of this record was born in Canada, March 18, r836, and was two and a half years old when his mother came to Ingham County. He lived at home until 1 4 years old, then worked out by the montii till 18, and then learned the cooper's trade. March 12, 1856, in Ingham County, he married Miss Frances M., daughter of Caleb and Margaret J. Hall, natives of the Slate of New York. She was also born in the Empire State, June 3, 1839. Of six children born of this marriage, three survive, — Date and Glenn (twins) and Lulu J. The deceased were named VVillard, Jane and Levi. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes came to this county in the fall of 1872 and bought 160 acres in ChippewaTown- ship, where he now has 1 10 acres in a state of profit- able cultivation. He keeps 73 cattle, 40 sheep and 2 horses. Politically, he is an earnest Republican. He and wife arc members of the Baptist Church. IjtfSi&harles C. Whitney, of the manufacturing Caroline E. (Hall) Whitney, and his father 1^ firm of Jeffords & Whitney, at Mt. Pleas- ant, was born in Hopewell, Ontario Co., N. Y. June 15, 1844. He is a son of Benjamin and was a blacksmith by trade. Mr. Whitney was 18 years old when the country was thrilled with the news of the rebellious assault upon Fort Sumter, and, with the multitudes of the young, ardent sons of the Republic, he donned the regulation blue and marched to the help of the en- dangered Union. He enlisted at Canandaigua, N. Y., Nov. 8, 1861, as a private in the i8th Vol. Inf , of the Empire State, under Captain H. H. Frote. Among the battles in which Mr. Whitney was under fire were those at West Point, Va., Gaines' Mill, Sav- age Station, Charles City Cross-Roads, Malvern Hilb second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fred- ericksburg (first and second) and in numberless smaller skirmishes common to the fate of war. He received honorable discharge May 28, 1863, at Al- bany, N. Y., and re-enlisted Nov. 10, 1863, in Co. H, Capt. H. C. Thompson, r6th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and received honorable discharge Aug. 21, 1865, after the close of tiie war. He was in the engage- ments at Fort Pocahontas and at Fort Fisher. The only casualty he sustained was an insignificant in- jury in the head by a piece of shell, at Gaines" Mill. On receiving his well-earned release from the ser- vice of his country, he relumed to his native State, and in February, r866, he came to Cambria, Hills- dale Co., Mich. In April, 1867, in company with five other individuals, he came to Saginaw in quest of a location. One of the party was his brother, William T. Whitney (see sketch), and they made their way to the terminus of the railroad at St. John's. t '^m^ % m :(|s.»- 504 ISABELLA COUNTY. -f^t^Jf®^-:i^; >? They walked thence to Mt. Pleasant, with which ^ place they made first acquaintance April 10, 1867. .^^ Mr. Whitney operated for a time as a carpenter, ^ and later as a contractor and builder. In 1880 he -§. superintended the construction of the Opera-House Block, and in 1881 he formed a partnership with George A. Lance, and the firm entered into a con- tract to erect the Union School building. Its con- struction occupied a year, and at its completion the firm terminated its business relations. The present partnership of Jeffords & Whitney was formed Dec. 25, 1881, and has since been in successful operation. In 1883 they constructed 16 buildings at Mt. Pleas- ant, among them the Unitarian church. Mr. Jeffords was the proprietor of the Mt. Pleasant Novelty Works, and on combining their interests Mr. Whitney pur- chased a half interest in the property. It is utilized in the manufacture of doors, sash, etc. In the winter of 1883-4 they built the mill where they now operate. They employ about 30 assistants, do all kinds of building, furnish plans, specifications and detailed drawings. They manufacture sash, doors, bUnds, rough and finished lumber and ornamental scroll work. They own four houses and lots, a blacksmith .shop and three vacant lots. Their works include three lumber yards, situated respectively by their mill, on Wisconsin Street and on Main Street. They > ) handle about 3,000,000 feet of lumber yearly, which they ship chiefly to Saginaw and Detroit. A few months after Mr. Whitney located at Mt. Pleasant, he decided to change his condition in life, and made a marriage contract with Miss Dora E., daughter of George W. and Louisa Howk. Their marriage was celebrated Nov. 17, 1867, in the Method- ist Episcopal church at Mt. Pleasant, and was the first event of that nature within its walls. Mt. Pleas- ant had half a hundred inhabitants, and the privileges of the place were not of the latest and most approved metropolitan order. The only livery in town was a joint affair under the auspices of Moses Brown, who owned a horse, and David Morse, who was the pos- sessor of a harness and a buckboard. With this equip- ment, Mr. Whitney set out to fulfill his pre-arranged program, and when less than two miles on his route to Salt River, where the bride's parents resided, he met a man on horseback, who contrived to collide with his turn-out and dislocate one of the hind wheels. He abandoned the vehicle and returned to Mt. Pleasant and borrowed another buckboard, with ) :<$ V ^ JSv5^?j!3^ the aid of which he succeeded in accomplishing his matrimonial intentions. He was, at the time, the owner of $146. He paid the minister $5, bought a small elevated-oven cook-stove for $37, a barrel of flour for $24, and paid proportionately for other do- mestic fi.xtures. The period was not long after the war, and everj'thing in the way of merchandise was high, and had to be transported from St. John's and Saginaw by teams. It should be remarked that the wedding livery of Mr. Whitney cost him $4. Mrs. Whitney was born July 31, 1849, in Houns- field Township, Jefferson Co., N. Y. George B., eldest child, was born Feb. 8, 1869; Lulu, Nov. 17, 1874; Charles Francis, March 18, 1873 (died in July, 1873); Mary L., Nov. 14, 1874; Charles Frederick, Aug. 17, 1879. Mr. Whitney is a prominent member of the Orders of Masonry and Odd-Fellows. In the former he is connected with the Royal Arch Chapter and the blue lodge at Mt. Pleasant, and in the latter fra- ternity he has passed all the chairs. He has also represented the local organization at the Grand Lodge four times. He is also a member of the Uni- tarian Church. He owns an attractive and valuable residence at Mt. Pleasant and 30 acres of land on section 3, Coe Township. Mrs. Whitney belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. (flfSil? illiS'Da D. McFarren, deceased, late farmer ||^^3u on section i, (]oe, was a son of Thomas jte>'^ * and Clarissa McFarren, natives of Wash- J\^' ington Co., N. Y. ; and was born in the same jdT' county April 17, 18 15. He lived in that *. locality until 1849, when he came with his fam- ily to Jackson Co., Mich., where he lived nine years. He then removed to Ingham County, where he re- mained three years; and in 186 1 he came to Isabella County and bought 160 acres of wild land on sec- tion I, Coe. He disposed of 80 acres, and of the remainder had under cultivation at the time of his death about 50 acres. His departure from this life occurred Jan. 27, 1884. He was married in WHiitehall, Washington Co., N. v., March 6, 1839, to Miss Nancy Davis, who was born at the place of her marriage, April 14, 1816. Her parents, Winans and Nancy (Wilson) Davis, were VS %> f^ (■: < A C< (> % r ■ ■ ■ - .^ -^^^^^j^m CUiA, Ct'^y^ <•>IlD>:IlIl^>'r ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ A 507 natives of Washington Co., N. Y. As a coincidence, it is worth relating that Mrs. Davis and her daughter were born and married in the same room. Mr. and Mrs. McF. have had eight children, five of whom survive. Their names are Mary J., James H. (de- ceased), Arvila (deceased), Clarissa, William W. (de- ceased), Seymour C, Leonard H. and Fenner A. Mrs. McF. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. f^^r rank Davis, farmer on section 15, Coe ; ^jMJ T Township, is a son of Alden and Susan J'^'^ (Casey) Davis, and was born in Isabella County, Aug. 28, 1858. He attended the dis- trict schools in his boyhood, receiving a limited education. Losing his father in the battle of the Wilderness, in June, 1864, he lived at honie with his mother until 14, and then went lo live with his grandfather, P. D. Hams, with whom he remained .intil April, 1883. Since then he has been carrying on his own farm, and boarding with Robert Wilson. Politically, he is a Republican. •nmuiaM^r^—%i .,^%(mvi^ illiam Pickard, Under-Sheriff of Isabella County, residing at Mt. Pleasant, was born ]^^~^ at Tobique, New Brunswick, Oct. 14, 1884, '^\> and is a son of John and Margaret (Jones) Pickard. His father was a farmer and lum- berman, and the son was reared to a knovvl- edge of both callings. He went to Old Town, Me., when he was 19 years old, and was there engaged in active lumber interests four years. In September, 1868, he came to Isabella County, and after a year's labor in the woods he was placed in charge of the lumber camp of Gulliver, Remick & Whitney, of Detroit. He continued thus engaged between four and five years, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Thomas Pickard (see sketch), for the purpose of engaging in the work of lumbering in his own interest. They purchased timber lands and were diligently engaged in the various avenues [lertaining to lumbering until 1880, when the partnership was dissolved. They also trafficked to considerable ex- tent in real estate and carried on farming interests. but have closed their relations in agricultural matters. Mr. Pickard has been engaged one winter since that date in lumbering alone. In January, 1882, he was appointed Under-SherilT by his brother, and has since devoted his attention to the duties of the position. He owns his residence in block 21, lots I and 2, in Bentley s Addition, and is pleasantly situated. He was married in St. Louis to Celesiia Walker. She was born in Ohio and is a daughter of John and Catherine Walker. The chil- dren belonging to the household are Charles and .'\iinie. Mr. Pickard is one of the most poiiular and genial citizens of Mt. Pleasant, and his jwrtrait in this vol- ume will afford genuine satisfaction to his numerous friends. IgW^^avid Tucker, farmer on section 14, Coe Ji^^lj^ Township, is a son of Noah and Martha Jt^"^ Tucker, natives of Ohio. The parents set- & tied in Richland Co , Ohio, and lived there till their death. He died June 18, 1863, and she March 22, 1883. Their family consisted of ten, six sons and four daughters, David being the eldest son. He was born in Richland Co., Ohio, March 25, 1835, and lived at home, developing into manhood through the usual course of play, school and work on the farm, until 22 years old. At the age of 24, Sept. I, 1859, he was married to Elizabeth J., daughter of Daniel and Roxana (Lyons) Rising, who were natives of the State of New York. The father died in Sac Co., Iowa, at an unknown date; the mother died in Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1873. Mrs. Tucker was born in Richland Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1841. After marriage, Mr. 'I'ucker remained for three years in Richland Co., Ohio, removing then to Wil- liams County, same State, where he bought a farm of 80 acres and remained nearly 18 years. Disposing of that farm, he came in the spring of i88[ to Isa- bella County and bought 60 acres of improved land ill Coe Township, where he has since made his home. In 1882 he erected a comfortable dwelling which will compare favorably with any in his part of the county. Politically, Mr. T. is a Republican. The six children surviving are named Mary J., Warren L., Edward F., Ada E., Martha A. and Jen- c-o: ^ B^V5^«$i#- .:ss^^ ■^< ^D % W>^''^ ^tv/j^=^^ ■^|>5^^ ^^^^K — ^vC:iiii>;nDs>r ■>i3\5(!r'- ISABELLA COUNTY. jj» nie M. The deceased were Icabinda, George A., i§) Florence B., Charles E., Eli W., Arthur and Willie !v^ B. Mrs. Tucker died Aug. 5, 1882. She was an f active member of the society known as the " Church (§. of God." Mr. T.'s parents also belonged to this Church. A >C) V % ames J. Campbell (deceased), late farmer on section 34, Coe Township, was a son of James R. and Catherine Campbell, and the eldest son in a family of 13 children. He was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, May 30, 1838, and lived in Ohio until November, 1867, when he came to Isabella County. He bought 160 acres of land in Coe Township, and at the time of his death had about 80 acres under cultivation. He was married in Carroll Co., Ohio, May 3, i860, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Caskey) Moore, natives of Ireland and Ohio. She was born in Carroll County, May 2, 1841, and is the mother of seven children, — George (died when five years old), Kate, Martha, William, James R., Frank and Effie E. Mr. C. died Nov. 28, 1875. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. C. is a member of the Disciples' Church. '*iESii- '''•'ti'-iel Blake, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was born Jan. 28, 1816, on Grand Isle, Vt. His parents, John and Philura (Campbell) Blake, removed from their island heme on Lake Champlain to the Township of Georgia Franklin Co., Vt., in 1824, where Mr. Blake attained his majority. He was bred to the calling of his father, tliat of a farmer, which he pursued many years. He was married Jan. 28, 1840, in St. Alban's, Vt., to Amanda Loverin, a native of Greenbush, Can. After a residence of four years in Swanton, Vt., they went to Winnebago Co., 111., where Mr. Blake be- came the owner by purchase of 200 acres of land, 160 acres of prairie and 40 acres in timber. It was located in what is now Durand Township. In 1858 Mr. Blake rented his property and went to the city of Rockford, in oider to secure the superior ediica- V^ tional advantages afforded by its schools. Mrs. Blake died in Rockford, March 12, 1872, aged 57 years. Three children constituted the issue of her marriage : Buel J., Elizabeth (Mrs. W. E. Harrs : see sketch), and Amelia. The latter became the wife of Walter Van Alstyne, of Rockford, and died Nov. I, 1869, aged 21 years. The son became a soldier for the union in the war of the rebellion. He enlisted in Co. K, 74th 111. Vol. Inf. His regi- ment was attached to the command of Gen. Sherman, and Buel Blake was in many of the engagements of the corps. He was killed June 27, 1864, at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Mr. Blake, of this sketch, became a resident of Mt. Pleasant in 1874. illiam E. Harris, of the firm of Harris Bros., proprietors of the Mt. Pleasant Flouring s^J^^P Mills, was born April 15, 1841, in London, Eng., and is the son of William S. and Sarah A. (Heath) Harris. In 1852 he and his father came to the United States and proceeded di- rectly to Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. His father bought 40 acres of land in the township of Montcalm, and began to prepare for the comfortable location of his family, who followed in September of the same year. He died on the farm in New York^ in September, 1854; the mother is still living, at Mt. Pleasant. In 1859 Mr. Harris went to Greenville to learn his trade. He spent two years in a grist-mill, acquiring all the details of the business, and in i86i went to Rockford, Winnebago Co., 111., where he remained nine years employed as a miller. He was married there to Elizabeth Blake. She was born March 12, 1846, in Illinois, and is the daughter of Samuel and .Amanda (Loverin) Blake. Minnie, born in Decem- ber, 1869, and Sanimie, born in December, 1873, are the names of the two children now included in the family circle. In 1872 Mr. Harris came to Mt. Pleasant, and, as- sociated with his brother John, bought the site of their mill. It was in heavy limber, and they pro- ^, ceeded to clear and improve the property in genuine ^ frontier fashion. They began building on a small {. scale, erecting a mill 30 by 40 feet, in dimensions, ^ c^: ^; r ^■. ^9 ^'^^^ ii'ish''^^^ V V '~^ T--7<-:I]a^IlIls>T^ ISABELLA COUNTY. "^Uhiir'v with two run of stones. The structure has been en- larged and its facilities increased, and is now 42 by 62 feet in extent, and three and a half stories in height. The fixtures include one run of stones and ten pairs of rollers, affording a capacity of 100 barrels of flour daily. They do merchant and exchange work, and employ five assistants. The firm of Harris Bros, includes the brothers William, John and Henry G., and Warner Churchill, a brother-in-law. The works are usually in operation night and day, and in the fall of the year they ship large quantities of grain. The firm are also interested in the manufacture and shipment of hoops. " The Government Mill Prop- erty," including 100 acres of land, is owned by the Harris Bros. V eorge M. Gould, farmer on section 18, Coe Iji i, yp^ yv-'^ -4^^^C(®^^^ Si° ISABELLA COUNTY. Marquette Railroad depot, where they press hay. The machine has a capacity of one car load per day, and the firm also deal heavily in produce. — «- #-^ Ijl'l^j^llen J. Struble, M. I)., residing at Salt River, is a son of J. J. and Harriet F. (Os- borne) Stnible (sec sketch of J. J. Struble), and was born in Fulton Co., Ohio, April 14, I 1853. He was 14 yearsof age when the family came to this county. He attended first the district school, then two terms at the graded school of Day- ton, Ohio, and finally graduated at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. Completing his studies, he formed a partnership with his father, J. J. Struble, at Salt River, where he has since continued in the prac- tice of his profession. He was married at Alma, Gratiot Co., Mich., Jan. I, 1875, to Annie A., daughter of Richard Hoy, of Coe Township. Two children, Nellie and Grace G., have been added to the household. Dr. S. is politically a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M., and has been Clerk of his township for three years. J OSes Brown, merchant at Mt. Pleasant, was born in October, 1829, in Poland. J=_'' He is the son of Samuel and Hannah < A (Jalinski) Brown, natives of Poland, where ■■)?■ they both died. His father was a merchant, and the son was trained to the same business, entering the store at i6. When he was 19 years old lie accompanied his father to the United States and settled in the city of New York, where they remained two years, Mr. Brown, of this sketch, operating mean- while as a peddler, in order to maintain himself while he obtained a knowledge of the language and customs of the people of this country. His father and himself were in jxassession of one dollar in money on their arrival, but found friends in New York they had known in their native land. The father was a tailor by trade, and he found employment without difficulty, and they were soon in comfortable cinunn- stances. Mr. Brown found his calling as a peddler remun- erative, and he continued to follow it about 20 years. He came to Detroit about 1851, and in i86r, on the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, he became a soldier, enlisting at St. John's, Clinton County, in Co. B, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf., Capt. Pratt. Mr. Brown was in the military service of the United States three years, and was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Among the engagements in which he participated was the siege of Beaufort, Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Fort Sumter, Newport News, Culpeper Court-House, Bull Run (second), Fredericksburg and numberless minor skirmishes. He returned to Mich- igan after receiving honorable discharge, and in the spring of r865 he came to Mt. Pleasant. He at once opened a general mercantile establish- ment, which he has since conducted. He is also as- sociated with Frederick Dane in buying furs, hides, farmers' produce, etc., operating somewhat after the method of pioneer countries, keeping a sort of trading post. Mr. Brown has a ware-house at Mt. Pleasant, where he traffics in lime, coal, cement and general building materials. He also owns his residence and 60 acres of land adjoining the village corporation on the east, 40 acres southwest of the village on section r4 of Union Township, and 80 acres on section 17 of Lincoln Township. He is a member of the Masonic Order. Mr. Brown was married May 20, r868, in Detroit to Mary Farinbacher, a native of Bavaria. She was born March r5, r849. Si.K children have been born of the union; they are Anna, Samuel, Jennie, Alice, Fannie and Harry. The father of Mr. Brown returned to his estates in Poland in 1853, where he died, in r87o. ^ t oreen H. Parsons, farmer on section t^t,, Coe Township, is a son of Worham and Chloe (Harmon) Parsons, natives of Con- necticut. The parents first settled in Connect- icut, then lived one year in Ontario Co., N. Y., and then made their last move, to Geauga Co., Ohio, where they died, he in August, r855, and she Sept. 23, same year. I'he subject of this narrative was born in Geauga Co , Ohio, June ro, r8r8, received a common-school education and remained at home until about 20 years of age. He learned the trade of blacksmithing, which '^i.: 1 V' c-o: V (^■■^ -sii^^- A<^iiii^iin;>^ M ISABELLA COUNTY. he followed about 15 years. In June, 1856,116 came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres on section 30, Coe Township, which he worked five years. Sell- ing out, he then purchased an eiiual tract on section 33, where he now resides. He has 45 acres under cultivation. He was married in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Oct. 281 1838, to Permelia, daughter of Nicanor and Lovisa Munson, natives of the State of New York. She was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., May 7, 1820, and has been the mother of five children, three of whom sur- vive : Sidney N., Harvey S. and Horace A. -The de- ceased are Alonzo C. and Elizabeth A. Mr. P. has held the different school offices in his district, and in the spring of 1881 he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he continues to hold. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. P. is a Re- publican. jajor James Webb Long, Editor of the Mt. Pleasant Times, was born at Hills- ^^ - ' borough. Orange Co., N. C, June 20, 1840. I'X. \ His father, Edwin R. Long, was an officer in the Second Regt. U. S. Reg. Inf., and, when James was an infant, was ordered to Buffalo, N. Y., where the regiment was stationed at the bar- racks. Major Casey being in command. In 1844 it was ordered to Detroit and stationed at the bairacks. Col. Hugh Brady being in command, with his head- quarters in the city, — or village, as it was then. The location of the barracks is now a point of historical interest. Arbeiter Hall stands near what was the center of the old barracks, and the wooden building standing back of it is the one that was occu[)icd by Lieuts. Long and Burnett. Lieut. E. R. Long had read medicine, and gradu- ated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, intending to resign; but in a post-mortem examination he cut his finger, resulting in erysipelas, from which he died in a few days; and Lieut. I. R. D. Burnett, who had nursed him tenderly, caught the infection and died a week afterwards, and both are buried in Elmwood Cemetery. From Detroit, Major Long's mother, with her three children, went to North Carolina, wiiere they re- 1- o A mained for one year, returning from there to BulTalo, where they lived until 185 i. During this time Mrs. Long married William Lovering, Jr., and the family lived happily together until her death in 1851. A short time after her death, the subject of this biogra- phy was sent to North Carolina to complete his edu- cation under the care of his ])aternal grandfather, Hon. John Long, of Randolph County. While there, he attended the Collegiate Institute, presided over by Rev. Simeon Collon, D. D., first President of Am- herst College, and there he graduated in the higher branches, including the languages. He went into the stores of James Webb and P. Brown Rufifin, of Hills- Iwrough, where he learned mercantile customs and also practical book-keeping. Afterwards he studied medicine under his uncle, Dr. J. Wesley Long, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and read law under another uncle, Hon. William J. Long, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. In 1859, he again came North to visit relatives in Buffalo, and after being employed in various occupa- tions, he secured the position of local editor of the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, afterwards as corre- spondent of the Buffalo Courier, and still later as Washington correspondent of the BulTalo Commercial Advertiser, also at the time being a paid contributor to and correspondent of Russell & Tolman's " Boston Musical Journal^' then the leading publication of its kind in America. While in Washington, he became acquainted, through a letter of introduction, with Mrs. Edith Grimsley, a cousin of Mrs. President Lincoln's, then residing at the Executive Mansion. Mrs. Grimsley ^ procured for him, as a personal fiivor to herself, an g'v appointment as Second Lieutenant in the Second f/ Regular Infantry (his father's old regiment), his com- mission dating August 5, i86r. He was ordered to join his company, B, then at Rolla, Mo., and pro- ceeded there at once. He found a brigade of regular troops, composed of three companies of the First In- fantry, two of the Second, Crittenden's and Stanley's cavalary, and Totten's and Sokalski's batteries of artillery, under the command of Gen. Fred Steele. Lieut. Long was appointed acting Assistant Adjutant (General of the brigade, besides having command of his company. From Rolla the command was ordered c ii <'i .- % to St. Louis, where, as survivors of the battle of Wil- ^ V p ^tf^* 514 ISABELLA COUNTY. -^-^^^^^^' '•■>A^.- '•<>') ■^ , . . = V^ son's Creek, they met with a grand reception. From ',R St. Louis, they were ordered (after a short stay at ;_^ Benton Barracks) to Jefferson City, at which place I Lieut. Long was taken down with typhoid fever, and -<, sent to St. Louis for medical treatment. From tliere, '^ after his convalescence, he joined his company at Sedalia, Mo., from which place he was ordered to Washington, where the regimental headquarters were established. He spent the winter of 1 86 1-2 in Washington on provost duty, and marched into Virginia with the Army of the Potomac under McClellan. The cam- paigns of that army having become a matter of com- mon history, it is not necessary to take space here to record them. At the battle of Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1862, Lieut. Long was severely wounded, being shot in the foot, the left wrist, and through the right side of the face, thoroughly disabling him. He returned to Buffalo, on sick leave, and was ordered after a while on duty as recruiting officer. From there he was ordered to rejoin his regiment in the field, but on his arrival at Washington he was ordered to report to Maj. Gen. S. P. Heintzelnian, commanding the Department, for duty as mustering !=c officer. After being stationed at Washington and \y Arlington House (being on the staff of Gen. De Russy), he was promoted to a Captaincy and ordered O to join his regiment at Beverly Ford, Va. (1863). From there the regiment was ordered to New York, to assist in quelling the draft riots, after which they returned to their old camp at Beverly Ford. From here they took part in the Virginia cam- paigns, Major Long being in command of his regi- J ment most of the time, participating in the battles of % the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, from which place \ he was ordered to Alexandria, for medical treatment, and from there to Annapolis, Md., where he was placed in military command of the Officers' Hospital. From there he was ordered to Louisville, Ky., on mustering duty; from there to Newport Barracks, on recruiting service ; from there to Trenton, N. J., and (c^ while there he filled the positions of recruiting officer, I mustering officer, disbursing officer. Assistant Adju- ttant General, Post Adjutant, in charge of draft and credits, A. A. Q. M. and A. A. C. S. ^i^ From Trenton he was ordered to Newport Bar- ■ i) racks, Ky.; from there to Louisville, Ky.; from there >^ the command of tlie post of Jeffersonville, Indiana; from there to Louisville; from there to the command of the post of Warsaw, Ky., at which place, Feb. 19, 1867, he was married to Miss Annie Graves, a daughter of Hon. L. Graves. From Warsaw, he was ordered back to Louisville, and from there to A*- lanta, Ga., where he was left on waiting orders on account of physical disabilitj resulting from his wounds, and ordered to await orders at Warsaw, Ky. \Vhile there he was detailed as Lidian Agent for the State of Michigan and ordered to Detroit, to re- lieve William H. Brockway. Major Long held the position of Indian Agent during the most important period of its existence. The country in which the Indian reservations were situated, was being stunted in their growth by the Indian lands not being taxable or the titles transferable. Major Long set to work earnestly, and to him Isabella County owes the pres- ent flourishing condition of its northern portion by reason of his procuring the Indians their patents from the Government. Although the duties were onerous and in hundreds of cases required the most critical judgment, as he was necessarily the sole ar- biter and judge, yet with different interests pressing their claims- upon him, he so conducted the immense business that when he resigned he carried with him not only the respect of all classes of citizens, but the unqualified endorsement and confidence of the In- dian Department at Washington, and the lasting good will of his Indian wards. He filled the above position until iS7i,when he resigned, removing first to Saginaw and afterwards to Isabella County, where he now resides. He received, during his military service, two brevets, both being for gallant and meritorious services in action; one being for brevet Captain for Gaines' Mill, Va., and the other for brevet Major for the Wilderness, Va. Shortly after settling in Isabella County, Major Long assumed the editorship of the Isabt-lla County Enh'ipiise, holding the position for four years, and building it up from a weakly folio into a vigorous quarto. Afterwards he became editor of the Mt. Pleasant Times, and Nov. 19, 1879, he purchased the office which he is at present conducting. In April, 1884, he purchased the FarwcU Rc^ishr, which he also controls. Major Long's connection with journalism dates back a good many years, beginning as a paid literary contributor to the Newbern (N. C.) Daily Progress, V^ (■ (c (■ gKV©)«^l« ^^-^^^t^^ i^:^/^D)^t#^ <^lll]^llll>>r- rr- '2Rifi)'-~^ (h >^ V > t ISABELLA COUNTY. in 1858, under the nows de plume of "Gabriella," 'Phixanella " and " Florine." After his return North ^9 he became associated with journalism again as be- fore stated, and, besides being on the regular staff and correspondent of the Boston Musical Journal, he also at times has contributed articles to some of the leading magazines, notably among others, Frank Leslie's publications. Major Long has also had 36 pieces of original music published, all of whicli have met with a good sale, while a good percentage jiave met with a flattering reception from the public. His family is a decidedly political and literary one. % His grandfather, John Long, of Randolph Co., N. C, represented his district in Congress for eight years; while two of his uncles were in the State Legislature. One of them, James A., was also editor of the Greens- borough (N. C.) Patriot. A cousin, Hon. William H. Milliard, of Alabama, has been Governor of that r\\ State, United States Senator, Minister to Belgium, Vr and latterly Minister to Brazil. On his mother's side another cousin, Hon. Graham N. Fitch, of Logans- port, Lid., has been United States Senator from that State. His wife, formerly Miss Graves, is also re- lated to some of our most notable men. Her father was Judge of the Court in the district in which he resided, and by maternal descent she is related to Gen. Wade Hampton, of North Carolina; on her father's side she is related to the Bran hams of Virginia. Major Long's family is one well known in the Regular Army. His father graduated at the United States Military Academy at West Point, in 1829, and subsequently married Phebe Ann Fitch. Tlie issue of this marriage were John O., Helen M. and James W. John Osmond graduated at West Point in 1854, and was assigned to the Second Lifantry. Helen M., his sister, married William Montgomery (Gard- ner, a Captain in the same regiment, who was a graduate of the class of 1846. Two maternal aunts were married to two Lieutenants in the same regi- ment, viz.: Charlotte Fitch to Lieut. L R. D. Bur- nett, and Jane l-'itcli to Lieut. Alex. T. Hoffman. So that from 1829 to 1871, the date of Major Long's resignation, there has always been a representative of the family in the regiment. Lieut. Alex. T. Hoff- man's son, Alexander W., graduated in 1864, but was assigned to the loth Infantry. In the Navy tlie family was represented by Lieut. Commander Le Roy Fitch. The regimental record is as follows: Lieut. !■>. R. (^ t K^ ^|kv®))€^|.. ^^^^ Long, from 1829 to 1846; Lieut. Alex. T. Hoffman, from 1830 to 1839; Lieut. I. R. D. Burnett, from 1830 to 1846; Capt. William M. Gardner, from 1846 to 1 86 1, afterwards Brigadier General in the Confed- erate Army; Lieut. John O. Long, from 1854 lo 1861, afterwards Colonel of the 22d Reg. N. C. T., C. S. A; Major James W. Long, from 1861 to 187 1. The early life of the subject of this sketch was passed in garrison and in army circles, having been born and reared in the army, where money came and went easily, and his boyhood days having been spent i under the protection of his grandfather, who was one ^ ■ of the rich planters in the South. His first experience [. of civilian life, where for himself he had to meet the world, where the motto was " Every man for himself and the Devil take the hindmost," was when he re- signed his commission and came to Isabella County to live in the fall of 187 i. Having had occasion to visit this county by reason ( ' of his duties as Indian Agent, and wishing to settle •; in a new place, he invested in property there. On ^ removing here he first platted a town called Long- ^ wood, where he opened a drug-store. The place (V/ seemed to grow, by reason of the trade engendered = by the presence of the Government's Indian grist and saw mills; but as they were burned and not rebuilt, he opened a store at Mt. Pleasant and purchased prop- erty here, building the St. James Hotel block in 1874, shortly after he had completed his residence. Hav- ing brought considerable means with him, he en- deavored to run a drug-store for the benefit of the people, having one at Longwood and another at Mt. Pleasant. The temperance people having impor- tuned him successfully to disassociate the sale of wines and liquors from his business, and finding that a drug-store could not be run successfully in a new town without that, and his tastes being of a literary turn naturally, he sold out and devoted himself to journalism. Tlicrc have I)een five cliildren born to Major and Mrs. Long: James Hampton, born at Louisville, Ky., April 4, 1868; Edwin Ramsey and Henry Daw- son, twin boys, born at Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1069; Annie Fitch, born at Mt. Pleasant, Nov. 21, *4* 1873; and Montgomery Gardner, born at Mt. Pleas- \']j ant, Nov. 26, 1878. Out of all these, around whom tr^ so many hopes were woven and so much affection - , given, only one remains to the stricken couple. James ^ ( i. %m<^ -^^ ■?N<5i_ ISABELLA COUNTY. «#t^f®vB f« ^ /^ Hampton died in infancy, at Louisville, Ky., June 29, 186S; Henry Dawson died at Mt. Pleasant, Nov. 19, 1880, at the age of 1 1 years ; Edwin Ramsay died at Mt. Pleasant, Dec. 6, i88o; and Montgomery Gardner died at Mt. Pleasant, Dec. i i, 1880, aged 1 1, leaving only one child, Annie Filch. T,(ist tn tlioir rliildhoixT-; sweet promise, l-ost to their youtlfs lin-iii;;- sti-il'e. Tjost to their nianhooiVs pi-imil ^lory, Lost to tlieir liarvest of life. This severe visitatiori of Death was a most ter- rible one, their two twin boys 1 1 years old and their two-year old baby, all being taken from them in 22 days by that terrible pestilence, diphtheria; and we cannot wonder that, although the Major is still a hard and earnest worker, yet both himself and wife cannot feel resigned to their terrible loss, but can only wait as patiently as they can, until some day it will be all more plain why they were so afflicted, and when they hope to see and kiss their little ones once more. Of course the portrait of Maj. Long appears in this Album, on a preceding page. i saac Ingersoll, farmer on section 26, Coe Township, is a son of Daniel D. and Eunice (Burton) Ingersoll, natives of Connecticut. The parents left that State for New York, and settled in Cortland County, where they died. The subject of this biography was born in Fairfield Co., Conn., and was a year and a half old when his parents removed to New York. He lived at home until 20 years old, and then worked at car- pentry for two years, and becoming acquainted with the use of tools he spent three years in learning the carpenter and joiner's trade in Otsego Co., N. Y. He then came to Ingham Co., Mich., where he fol- lowed his trade for three years. In the spring of 1856, he came to Isabella County and took up 160 acres of wild land in Coe Township, under tlie (Grad- uation Act. He now owns 120 acres, 80 of which are in a good tillable condition. He was first married in Cortland Co., N. Y., May 3, 1846, to Jane Tripp, a daughter of Daniel and Betsey Tripp, born Oct. 9, (829. Of this marriage 12 children have been born, nine of whom survive: Lewis 13., Henry A., Sarah J., Isaac F., Alfred M., Charles, George, Edwin F. and Arthur C. Tlie de- ceased are Amanda R,, Inis J. and Mary A. Mrs. I. dying Sept. 4, 1873, he was again married, at St. Louis, Gratiot County, March 23, 1875, to Lizzie A., daughter of David and Lydia (Huber) Dutt, and widow of Conrad Riess, who died in Venango Co., Pa., June 19, 1868. Mrs. I. was born in Venango Co., .Pa., March i, 1843. She has by her first mar- riage three sons, Henry K., Conrad V. and Charles L., and by her second, two daughters, Emma M. and Flora E. Mr. I. has been Constable two years, Justice of the Peace four years and Township Treasurer one year. He is jwlitically a Republican, and religiously, he and wife are members of the Disciples' Cluircli. ]j: rville W. Stebbins was liorii June 19, 1861, in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, four miles north of St. Louis. His parents, Wil- liam L. and Lucinda (Francisco) Stebbins, re- moved, when he was three years of age, to the village of St. Louis. His father spent some time there working at his trade as machinist, and is now managing a boot and shoe store. Mr. Stebbins employed his youthful years in the acquirement of his education, and at the age of 19 began to fit himself for the business of a harness- maker. He learned the details of that vocation with thoroughness and opened a shop at Ithaca, which was owned by his brother, F. A. Stebbins. He con- tinued its management one year, when he went to Solomon Valley, Kansas, and spent seven months herding sheep. In May. 1883, he came to Mt. Pleas- ant and formed an association with Herbert W. Bennett, in the music business, afterwards being in partnership witli B. F. Kyes. In Aj)ril, 1884, he withdrew and is now traveling in the West. >f;'p^jjCesse D. Frost, farmer on section 15, Coe dltMilf Township, is a son of John J. and Marga- |!^5,S'' ~^ ret T. (.^damy) Frost, natives of New Jer- %\} sey and New York, and was born in Che- ir mung Co., N. Y., July 22, 1828. At the age I of seven, he came with his parents to Portage Co., Ohio, going thence to Crawford Co., Pa. In the latter county he lived continuously from that time till April, 1876, when he came to this county and bought K^ c ^ ^>! r -^si^^ I e%*' ^^/«)$«^^ -^^K — r^v<>tll]:t:illis> '• /s >? V T ISABELLA COUNTY. T 1 20 acres on section 15, Coe Township. Of this farm he has now 60 acres under cuhivation. He was married in Venango Co., Pa., Jan. 1, 1S62, to Nancy E., daughter of William and Jane Shank, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. F. was born Feb. 23, 1844, in the county in which she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Frost are the liappy parents of five chil- dren : William J., Diana E., Samuel E, M.iria J. and Robert J. Mr. F. is politically a Democrat. Mrs. F. is a conscientious member of the United P)rethren Church. ■ IkT^Y'"'' vee Estee, resident at Mt. Pleasant, was in Dec. 12, 1856, in Coe Township, Isa- .t;lla County. He is a son of Perry H. ^1^ and Carrie E. (Dole) Estee, who reside in Coe Jk^ Township. He was one of the first children i born in that section of Isabella County, and is a member of one of the most prominent representa- tive pioneer families of Northern Michigan. He was reared on his father's farm to the age of 16 years, attending winter terms of school. After reaching that age he engaged alternately in teaching and at- tending at the union school of Mt. Pleasant and the Commercial College at Grand Rapids. In 1876 he began to read law in the office of S. W. Hopkins, of Mt. Pleasant, and in the fall of 1877 he entered the Law Department of the University at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in the spring of 1879. After taking his degree he taught one term of school, and in 1879 went to Greenville, Ohio, and, associated with J. C. Royan, opened a law office. The relation closed in February, 1881, when he returned to Mt. Pleasant. He devoted the autumn of 1880 to cam- paign duty for the Republican party in Ohio. On returning to Mt. Pleasant he formed a partner- ship with S. W. Hopkins. The connection was dis- solved in the fall of 1881, since which date he has managed the business of his office singly. He has officiated two years as School Examiner, and is at present Justice of Peace and School Inspector. In 1882 he was named by the popular voice for State Senator, but peremptorily declined, although his nom- ination and election were practically secure. In addition to the regular business pertaining to his profession, he is managing collections and real-estate interests. He owns considerable property at Mt. Pleasant, including his fine residence, which he built in 1882, and two lots connected therewith, a house and two lots on Fancher Avenue and Illinois Siieet, besides two business lots on Main Street. Mr. Estee was married Feb. 28, 1883, at Mt. Pleasant, to Mary, daughter of Charles and Naomi Stirling. She was born Feb. 29, 1864. Mr. Estee is a ready and fluent speaker, and is known as an active and influential advocate of the principles of his polit- ical connection in the local campaigns. He possesses brilliant literary abilities, and has been for a number of years a frequent contributor to various journals. His al)ilities and characteristics are winning for him a substantial recognition among business men, and he is secure of future advancement in his profession and business relations. F'Tt^.I uni.s W. Swart, for 16 years a resident of Mt. XslaV Pleasant, and for two and a Iialf terms WW^ "^ Sheriff of Isabella County, is a son of Tunis ' fe J^ and Rhoda (Riggs) Swart, and was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb, 27, 1836. While he was an infant, his father moved to Michigan, settling in Homer Township, Calhoun County, and soon afterward buying a farm of 80 acres in Claren- don Township, same County, where he died, Oct. 17, 1855. His wife died in September, 1857, at the same place. The son was reared on that farm, and when 17 years old learned the cooper's trade, which he fol- lowed in various places for 12 years. He came, in October, 1865, to Mt. Pleasant, and bought 20 acres on section 26, Union Township, where he resided two and a half years. His residence was next in Mt. Pleasant, as Sheriff of the county. In 187 i he opened a grocery and provision store, which he carried on until 1880. In the summer of 1878 he built a fine brick store on the corner of Main and Michigan Streets, 2214 X70 feet in size, two stories and a base- ment, with a barn in the rear. In this building he did business for the last two years before he retired He has also built a fine brick residence, on two lots on Main street, south of his store, and owns a dwell- Mig and lot on the corner of Washington and Wiscon- (9 (o) ^(^"•W^MO^ A. _>!yS'^Si!3^ m 5i8 ISABELLA COUNTY. .^^^K(®V|| sin Streets, and five acres on section 22, near the corporation. He was married in Clarendon Townsliip, Calhoun County, April i, i860, to Miss Laura J. Willett, who was born in Lenawee County, June 6, 1842, the daughter of William S. and Marian W. (Alger) Willett. One son has been born to them, Fred H., Feb. 12, 187 1. Mr. Swart is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has been Constable of his township and village several years, and has held school offices. He was elected Sheriff in 1868, and was again chosen in 1876. Between those two dates he was for one year appointed Sheriff in place of John Ma.xwell, who was chosen County Treasurer. He took to Jackson the first convicts from Isabella County. They were two men sentenced for three years. >^ '<) kX^' \b- ^ P'A' Gorge H. Treeman, farmer on section 21, ii^^iij, (oe, is a son of James and Phebe (Wood- "^5^ ^ ward) Freeman, natives respectively of "yf ' London, England, and the Dominion of Can- ada. The parents lived a number of years in Canada, and came to Midland Co., Mich., in i86g. Three years later they settled in Coe Town- ship, this county, which is their present home. Their family included six sons and one daughter, George being the fifth son. He was born in De Gore, Can., June 22, 1852. For various reasons his educational privileges were few, and he worked most of the time after he was old enough to be a steady hand at heavy labor. At the age of 20 he started out on his own account. He worked for others for a time, and in the fall of 1872 came into possession of 40 acres, mostly wild, in Coe Township, where he has since lived. He has added 40 acres by purchase, and now has a fine farm of 80 acres, 60 of which are improved. He was married at Salt River, Dec. 24, 1871, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Jesse and Kliza Hutchin- son, residents of Coe Township. Mrs. l'"reeman was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 21, 1853. To her and her husband five children have been given, — Franklin, Bertie, Lydia M., Olive E. and Elmer. Franklin died when about eight months old. Politically, Mr. F. is a firm supporter of the Re- j,^_,, publican party. I -^-H^^i.^*.-:^ i ^. '■FWrip illiS'™ W. Struble, ex-Judge of Probate of M^^Ht I^''^ljella County, resident at Mt. Pleasant, '^te^>^ was born Nov. 6, 1822, in Morrow Co., M^M> Ohio. He is a son of John W. and Sarah J\K' (Laycock) Struble. His father was a farmer and 1 1 a native of New Jersey ; he died in Morrow County, Aug. 27, 1835. The mother was born in New Jersey and died in Fulton Co., Ohio, Dec. 29, 1862. Mr. Struble was reared to the same calling his father pursued all his life, and when he reached the age of 16 years, went to learn the tailor's trade. He served an apprenticeship of four years in Lexington, Richland Co., Ohio, and followed the same vocation two years as a journeyman. In May, 1843, he open- ed a shop in Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio, and contin- ued to conduct his business there three and a half years. He was married Sept. 12, 1843, in Lexington, tc Mary Murphy, who was born Aug. 8, 1821, in Union ^ town, Pa., and was the daughter of Baruch and Cath- erine Murphy. She became the mother of 1 1 chil- dren, and died Oct. 24, 1878. Nine of the sons and daughters live to hold her in sacred, loving re- membrance : Sarah, the eldest child, is deceased; John B. is one of the proprietors of the Salt River s Flouring Mills; Joseph A. is a farmer in Chippewa ^ Township; Mary S. is the wife of Joseph Oklits, of P Ml. Pleasant; Harriet is Mrs. W. W. Fosgilt, lumber dealer near Sutton's Bay, Mich.; James P. is a farmer in Union Township; Franklin L. is engaged in farm- ing in Coe Townships Elmer E. is the manager of the homestead in Chippewa Township; L'lyses S. is a farmer. From Galena Mr. Struble went to Mor- row County, and was there engaged in the business of tanner about fouryears, and returned then to Fulton County, where he operated with success about five years. He then sold out and bought a farm in the same county, where he engaged in agriculture until his removal to Isabella County, in October, 1864. ( A c^: Sj- r^' 5 ^$^f§* -^<-^II!l^llt|v>^ ^>^^ #^((®>^ T^WMh>T ISABELLA COUNTY. "5liNki-^ -*%?^ ^<®vB 5'9 b 3 -?> He bought i6o acres of timber land, which he placed in a high state of cultivation. He has given 40 acres to each of Viis two eldest sons, and still holds 80 acres as a homestead. He resided on his prop- erty in Chippewa Township until 1882, when he re- tired fiom active farming and moved to Mt. Pleasant, where he is snugly situated in a dwelling he owns there. Mr. Struble was nominated for Judge of Probate in the fall of 1870, on the Republican ticket, and made a most successful campaign against Richard Hoy, receiving a majority of 425 votes. He discharged the duties of the office with credit to himself and satis- faction to all concerned. He was a second time married Oct. 23, 1881, to Catherine Converse, of Chippewa Township. She was born in Ontario Co., State of New York, Oct. ir, 1833, and lier parents were among the pioneer settlers of Hillsdale Co., Mich. >:> V illiam M. Williams, farmer on section 26, Coe Township, is a son of William R. j^^^^" and Betsey (Gibbs) Williams. The father x' was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 3r, 1814, and the mother was born in thesame county, in April, 1817. They came from New York to Michigan, and lived in Ingham County five years. In the spring of r86o, they came to Isabella County and located on section 35, Coe Township, where he died, June 29, 1881. She survives. Their family included 1 1 children, nine of whom grew to be adults There were four sons and seven daughters, William being the third son. He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 18, 1850, and was five years old wiien his parents came to Michigan, and 10 years old when ihey settled in Isabella County. He- received a rudimentary educa- tion in the district schools and worked on the farm and in the woods until 24 years 9f age. He was married in Pine River Towjisliip, Cratiot Co., Mich., April 10, 1878, to Lovina, daughter of Ceorge and Agnes (Lockey) Wooley, natives of Can- ada. She was born in Clinton County, this Stale, Sept. 13, i86r. Of this marriage one daughter, Bes- sie, was born June 12, 1879. Mr. W. bought his present farm of 40 acres on section 26, Coe, in 1875. He has 30 acres improved. ^ Politically, he is a Republican. Mrs. W. is a member m of the Presbyterian Ciuirch. *v:-* V^ ichael Schafer, farmer, section 28, Notta- uj Township, is a son of Leonard and Lena (Christ) Schafer, the former a native y^**\ of Germany and the latter of this State, where, in Clinton County, they both died. The subject of this record was born in West- phalia, Clinton County, this State, March 4, 1855. He remained under tiie family roof-tree, assisting in the maintenance of the family and attending the com- mon schools, until he attained the age of manhood, when he went forlh to fight the battle of life alone, and came to Isabella County, this State. In 1876, he, in connection with his brother, pur- chased 200 acres of wild land in Nottawa Township, 30 of which are now in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Schafer was united in marriage June 23, 1879, with Clara Mutz, the daughter of Valentine and Frances (Pauli) Mutz, both natives of Germany and at present living in Lansing, this State. Mrs. Schafer was born April 4, 1855, near San- dusky, Ohio. The union of Mr. and Mrs. S. has been blessed with two children, Frankie, born Dec. I, tS8o, and Peter W., born March 29, 1883^. Mr. S. is at present Moderator of his school dis- trict, and himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. :';i|jf'[|.: ohn C. Hardgrove, farmer on section 30, ^[l^^fj- Chippewa Township, is a son of Washing- vS' '^ ^ to" and Priscilla (Clark) Hardgrove, na- iM. tives of Pennsylvania. Their family includes ^r four sons and four daughters, the subject of \ this biography being the eldest son. He was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, Sept. 18, r83o, and received the rudiments of an English education at the district school. As soon as he was old enough to work he began to help his father, and he remained at home until 27 years old. He was married in the county of his nativity, Oct. 7. 1857, to Miss Phebe, daughter of William and Sophronia (Sturgeon) Black- ledge. Mr. and Mrs. Blackledge were born in Greene '^, >:i H>^ ^^mr- ^^5((®>^ &. >lf Co., Pa., and died in Carroll Co., Ohio. Mrs. Hard- '^ grove was born in the latter county Sept. 26, 1832, I and has had eight children, seven of whom are liv- ing, — Mary E., Franklin A., Frances R., George W., Emma C, Melvin H. and Corban. Hiram B. died Feb. 7, 1882. Mr. H. is a Republican and has held various school offices in his district. He came to Isabella County in September, 1S67. Of his 160 acres, 80 are in good cultivation. ■rs >5 (^ =E>- -f3= 'f|f Herbert Soper, farmer on section 7, Coe, ^j^l ' - is a son of Ira and Olivia (Dane) Soper, 8^.""''"°^ natives of the State of New York, and now residents of Flint, Genesee Co., Mich. He was bora in Orleans Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, 1846, and " at the age of seven came with his parents to Genesee County, this State. He lived at home until the spring of 1876, when he came to Isabella County and bought 80 acres, mostly wild, where he now re- sides. He has 32 acres under cultivation. He was married at Fhnt, Sept. 25, 1872, to Miss Cynthia I., daughter of Alonzo and Mary Hemstreet, natives of New York. Mrs. Soper was born in the county of her marriage, March 29, 1847. The three children added to the family circle are Harry W.^ Edith O. and Kittie M. J. Herbert died when a a year and 27 days old. Politically, Mr. S. is a Re- l)ublican. jcoc;;?tt--5»ri-r5- lenjamin Whitney, deceased, a relative of IP several residents of Isabella County, was born in the State of Vermont, Nov. 14, 1802. Leaving that State at the age of 13, he s[)ent some time in Batavia, N. Y., and then went to Ohio and lived in Rainsville several years. He then settled in Ontario Co., N. Y., where he followed blacksmithing and farming, and for a time was employed in driving stage for his father. He was married in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1832, to Caroline E., daughter of Thomas and Annie (Ralston) Hall. Mrs. Whitney was born in Steuben -#^^((^V^ Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 18 15, and bore to her husband nine children, as follows: Clarissa E., Emily J., William T., Hiram B., Charles C, George G., Albert N., Rensselaer G. and Mary C. Hiram B. died March 18, 1864, while on his way to Yorktown, as a member of the T6th Heavy Artillery. His body was embalmed and sent back to his mourning parents. Mr. Whitney enlisted Feb. 17, 1864, in Co. E, Eighth Mich. Vol. Inf, and served 18 months. He fought at the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and in numer- ous other engagements; and while in a skirmish near Petersburg he was shot through the left hand by a minie ball. With other wounded and disabled men, he walked ten miles to City Point, Va., where his wound was dressed and he was sent to Washington, D. C, and afterwards to Philadelphia. He was as- signed to the invalid corps, where he remained till Aug. 7, r865, when he was discharged and returned to his home. He died of heart disease, Feb. S, 1874, in Yates Co., N. Y., while on a visit to his daughter, Clarissa E. 9a2fi7©ig-«— S||;^^^^^|§H-><-2fSWr'ra'^ \^' A ca: I gW^^avid C. Vroman, farmer on section 27, Coe ^|, Township, is a son of Tunis and Elizabeth ( ,^r^ (Craig) Vroman, natives of the States of TO, New York and Maine. The parents first settled in Orleans Co., N. Y., and afterwards re- moved to Jackson County, this State, where the mother died. The father yet lives in that county. Their family numbered eight, and David C. was their second son. He was i)orn in Jackson County, May 24, 1836, attended school until 17 years old and remained at home until 23 years old. In February, 1859, he came with his wife to Isabella County and bought 120 acres on section 27, Coe Township. He has since disposed of 80 acres, and has improved 55 acres. He was married in Jackson County, this State, July I, 1858, to Julia E., daughter of David H. and Chloe (Sanford) Goldsmith. Parents were natives of Tompkins Co., N. Y., and the daughter was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1841. Florence M., William H., Walter L., Zada A. and Raymond W. ^ ;^^e- -^>^^0^ — ^-^^D(i:<;tiii;> A r~- '^^^^^'S^Tlffl'^ -^^^(@J^%: (OJa^^ ^ /9c.^.r^, ^j» V *(f«»- /SAB ELLA COUNTY. s are the names of their five children. Zada A. died when a little over one year old. Mr. and Mrs. V. are members of the Disciiiles' Church. Politically, he is a Democrat. iharles E. Bowman, lumberman and agri- jig^ ship, was born May 30, 1844, in Niagara- Co., A N. Y. His parents, Daniel and Jane (Denster) I Bowman, were also natives of I he State of New York. The former was born Sept. 14, 18 17, the latter May 19, 1 81 7. The senior Bowman was a shoe- maker by trade, and while a resident of his native State worked at that business, and also as a tailor. In 1850 he removed with his family to St. Clair Co., Mich., and located 120 acres of unimproved land. He placed 40 acres under creditable cultivation, and erected thereon suitable and necessary farm build- ings. After eight years he sold the property and removed to Midland County, settling in a part now included in the township of Edenville. Associated with Timothy Jerome, a brother of the ex-Governor of Michigan, he built a saw-mill, which was run by water power. Two years later he sold his moiety to his partner and devoted his attention solely to lum- bering and agriculture. In 1865 he removed to the State of Missouri. Mr. Bowman is of mixed English and Highland Scotch extraction, his father and mother having been respectively of parents descended from those nation- alities. On attaining his majority he engaged in lumbering. His capital was invested in a span of horses, and he operated on the Tittabawassee River as a contractor in the avenues connnon to the busi- ness, to which he devoted his energies about two years, when he purchased 81 acres of wild land in Edenville, Midland County, and began clearing it for a homestead. He placed 45 acres in first-class cultivation and built thereon a house and barn. He still retains its ownership, but after a residence there- on of some years, he removed to Isabella County to follow his lumber interests. He located on sec- tion 10, Wise Townshi]), where he has since resided and vigorously prosecuted the business of lumbering. He owns 200 acres of land, which he is fast placing in a highly creditable slate of cultivation. In political views and connections, Mr. Bowman is a Republican. He has discharged the duties of several local offices, and is now School Assessor. He is a member of the Order of Masonry, and belongs to Corning Lodge, No. 335, at Farwell, Clare Co., Mich. Mr. Bowman is a substantial citizen of his town- ship and county, one of the class of men whose zealous industry and persevering prosecution of in- flexible business methods is fast placing this section of Northern Micliigan in fair rank with otiier portions of the Peninsular State. His portrait is given on the opposite page. He was married Oct. 11, 1868, to Julia, daughter of Nicholas and Sophia (La vere) Raymond. She was born Jan. 10, 185 1, in St. Clair, Mich. Her father was born in 1813, in the Province of Quebec. He came to Michigan when he was but 18 years old, and followed the business of a blacksmith until his death in 1853. That event was the result of accident, from a falling limb off a tree from which he and his son were peeling the bark, striking him on his head. He survived five hours. Her mother was born May 20, 1817, in Detroit, and is still living, at Port Huron, St. Clair County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are five in number, and were born as fol- lows : Wallace E., Nov. 6, 1869 (died Dec. ig, 1870); Warren G., Jan. 3, 187 i ; Elmer D., Nov. 18, 1 87 3; Eber A., Jan. 17, 1878; Bessie May, M.ay 6, 1884. ^^§&^ ^l^fe'^^f-'C >;;'||gf'|R ohn Bussell Doughty, editor and proprietor S^^r of the Istibclhi County Enterprise, was 1 Jj'v' * ' 'It Henrietta Corners, Monroe Co., N born Y., M'Z ^^'thin ten miles of the city of Rochester. His ]t birth occurred Sept. 24, 1842, and he is the son \ of George W. and Emeline (Storm) Doughty. \VhL'ii he was two years old his parents removed to Van Buren Co., Mich., where his father engaged in mercantile pursuits at Paw Paw; he is still living there, aged 80 years. The mother died at Paw Paw in 1878. Mr. Doughty received all the educational advan- tages afforded by the [ilace where he grew to mature years, and he eventually entered the printing-office of I. W. Van Fossen, at Paw Paw, where he re- mained between two and three years. He afterward x Ky e :^Dt]>>i^ ^I^^^C^ o I I f )^^ ^i^tixS-'S!" 5=4 ISABELLA COUNTY. {9) ^ went to Kalamazoo, where he obtained a situation in the printing-office of the Kalamazoo Telegraph. He remained there as assistant about three years, and at the expiration of that time he went to Poughkeep- sie, N. Y., where he was employed on the Daily Eagle; he went thence to the city of New York and passed some months in a book and job office. The place grew irksome ; and, yielding to an in- clination to see home and friends, he returned to Paw Paw, where he purchased the stock of a boot and shoe establishment. He continued the management of the business upwards of a year, when he sold out and again interested himself in printing, entering the True Northerner office at Paw Paw. After a short time he again went to Kalamazoo, and later to St. John's, where, associated with a Mr. Phillips, he pub- lished the Clinton County Republican. Eventually he sold his interest to Mr. Phillips and returned to Paw Paw. Shortly after, he went to St. Joseph and was there engaged for a few months in the pursuit of his vocation as printer, returning on the termination of his engagement to Paw Paw. While at home he received a communication from Albert Fox, publisher of the Enterprise at Mt. Pleas- ant, asking him to proceed to that place to take charge of the paper, as his failing health incapacita- ted him for the duties and labors of the position. Mr. Doughty responded to the summons and spent 1 8 months as assistant and manager of the interests of the Journal. At the end of that time Mr. Fox died, when the paper passed by purchase into the hands of Mr. Doughty. He succeeded to its pro- prietorship in July, 1873. The journal is now in its 20th year; it has the largest circulation of all papers in the county and is conducted in accordance with the princi;.'les declared in its motto. It is published in the "interests of the Republican party and of Isa- bella County." Its popularity is growing with the in- crease of improvement and population of Isabella County, and its business interests are gradually widening. A considerable job and book printing business is connected with the work of the paper, which is an important addition to its scope and is rapidly extending. In 1875, 1^'s printing-office, witii all its fixtures, was destroyed by fire, entailing total loss, as there was no insurance. The plucky editor was nothing daunted and ordered a new outfit from Detroit, set up an office in the parlor of his private residence and issued his paper on the regular day of the following week. In January, 1884, he reduced the subscrip- tion price of the paper to $t a year. Mr. Doughty was married May 24, 1874, at Mt. Pleasant, to Eva Craig Graves, daughter of Judge L. and Virginia Graves, residents of Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Ky. Mrs. Doughty was born at that place Dec. I, 1852. She is thoroughly educated, having been a student at Oxford Female College, Butler Co., Ohio, and at the " Acade.ny of the Most Holy Rosary " at Louisville, Ky. She is assistant editor of the Enter- prise. Tlie family includes three children, — Lorenzo G., Ole W. and Virgaline, aged respectively eight, six and three years. «^ -?3= .J^ E>- E-l u^Vnf on. Isaac A. Fancher, formerly a resident yL plF;^-"'* of this county but now of Detroit, is a son ^ c^: •^aV^ $$^#» ^^ of Jacob Schuyler and Eunice (Alger) Fancher, %■ and was born Sept. 30, 1833, in Florida, Mont- I gomery Co., N. Y., where his parents passed the latter portion of their lives. His father died in 1838, and his mother for some time afterward lived at Braman's Corners, about a mile and a half from Schenectady, N. Y.; but, returning to Florida, N. Y., she finally died at her daughter's, Olivia Caroline. In their family were four children, namely, Olivia Caroline, Richard, Isaac Alger (subject of this sketch) and Orrin Hatch. Richard and Orrin are deceased. Mr. Fancher, during his early boyhood, attended S^^ tlie summer schools, as the school-house was too dis- \^'f tant for him to attend in winter. From the age of r 1 I to 15 he had to work on the farm; then for one year Ire attended school at Diianesburg, Schenectady Co., N. Y., boarding with his sister Olivia; next, was on the farm again until he was 19 years of age; then, being anxious to obtain a belter education, he at- tended the Princetown Academy in his native county ^'i. for a three-months term, and tlie following year two j terms more. Afterward he attended the Amsterdam »:. ; (N. Y.) Academy for a school year, closing in June^ G . 1856. In September following he left his native >x State for the West, spent a short time in Kilbourn (J City, Wis., taught a winter term (1856-7) of school ^ jl<^;0||:$:|ID;^z,£! ^'^^ T24^is: 6V<^^I] D :-$i O 0^ j>T ":34>a>'-^^ 4^^J((®vi|^: ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^ at Delton, that State, traveled a few months, and :) taught the same school the ensuing winter. In tlie •-.-* spring, on account of tiie dealii of his brother Orrin, I he returned to Florida, N. Y., for a short time, then [2) he went to Minnesota and bought 80 acres of land near Rochester, that State, which he afterward sold. Later in the season he went into Iowa for the pur- pose of locating several hundred acres of land for a friend in the East. After going as far soiitii as St. Louis, Mo., he returned to Delton, Wis. > In the fall of 1859 he went to the neighboring "1 town of Newport, Wis., and entered the law office of ^.^ Jonathan Bowman, who was formerly a resident of Charleston, Wis. After reading law there about 14 months he attended the Albany (N. Y.) Law School about six months, and soon afterward opened a law office at Kilboiirn City, Wis. In the spring of 1862 he, in company with others, started for Oregon, but ) on account of unforeseen difficulties they turned their course southward, toward Nevada. The party di- /\ vided, and Mr. Fancher, with his party, settled near Minetville, staking out a lot and building an adobe house. But soon afterward he made a short visit to San Francisco and returned via the isthmus to New York city, arriving Jan. 24, 1863, having been 24 days on the ocean. Contracting chills in that city, he hastened to his mother's in Schenectady County, where he remained seven weeks. In the spring of 1863 he spent a fews weeks at Kilbourn City, Wis., settling up business, and July 4, following, he arrived at Mt. Pleasant, having heard favorable reports concerning this locality. He im- mediately bought three lots, erected a frame house and moved his family hither from Wisconsin, by team, being 23 days on the route. He opened an office and began the practice of his profession, and took an active interest in the welfare of the place. Having studied civil engineering, he also engaged somewhat in surveying, as the country was new and law business light. For several years he was State Road Commissioner. In 1868 he was awarded a certificate of election to the Legislature by the Dis- trict Commissioners, but his opponent, Mr. Newman, .-' contesting, he let the matter go, as he was not anx- d ious for the seat ; but he nevertheless got in all his ^ public measures, which were carried through. He (® paid his own expenses. In 1873 he was elected /: Representative to the Legislature with only two op- V ^ !2 f) posing votes. In 1875 he was elected Senator from T' this district, and served one term, with honorable ^ distinction. He introduced a joint resolution author- *"'.' izing the Auditor General of the State to credit the I county of Isabella witli upward of $10,000, which had V^ been, in the detaching of Clare County, wrongly charged to tjiis county. This money was appro- priated lo the building of the court-house at Mt. Pleasant. He has also served the county as Prose- cuting Attorney, and for a time was Postmaster at Mt. Pleasant. In 1870 he was Census Commissioner \ for this and Clare Counties, and he has been honored with many other public trusts during his sojourn in this county. He was a man of enlarged views, busi- ness energy and philanthropic spirit. He was largely interested in laying out roads in Isabella and adjoining counties, so that all the im- portant roads would center at Mt. Pleasant. Also took great interest m the proposed Lansing, St. John's (' ~ & Mackinaw Railroad, and worked for it until over $400,000 was raised in municipal bonds, when such /S,, paper was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme i=i Court. He was a Director in the company projxising »,. a road from Owosso through this county, which is e=i now being built by the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North- ern Company. He also greatly aided in the con- struction of the Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad, being Vice-President of the same until it was trans- ferred to the Flint & Pere Marquette Company. He bought the first mill site in 1865, which he had sought out, and afterward sold it to Hapner Bros., who built a mill there, and subsequently Mr. F. pur- chased the property. He sold a half interest in the water-power to Harris Bros, for a Government mill, and afterward sold his remaining interest to George W. Bowen, and purchased the steam saw-mill built by Owen & Clinton, which he subsequently sold to A. B. Upton, and is now owned by Upton & Leaton. At one time Mr. Fancher owned 169 lots in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Fancher was married in W'yoming Co., N. Y., June 6, i860, to Miss Althea May, daughter of Wil- liam and (Fisk) Preston. Mrs. F. was a native ^ of that county. She and Mr. F. have become the "i-' parents of three children, namely : Preston Schuyler, born June 10, 1861; Blanche, deceased; and Bessie Riiea, born June 9, 1874. In 1882 Mr. Fancher changed his residence to ^y ^ (\ (^ l^S/®^)^#- ,^%^^ 9^m2m> T "^^^^^^^ p^^^(\ 526 ISABELLA COUNTY. ^;^ Detroit, where he bought a fine dwelhng and is now ^ practicing law. In general politics he is a staunch i'^i Republican, was Chairman of the Republican County T Committee most of the time for 15 years, and from ■i). 1878 to 1880 was a member of the State Central Committee of that party. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, being one of the oldest mem- bers of Wabon Lodge, No. 308, at Mt. Pleasant. illiam E. Redfleld, farmer, section 10, Deerfield Township, is a son of Josiah and ^■f,"' Eliza A. (Lane) Redfield. His father was a native of Connecticut, and died March 15, 1862 ; his mother was born Jan. 12, 1813, and is now living with him. There were three children in their family, of whom the subject of this sketch, Mr. Wm. E. Redfield, is the only one living. He was born Nov. 20, 1852, in Twinsburg, Summit Co., Ohio, and lived there until he was 26 years of age; he arrived in this county May 5, 1879, where he now owns 60 acres of land, — 20 on section 10 and 40 on section 15. Dec. 22, 1878, he was married to Clara A., daughter and only child of Franklin and Mary Cal- ista (Ballard) Barker, who was born in Oakland Co., Mich , Feb. 4, 1858. To them have been born two children, namely: Ethel Grace, Dec. 20, 1880, and Josiah Franklin, Sept. 9, 1883. Mr. Redfield and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican, in his political views. Her father participated in the last war, being in the bloody battle of Chickamauga: he died in the liospi- tal at Chattanooga. (ft y^^ ft A >5 :< ^ s b (^ rr> ^l\§^m^ •^mM\[^>^^- --^^^(^J^S r^^ eV4^llII§Illli-'>r^^ :2!^&^ ^ / ?• ^ :-S ^" i -^'^^^^ '^-^^^Dfl^^DDf^^ ^=^^5^ ^^^)^m^ ■^ 6rV<^Iin^||]ri>V^T8 Ti^^^is- ^^M (^ e 1 -^_: A C< v/ ^ w> t ^^^» .^55^§>jc a^^;[i[j^p|i;'^A^. ^ -7<>[lli:-^:illl^>r /\ V ^ .1 ISABELLA COUNTY. ■:2J^- L« ^c^(^i^[^tiS 'i'. '■•.'. •. '■•.'I'^tsa'i^.gs'gstaa'^'^' ■•>'■• i'. ; .t;^t^>^«^'^<^ INTRODUCTORY. l'^'^>)'iaj:i«5§j';^to'^!i' .- 1 '. '> U'l^'iiSi'i^tgS't^^' I ^' f CARCELY :i score and a half years have passed since the un- broken forests of Northern Mich- igan were thought of as a possi- X}} ble home for civiHzed man. ''^ The Government surveyors re- [jorted that it was an irreclaim- able waste and not fit for cultivation in any quarter, the soil being of that character which precluded the prop- agation of cereals. The rapidity of settlement and enormous crops of every- thing in the line of cereals demonstrated conclusively their mistake, for no acre- ge surpasses Northern Michigan in pro- uctiveness. Notwithstanding the oft re- peated tales of want and hardships told by their sires, men of energy, with their families and all tlieir earthly possessions loaded upon a wagon drawn by oxen, pushed their way step by step, through the unbroken forests of Isabella, until they found suitable locations. With a spirit of heroism have they toiled until the forests were laid low, and their herculean labor is manifest in the broad acres of liighly cultivated land, upon which stand palatial res- idences and outbuildings of the most expensive char- acter. Over the grounds where the red man chased the bounding deer, and the wildcat and wolves held their nightly vigils, may be seen the husbandman gathering the golden harvests; where the Indian's wild war-whoop was heard, stands the stately house of worship. Transportation of goods by ox-teams has given way to the power of steam, and a commerce has been opened up with all parts of the civilized world. Prosperity in a high degree has smiled upon her people, who are fortunate in living in the most healthful, beautiful and productive State in the Union, taking age into consideration. The history of this county is possessed of no small degree of interest. While other counties were con- nected with the frontier by large bodies of excellent lands, these seemed shut off from the gaze of shrewd speculators by reason of its heavy growth of timber. They were destined to become the heritage of an lionest, industrious people, and the income derived from the timber and products of the soil has given many of the first comers a handsome competency. This wa.s tlic ilark forest priiucvnl ; I?ul tlic iiiiiiiiMT I'aiiic ill liis iiiiylit. Anil down tliioiiiili \\w v:i-t IimiV Iciii|i1i' S|ircii(l f;lc;illiiii;; llir |iioiii'i'is" li.i;lil. Willi his ;ix on Ills slidiildiT, lii' <'aiii(> I'roiii till' hills aiicl v.-illcys a\\;iy : WliiTc llic SUM ill liis splniilor iiprisinj;; TJf;lils Hunker llilTs eoliiiiiiis to-day. X(> niarlile-pavcMl cilies here shone. XiM-oslly hiiill palace lieri' stood; Itiit above and around, the dark forest rose, Willi majeslir, hiin'e pillars of wood. \o lii';ln\a'\ thai led llii-oiij;li the -jrove Had liiiijiil lillle lloweis s.'adered there, Mill iiairou paths, skirled with thorns, Their naked feut ready to tear. ^5 c^: 0) ||^-V5))f^(f- r^iiti>>v^ — ^'^^^^ I (a» 53° ISABELLA COUNTY, : Value of Jjocal History. •UT few of the present generation realize tiie great value of local history, living as they do in an age of industry and thrift. The opportunities for speculation and the haste to become wealthy take precedence of everything else, and the fact is not taken into consideration that the pioneers are rapidly passing from the scene of their labors, leaving but little time for the compilation of biographical sketches which constitute the heretofore unwritten history of Isabella County. Their children have heard from the lips of their aged sires the story of privation and toil of those who were first at the front in the settlement of the county, but their children will lose sight of the facts unless they be recorded in such manner a, to become intelligible and kept fresh in the minds of succeeding generations. Surrounded, as we are, with everything which wealth and taste can suggest, the fact is almost lost sight of that here were the best years of the lives of our ancestry devoted to the development of one of the best agricultural counties in the State. As the vir- tues, privations, toil and hardships the pioneers have undergone are well worthy of a more fitting memorial than can be secured by a granite monument, the design of the publishers is to record a history of in- estimable value to every citizen of the county. The facts mentioned have been carefully culled from every source ; neither pains nor expense has been spared in the compilation of this work, which, although not without error, is as correct as can be gathered from the pioneers themselves, and men are very apt to be mistaken in data. Upon local history depends the perpetuation of facts heretofore unwritten, as well as the biographical sketches of every worthy pioneer in the county that could be procured. Each sketch speaks volumes; and a history of one man's life, perhaps of an entire family, is now recorded where naught can efface or destroy it. From this will all future volumes of like import take their data. Those who have volunteered the information from which this work is compiled, will live in the history of this county as long as time lasts. No manlier hands e'er drew a sword than they who faced privation and danger while engaged in the subjugation of the dense wilderness which once cov- ered this now beautiful land, and to them is this vol- ume dedicated. ^^: ^^'^^^ — '^^^^i]n:-^:iiii;>^ 4^^i5f®x^:^ >; ^ ? I I KOEVER attempts lo write conceniing the history of our North American Indians, with any knowledge of what he is writing, the result of either experience, observation or in- vestigation, does so with a regret that civilization has demanded so much of them and returned so little. Their origin, how they came here in this country in ad- vance of intelligent and scien- tific discovery, and where they came from, is a subject that has challenged the attention of the antiiiuarians and historiographers ever since the discovery of this country; and the writer of tiiis ar- ISL tide, during the time that he had If, (harge of the Michigan Indians as their Agent, gave considerable attention to this, being singularly, but unconsciously, aided by the i Indians themselves. One of the best tests in tracing descent where histo- ry is silent on the subject, lies in idiomatic expressions, hyperboles and in rhetorical tropes. Added to these, we can readily call to our aid the prophecies of the Scriptures, and notice their fulfillment in this peculiar people. My idea about them is that they are de- scendants of the princes, sultans and califfs of Ara- bia, so graphically described in the book so dear to formerly U. S. Indian Agent. all juvenile readers, " The Aral)ian Nights' Enter- tainments," and I shall endeavor to slate my reasons for believing so. In the first place, the Arabians are recognized as the descendants of Ishmael, of whom it was said in (lenesis xvi, 12, "And he will bo a wild man: his hand will be against ever)' man, and every man's hand will be against him ; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren." What has l)cen true of the Arabians, has been singularly true of the North American Indians; for, until overpowered by numbers and modern implements of warfare, their hands were against every man, and now every man's hand is against them, and they also dwell in the presence of their human brethren. In A. 1). 622, the Arabians, under the name of Saracens, began their course of conquest, under Mo- hammed. Their methods of warfare were, no quar- ter to prisoners, the debauchery of female captives and their destruction afterw'ards, physical torture and no mercy. The Indians in their natural state have adojited this very metliod, as the result, I tliink, of a natural inlierilance. Then again, the Araiiians, as Mohammedans, were taught to believe in a heaven of perfect sensual and physical enjoyment, where they would not only be surrounded by beautiful houris whose only mission would be to minister to their animal enjoyn)ent, but that there, in that land, they would be all brave war- riors, invincible and imconquerable. What more of a simile can we find than the idea the untutored ■^'^^ &^-DD"«;ilK>i:g S:;f5<^ -"•f^^Sft 9 fr. m^. >iSs>>v -^^^^^\m ISABELLA COUNTY. o /\ •^ Indian has always had of the "happy hunting i|i) grounds ? " ■T» Then, again, as to the simihirity of their figures of f speech. Instead of the Arabian sahitation of, "C'oin- ^j mander of the Faithful," our Indians substitute the equally poetical appellation of, " My Great Father." In oriental poetry and oratory, the simplest methods of comparison were used, so as to come within the comprehension of an ignorant people. Brightness of character, of visage or of mechanism was com- / pared to the sun. Loveliness of character, or beauty J^ of countenance, was compared to the moon ; grace- ^■% fulness, to some animal, such as a gazelle; swiftness, to a deer, — all homely comparisons, but easily under- stood. To this day, our North American Indians use the same figures of speech, and they did not learn them from their white concpierors. Another thing which tends to show tlieir ancestry is their ceremonial observances. The Indian in his wild state has been compared by some persons to a brute. But brutes do not hold war and peace dan- ces; they do not have ceremonial observances in honor of victories, or dejection over defeats ; and the ([uestion is, where did they receive these ideas ? A noted Mason in this country has said that even among Bodouins of the Desert he has observed Ma- sonic rites and symbols; that while they lacked the perfection and finish of those of civilized Masonry, still they were sufficient for mutual recognition. Now, Free Masonry is older than civilization, and is de- scribed as having had a being " ever since symmetry began, and harmony displayed her charms;" and the Arabian and his descendant the Indian have, I believe, a valid claim to the same antiquity. We have every reason to believe tliat during the war of the Crusades, the ultimate friendship of Saladin, the Saracen chief, and Richard Coeur de Leon proceeded from their mutual recognition as Masons. Another thing is to be considered in this connec- tion ; and that is, the existence of the law of primo- geniture among them, and the right of succession established of rulershipor kingship from father to son. If they had been the original inhabitants of America from all time, and isolated from the rest of the world, with their savage, untaught natures, the strongest and most daring of them would have been chiefs, always jjroviding they had even thought of the expediency of dividing themselves into bands, tribes and nations. :) But in Arabia they had this division from time im- memorial. How did they come here? is the next question whicii will naturally arise; and tTiis brings us to a natural comparison of the habits of the two people. The Arabians were a restless, nomadic and migratory people, of a decidedly warlike nature. If they could have no other, they indulged in internal war, lo keep their hands in. Just so with the Indians. With the Arabians, the possession of women began to be the result of physical prowess. Just so with the Indians. With the Arabians, woman was a slave, not only de- pendent entirely upon her male lord, but simply a creature to gratify his lusts. Just so with the Indians. Then look at tlie similarity of names. The Ara- bians used the hyphenated syllabic method, each name meaning something; and so do the Indians. Where did they get this? Did they pick it up by chance? Here are two samples. One is the .\rabian " Ai)d-el-Wahhab," or "The Servant of the Beauti- ful," and the other the Indian " Naw-o-quay-ke- /.hick," or "Tiie Noon-day Sun," both descriptive of some personal attribute, and of the same ortho- graphical system. In A. D. 929, Arabia was disorganized and suf- fered for two centuries from internal warfare, and we have every reason to supix)se that with escape ixjs- sible, the defeated chieftains and their followers did not remain to be subject to the bastinado or the scimitar. The sea on one hand and the northern passage on the other was preferable to this, and with their traditions, their political and tribal divisions and other attributes they came to this country. I have space in this article to mention no more than generally and briefly my reasons for sup|)osing that our American Indians are of Oriental t)rigin ; ai.d having done so I will now be more definite and come down to our local Indians in Isabella County. The Chippewas of Saginaw Valley, Swan Creek and Black Kiver. The above tribal designation is of comparatively recent date, the present trilie licing tlie result of inter-marriage, and they lack both tribal descent and features. Tlie old Iroquois blood is flowing in the veins of many of tliem, and liere and there one can trace a descendant of the Miamis, the Senecas and oftener V^ C f ^^^ — ~^^i1[1:^:dii;->a -^?> #§5^f^^:iiS; T I SAB ELLA COUNTY. S ) '^ the old and once powerful Pottawatomies. The old Etowah and Ojibways (now corrupted into " Otta- wa " and "Chippewa") are also represented largely! so, as we said before, the present tribe designated as " Chippewas of Saginaw, Swan Creek and Black River," is an amalgamation of several tribes which were once distinct. Ne-gaw-ne, an old man over loo years old, was a warrior under Pontiac, and describes with great ac- curacy the part he took in the siege of Detroit, in- cluding the historical game of foot ball. These and others, whose names escape my memory, have told me about the big falling waters (Niagara Falls) and of Red Jacket, the famous chieftain and orator; and again others will tell of the fertile lands of the Ohio, and of the rivers which rose so high every spring that they could paddle their canoes over the land. Tlie time of sei)aration seems to iiave been at the treaty of the River Raisin ; but this time is after the segregation of many of the forefathers of our present Indians. In the Detroit treaty of Nov. 17, 1S07, the lands in the Saginaw territory were set apart for the Ottaway, Cliij)peway, Wyandotte and i'ottawatomie nations of Indians, as part of a general and divided concession (.') from the Government; but it is nt)l until the treaty made at Washington, May 9, il^.^i'i, that we see our Indians classified as " Cliijjpewas of Swan Creek and Black River." During these years the Wyandottes and Pottawat- omies seem to have wandered westward, though many of the latter tribe settled in the Michigan Territory, south of what is now the line of the Micli- igan Central Railroad. But among the new tribe of Chippeways of Swan Creek and Black River, there was a large number still of Wyandottes and Pottawat- omies, although the prevailing number were divided between Ottawas and Chippewas, while occasionally to this day a Seneca Indian can be found. Civiliza- tion had been driving them remorselessly before its cultivated fields, — first from the beautiful valley of the Miami, up towards the Maumee; from there to the River Raisin where Monroe now stands; from there towards the Detroit River, but urging them both westward and northward; from there to the Flint and Saginaw Rivers, — but with all these tem- porizings urging them westward by offers of large an- nuities, which many of them accepted. 533 "> — — = (^:- On arriving at Swan Creek, Black River and Sagi- ^ ^.„ ^k:„ ,,,,.,^1 — , ♦;,,„ „r f»;i.^^ ...,-^.^^ *u^,*.. .-.^i.f ^A' T f naw, this conglomeration of tribes, under their new name, began to clear land, to hunt and to fish; but even in what was tiien a wilderness they were not allowed to remain undisturbed; for the American Fur Company began the e/ection of trading-ix)sts, and buying their valuable furs of the Indian hunter and trapper; they and the subsequent traders paid them off in poor whisky and cheap goods at an exorbitant price. As civilization (?) advanced, many of tlie whites ^.1 took Indian women as concubines, living in this un- holy alliance as long as it suited either their con- venience or inclination to do so, thus giving to these untutored people their first lesson in civilization by teaching them the prostitution of their young women! But after a while this land became valuable to the whites. The steami)oat appeared where before the waters of the Saginaw had known no more disturb- (^ ~ ance than the paddle of the Indian in his canoe. ^ ' Business began to prosper, settlers to come in, and /\ in 1855 these Indians were all called together and i=r told practically that it was to their interest to give »»• up land, then worth $100 per acre, and to move again 3= northward into Isabella County, then almost a wil- derness; and to this they consented and moved up liere ; and had it not been for the efforts of the writer in securing them their patents in fee sinqjle, the prob- ability is that before now they would have been re- "inoved from here to Isle Royale in Lake Sujjcrior, or some other equally undesirable locality. As it is, their present condition as compared with the past is bad enough. They are dwindling away or migrating each year; some of them have gone with their old rel- atives, the Ottawas on Lake Michigan, the straits of Mackinac and Sault Sle. Marie; others can be foinid among the Chippewas of Lake Superior, while those remaining earn a precarious living in either amateur farming, hunting, fishing, basket-making or, later, in working in tlic lumlier woods in winter and on the drive. They are undoubtedly the victiins of the inexorable logic of events; but it seems a pity tiiat they, the original |X)ssessors of the soil, should have been com- *^1 pelled to give up so much when they received so Dy little. At present they are living upon this reserva- Jr\ tion under the provisions of the treaty of October 18, (• 1S64, which was supplemental to the treaty of ^ ( V :m-^> i Jj > "% >: V ^ August 2, 1855. This treaty provides for the per- manent settlement of these Indians and the disso- lution of their tribal relations to the United States Government. It gives to each head of a family 80 acres of land, and to each Indian, male or female, arriving at the age of maturity, 40 acres, with a pro- viso that the Indian Agent shall classify them as "Competent " and " Non-competent." In case they are re|jorted as competent, then a patent in fee sim- ple is issued to them, and they can transfer their land, or alienate the title, just the same as any ordi- nary freeholder; but if reported as non-competent, then, while a patent is issued to them, they cannot transfer the title without the consent of the Secre- tary of the Interior, who bases his opinion very great- ly on the recommendation of the local Probate Court, about the same as in the case of minors at law. The reservation embraces the following Congres- sional townships, all being in townships north by ranges west of the meridian line; 16, 3, entire; 15, 3; 15,4; 15, 5, entire; 14, 5, entire, and the north half of 14,3, and 14, 4. There are exceptions to even this territory, being in the way of entries made by speculators in pine lands previous to the treaty. In the preparation of the first list for patents, the writer was embarrassed by the large acreage with- held from selections by what is known as the "Rust jnirchase;" but, this being subsequently removed by these gentlemen releasing to the Government their valuable investment, tjie Indians were allowed to se- lect this land. The pnncipal value attaclicd to this land was the magnificent pine timber which grew on it, and its value was enhanced by the fact that it was within easy and practicable distance to the Chippewa and Salt Rivers, by which the logs could be floated to Saginaw or Bay City. Lumljer speculators soon bouj^ht tlie itine, coupled with the right of removal, at a nominal figure; and after them the land speculators purchased the land. Some of the Indians kept their land (very few com- paratively), but none of them kept their |)ine. It is iierhaps just as well as it is. Tlie theory of the Indian (Commission and tlic wouldbc liunianita- V^ ©- rians, that the Indians of North America can be ^ turned into a set of civilized farmers, is a chateau (W d'Espagne of the most enormous j^roportions. A per- *>>• centage of them may be recovered and converted to | civilization and its rules, by schools like that at Carl- isle, Pa. ; but 'an Indian is an Indian, and nothing else. He had rather fish and hunt than farm, and the nomadic habits and tastes of his ancestors still cling to him with persevering force. Locality is one of their chief attributes. Although they are entitled to land up here in Isabella County, not only land, but the means of having permanent and comfortable homes,- — notwithstanding all this, which any white man would accept greedily, the Indian will not take, but even now can be found in his old haunts, rendered doubly dear to him by hab- itation and the traditions of childhood. The Indian problem has had a fair, honest and in- telligent trial among the Chipjjewas of Saginaw, Swan Creek and BJack River; and as far as amel- iorating their condition is concerned, it has been a failure. Schools have been furnished them, with patient, earnest teachers ; the gospel has been preached to them, by hard-working, self-denying min- isters of Christ ; many cm speak Knglish ; some can write, read and cipher; some are members of the Church, and all are peaceable and qviiet, — civilization has done this much, but it has all been for the ben- efit of its own cui)idity and i)rotection. As for the Indian (!) in the wild woods, unbroken by the ax of the pioneer; by the shimmering stream full of sus- tenance to him, and wiiosc l)anks were bordered by the unstinted growth of medicinal plants whose vir- tues were unknown at that time, only to his medicine man : the Atropa Bcllaiiotina, by which they charmed their enemies to death ; the Blue, Black and Purple Cohosh; the " Taraxacum Dcns-Lconis" or Dande- lion, the J^ciiiopliyllum pcltatum, or Mandrake or May Api)lc; with nature at liis command: with liis bow and arrow on his shoulilcr, or his fisliing pole or net in his hand, tlic Indian of primeval ages was more one of (lod's noblemen than the nondescript produced bv tlie hyjiocrisy of livili/alion ! < A C< r g|-v®))^€^ ^^^^^^ — ^^<;^Dar^^nn;->-^- m I ^ -2^^!^ — ^iv^-^n D^. n ^'f>^ — ^as"^^ /?s V ...4 t ISABELLA COUNTY -*&;2 ^^^■^^^^^^^^^ ?^j^. V"4-' YT'4-*"rt' ■•? 'J: "•!.•'■¥"+■-■?■■ -y-l-' ■+■ "-i-'V Y 'YI-'-Y "+'¥ Y Y Y YY Y Y Y Y Y YY Y'Y"-i-"Y Y Y'Y Y' Y Y Y -k v'^®^**^ ^^S?'***"*'^' ••^*£=^ --— ^— .:=d ^s /// .^ ' " ~: T*^ HE people of tins generation, those who are reared in the midst of luxury and rocked in the cradle of affluence, know comi)aratively nothing of the hardships and pleas- ures attendant upon pioneer Tlie attractiveness of our heiutiful farms and picturesque landscapes, dotted here and there with neat and substantial residen- ces, present a pleasing picture in strong contrast with the humble loj; cabin of 1854, whose walls shelttred a few articles of rude fur- niture, and the stumps in the door- jard were repositories for cross-cut saws, the beetle and the ax. Many of the children who were born beneath these humble roofs, whose infantile cries were hushed by a tender mother's soft lullaby as she carefully rocked them to sleep in a cradle improvised from a basswood sugar- trough, are the men who now fill official positions, and conduct the business affairs of this county. The log cabin yet remains; silent and unpreten- tious it stands, reminding us of former days and as- sociations. Who can look at one of these relics of pioneer life and not call to mind the toil and priva- tions of early days.' She whose willing iiands and warm heart helped you fight life's battles, plied the *s busy needle, or prepared the frugal meal around the ^ huge fire-place, whose crumbling remains are yet visi- q ble, is perhaps sleeping the sleep of death, while <^° another enjoys the fruits of her toil and care. Si- ^ lently you gazed on the features of that wan little ^ one in that old cabin as its spirit winged its flight, «; and now the bodies of them both are resting side by r side in the City of the Dead. Such memories cluster about the old log cabin that you can hardly lay rude hands upon the decayed material, even to remove it. Every log and chink has a history, and, could they speak, would relate a story worth listening to. But these relics must give place to the more substantial and modern improvements, and ere another decade has passed scarcely a trace will remain of pioneer life. It is not a long time since the first entry of land was made in this county, nor since the date when the first white inhabitant pitched his tent, and built a log cabin to shelter his family from the inclement weather, as well as to afford them protection from the howling wolves or the crafty Indians. Should an attemi)t be made to go back to the time that the first white man set foot u[>on this territory, much specula- tion would have to be indulged in and no real benefit derived by the reader. Missionaries, the advance and advancers of civilization, are said to have visited Detroit as early as the year 1620. This was when it JSi^^ -K:^n!i^tin;t>A^ — '^'^^ \^>^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■erV<^^llIl^I -i^^5f®v(i^ (h >:> V 'oN was under French control, many years before the fondest hopes and imaginations of man conceived that he in time should be the happy recipient of this fertile virgin soil, and the favored jwssessor of that highest of civil and ixilitical rights, personal and po- litical freedom. \11 this wilderness remained under French and British rule until 1787, when it was ceded to the United States by Virginia, to whom it then belonged, and became what was historically known as the Northwest Territory. In 1805, the Territory of Mich- igan was formed and set off, with the seat of govern- ment at Detroit, where it remained until 1847, when it «sras removed to Lansing. The old capitol build- ing at the latter place, a frame structure, was destroyed by fire in 1881, and nothing remains a memento of its primitive style. That magnificent building, the new State Capitol, stands 50 to 100 rods northwest of the site of the old one. The territory embraced by Isabella County was set apart at the organization of the State, and remained so until Nov. 28, i86r, when the first tract of land was entered by Aloney Rust, it being the southwest quarter of section 4, in township 15 north, of range 3 west. A few other tracts were entered by specula- tors during that and subsequent years. In October, 1854, Daniel Brickley, John Stewart, Andrew F. Childs, James Wilsey, Daniel Childs, James Camp- bell, George Reasoner, Charles F. Young, M. J. Hall and P. H. Estee, each entered a quarter-section under the " Graduation Act," at 50 cents per acre, and most of tliem soon settled upon and commenced improving their purchase. The first road was cut from the south line of tlie county to Salt River aliout the first of November, 1854, which was the first step toward subduing this country. On the seventh day of November, Joseph Roberts, Sen., Patrick Fanning and Tliomas Roberts, with their fann'Hes, moved into the county over the new thoroughfare, and are entitled to the honor of being the first families in the county. Nov. 21, Daniel Brickley and John Stewart moved their families into the woods on the west side of Coe Township. Settlements were then made ra[)idly, and in December George Hursh and Lewis Jenner cut a road from Brickley "s place to the farm of John M. Hursh, south of where the village of Ml. Pleasant is now located. On the 25th day of February, 1855, Mr. Hursh moved to this farm and formed the first nucleus for a settlement in the central jwrtion of the county. About the same time, John Fraser crossed the Titta- bawassee River, and with two or three others cut a road along Pine River to the Old Indian Mission, then across to the land which he had entered and subsequently improved. The early settlers upon coming into the new coun- try found themselves subject to the pressing demands of nature. Away from civilization, yet they must live. After the first meager supply was exhausted they were obliged to go out after more, and the near- est point for trade was Maple Rapids or Fish Creek, both being 45 miles distant. Thither they were obliged to go, not only for provisions, flour, etc., but also to obtain their mail. Necessity is the mother of invention, and each week's travel over almost im- j)assabie roads gave them ample time for reflection, which soon suggested the idea of having mills at home, and "hand-mills" were introduced. The first one was purchased by Daniel Brickley, John Stewart and others, who used it for grinding their own corn, and allowed their neighbors to use it at a rental of one shilling per bushel. Some of the settlers were not willing to pay what they considered an extrava- gant toll, and resorted to the more primitive way of grinding in a coffee-mill, or shaving it down with a jack plane. A few of them used a trough made from a black ash log, in which the corn was placed and beaten to the requisite degree of fineness with an iron wedge which had been driven into the end of a hand-spike. Wild game was very plentiful, which furnished the basis of their meat siqiply, only a few being able to purchase bacon or other salt meats. Their garments were not made by dressmakers and tailors, nor were they of faultless fit or of the finest material; yet all seemed to be satisfied with their lot in life, and those of the early settlers who are yet living unanimously declare that the good feeling and harmony which prevailed at an early day was infinitely greater than it is now, when surrounded l)y everything which wealth can procure or mind suggest. Neigh- borhood ipiarrels and scandals were unknown. Everybody was interested in the welfare of those about him, and all vied with each other in promoting harmony and happiness in the community. In 1855, a treaty was made by the Government with the remnants of several tribes of Indians which »^ A ^: r7 .i^i <' I remained in Clinton, Saginaw and Gratiot Counties, ^ > ;^v/^®^(^#- ^u^^iixsr B®-*^ i:-^:illl>> T ^^^ , ,_ ^r^ whereby nearly the whole of six townships in thii ISABELLA COUNTY. "^\ -|1^J(^<^ 537 f % county were ceded them and their descendants for life. What was known as the " Indian Mills " was soon after built by the Government on the Chippewa, about one mile from Mt. Pleasant; also a council- ~Y house to be used by the Indians. This led to the formation of a settlement on the river known as Isa- bella City, which has never been of much imiwrt- ance, although some shops and a store or two were built. F. C. Babbitt, with his family, were among the first to settle in the embryonic village. The hotel was built by W. H. Nelson, who also located there, ^a^ and was afterward elected Judge of Probate. ( hip- ^ pewa River was the only thoroughfare into the cen- tral part of the county, except one road which could scarcely be traveled, and all tlie supplies were brought hither in a canoe. Privations of every sort were experienced, but the pioneers never flagged. They had made a stand, and nothing could cause them to falter. They had the soil and the will, and their labors have at last '^ been crowned with success. The great forests have mostly been removed, and the soil gives forth abund- ant harvests. No greater monuments to their indus- try can be erected than can be seen everywhere in substantial improvements, and the rapid increase in the value of real estate is unprecedented by any sec- tion in the State. The past should be to us all a valuable lesson (as history is but an experience of tiie past), from which we learn that by perseverance in our own honest efforts, working at all times by the standard of honesty and moral integrity, we cannot experience defeat ; but, like the pioneers who have J spent the best years of their lives in clearing and :<^' V ) "I A otherwise improving the country, we shall not only succeed, but like them shall also deserve the admira- tion and blessing of future generations. They were heroes of a true type, and too much praise cannot be awarded them. Isabella C'ounty was organized in US59, and was composed of three townshijjs, Coe, Chippewa and Isabella. The first mentioned was named after Lieut. Gov. Albert G. Coe. Originally it comprised townships 13 and 14 north, of 3 west, and the re- mainder of the county comi)rised the townshi[)s of Chippewa and Isabella. The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held at the house of John Hursh, May 9, 1857, at which meeting P. H. Estee, of Coe Township, was Y '^^^^m^ Chairman. Norman C. Payne, of Chippewa, and A. G. Ferris, of Isabella, with I. E. Arnold as Clerk, constituted the Board. Their first official act was to approve the bond of Richard Hoy as County Treas- urer; the next, to issue $1,500 in bonds to relieve the destitute of the county, a petition asking for aid hav- ing been presented. William K. Robbins was ap- pointed to negotiate these bonds, but was authorized to take no less than 75 cents on the dollar for the same, the tnoney to be used in purchasing provisions, etc., which were to be sold on credit to those wishing the goods, on two years' time, he taking their notes with real estate for security. Several hundred dol- lars of these bonds were thus disjxjsed of, and those most in need were substantially relieved for the time. These were the days which tried men's souls, as the entire cro[) for two years was almost a complete failure, there being but little improved land in the county, while their families were located in a wilder- ness, and in iriany cases without food or the means to purchase any. Only by the most rigid self-denial, and in some cases real suffering, did those brave pio- neers maintain their ground and support their fami- lies. A glance over these broad acres and the well filled granaries present no traces of the destitution which then prevailed, not only in Isabella, but also in other portions of Northern Michigan, during the eventful years of 1857-9. The Government lands were taken out of market in 1855, and none were sold for eight years. Those who had previously purchased under the "Gradua- tion Act" were in good spirits, by reason of having had choice of the magnificent tracts of timber, which were composed of the finest specimens of pine, maple, ash and elm. The withdrawal of the lands from sale retarded the settlement of this county very greatly, but this may have been of benefit nevertheless, as those who then came were mostly men of means, which resulted in a rapid development of the county. The first county order was issued to M. D. Davis, for services in drawing a jury. It was written on foolscap paper, and read as follows: $(10.7.-.. Tri'imnrcr of hdhidhi Cotinhj: V:\\ lo M. D. I):ivi-. or bearer, 7.')-l(H)lhs dollars out of nioiiey in y ■ liamls raised for iiieidi'Mtals. N;i1h.11:i feiilro, Oet. 11. l.s:.!). lKviN(. i:. .\i:n>ii.i>. Clerk. V. 11. Estke, Cliairman of Ike Board of Supervisors- Jr":'??^J^ -^^ii!]^:nD;>^ k^;^ 4^^f ^5 f Z^^^^i^s^^^' V^ lr:>r ->u^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. m 4/ The first wolf certificates were issued in favor of Isaiah Ah-pwa-qiia-hua, John Peboom and Abraham % Ah-ne-mah-gue-hong. Wolves were quite plentiful and the early settlers tell many stories of their un- earthly howling at night while camped in the forest during the erection of their cabins. They were never known to attack man in this region, although they would follow him at a safe distance for hours. Game of every kind was very plentiful, the fuj-bear- ing animals especially being numerous. Messrs. William Miles and John Landon, both well known men residing in Chippewa Township, have killed more game perhaps than any two men in the county, and hunted there only at intervals during the hunting season, both being farmers and having their lands, stock, etc., to care for. Keeping largely within bounds, they estimate that during tlie past i8 years they have killed over 300 deer, 17 wolves, 30 bears, and hundreds of smaller fur-bearing animals. The first Fourth-of-July celebration was held at the house of Henry Sherman, in 1854. Although there were only two families living in the county at that time, yet they were imbued with as much patriotism as are the people of to-day. Mrs. John M. Hursh is authority for the statement tjiat on July 4 of that year their family went to the cabin of Henry Sher- man, their nearest and only neighbor, to celebrate our ) natal day. A grand dinner was served of roast [xsrk and sturgeon. Mr. Sherman made a speech, and they sang the "Star-Spangled Banner," fired off their guns and made as grand a demonstration as ix)ssible under the circumstances. The first Fourth-of-July celebration that was pub- licly observed was in 1861, at the house of James Campbell, at Salt River. Norman C. Payne was President of the Day, Hon. P. H. Estee read the Declaration of Independence, and Hon. Nelson Mosher delivered an address. A jrale was raised which was 120 feet in height^ from whose tip floated a beautiful flag made by Mesdames James Campbell, D. D. Burham, H. O. Bigelow, James Wilsey, Wil- liam R. Robbins and P. H. Estee. The ladies hoisted the flag with their own hands, and prepared a bountiful dinner, which was spread in the woods, and to which the entire assemblage were invited. Fully 1,000 persons were entertained at this bamiuet. The pole stood a memento of that festive occasion until the night of the assassination of President v :<$ (^ - ^ Abraham Lincoln, when it was blown down in a storm. Miss Carrie Kilbourn taught the first school in this county, in a log school-house near Salt River. The first couple married in the county was Daniel Robinson and Jane Foutch. W. H. Stewart, a Jus- tice of the Peace, performed the ceremony and re- ceived his pay in "coon-skins," which at that time were iiractically "legal tender" for everything except taxes. There are several claimants for the honor of being the first female child born in the county. Mrs. John M. Hursh says that she and her husband came to the county in February, 1854, and her daughter Isa- bella was born in June following. It is also stated that Mary A. Fanning was born May 5, 1855, and Isabella Campbell also in the summer of that year. If Mrs. Hursii's story is correct, her daughter is un- doubtedly the first. We leave this matter to be set- tled by our readers, but one of the three is certainly the first, and all of them the first girls born in Isa- bella, which entitles each to a place in the history of their native county. .Adelbert Reynolds was the first male chiU! born in the county, without doubt. It would be wrong for us to leave it for open con- jecture as to whether the early settlers brought with them all of the desires and requisites of a high civili- zation : the moment we begin to inquire, we find that they did. On the 25th of March, 1855, at the house of Eber Hamilton, religious services were held, Rev. Charles Taylor preaching the first sermon ever de- livered in the county. Services were held by apiwint- ment at different houses in the neighborhood for some time. After school-houses were erected in different localities, it was more convenient for the people to attend worship, and nearly everybody attended divine services. The pioneers were mostly of the better class, morally speaking, and very few disagreements among neighbors arose. The first brick house erected in the county was the handsome residence of Mr. John l.andon, in Chip- pewa Township. This is a credit to the enteriirising spirit of Mr. Landon, whose fine farm ranks among the first in the county in excellence and character of improvements. The first corner's inquest was held on the body of James Robinson, who was drowned at Isabella Dam <^ r=i V (^: f J^^l?*- ^Syf^f'^b^Cm ■^m'^.w^y^ — ^s^"^ n % T >^ I SAB ELLA COUNTY. ~:^-^i- -^^^^(^Vffl) 539 on the 22d of April, 1859. Thomas Chatfield, an Indian, was the Coroner. Tlie jury was composed of three white men and three Indians. The first piano brought into this county was a present from Mr. F. C Babbitt to his daughter Nellie. This piano was brought up the Chippewa on an In- dian canoe. The first lawsuit in the county was held in the township of Coe, in 1856, before J. Q. A. Johnson, J. P., in a case wherein two neighbors, Daniel Brickley and D. Childs, had disagreed about some sap troughs. The difference was only $4, and lo save expense each pleaded his own case. The first |)ostmaster ajipointed in the county was William R. Kobbins, who received his commission -Vug. 8, 1857. This office was located at Salt River. The first mail was carried on foot, and the route lay between Maple Rapids and Salt River, passing through Gratiot County. The first flouring mill was built by John Reynolds on Salt River. This was the first frame structure erected in the county, and was built in 1856. The next year the Indian mills were built at Isabella City, but were not accepted by the Indian Agent, Rev. A. M. Fitch, until the follow- ing year. T^is mill was built by Mr. Penmont, who had to transport all the machinery up the Chippewa from Saginaw, upon two Indian canoes lashed to- gether, ujwn which a sort of deck was built. Those who travel over tlie nicely graded roads of the county to-day, cannot realize how utterly impos- sible it was for teams to draw a wagon at an early day along the narrow paths cut through the woods, whicli in many instances led across swamps almost impassable for man, not speaking of the greater diffi- culty experienced by animals. In reviewing tlie situation, the old pioneer invariably remarks, " I don't see how we ever did it." Even yet, "corduroy" roads are freiiuently found across some of the bogs; and without this method of filling in, it would have been impos>iible to cross the swam])s, which in many places abounded in ijuick-sand. The first schools in the county, although held in log houses, were presided over by skilled teachers, and students received the benefits of a thorough dis- cipline in educational matters from the beginning. At this day it seems crude and uncomfortable to see a log school-house, with long pine slabs for seats, uix)n which are perched from 10 to 15 pupils who, without desk or blackboard, are busily engaged in V> obtaining an elementary education ; yet there are a ^r'^ few still in the county built of logs; but all are ;^;, equipped with fair school furniture. Although de- prived of many advantages now possessed by chil- dren attending our public schools, there were many of the youth of both sexes attending school in those early days who are now ranked among the most talented business men and accomplished ladies of the country. Their education, although not a com- IX)und of Greek, Latin and French, has been of that practical kind which taught them how many pounds a bushel of corn, wheat or oats weighed, and how to compute interest at any given rate per cent. Such an education was worth infinitely more than one of the fashionable educations received to-day. The first flowers cultivated in Isabella County were brought here by Mrs. A. Babbitt, who lived at an early day in Isabella City. They were sent from Cleveland, her former home, and were guarded with ^ C>] jealous care. Mrs. Babbitt was a great favorite with "S^ the Indians, and her title of Wa-sash-com-mo-iiua •^'■ (the woman who brings light) was conferred upon her = by the renowned chieftain, Sa-shaw-na-bees, who •'^» often came to her house for his dinner. He was one T=r. of the best Indians that ever inhabited this region, and every confidence was reposed in him by wiiite men. The house built by Mr. Babintt at Isabella City was small, having only one room, in which were two windows and one door. The Indians would frequently slii) in unobserved, but never ap])ropriated anything belonging therein. Mrs. Babbitt says : " It was no unusual thing for me to return home and find a half ^ dozen Indians squatted on th and they often came to the windows, where, with r eyes shaded, they peered inside, seemingly surprised to note the manner in which my household affairs were conducted." To this day the Indians love her with the same fondness displayed _^o years ago, and all of them know her name. Judge Wilbur F. Woodworth licid the first Circuit C'ourt in 1858, at Isabella Center, Dr. Jeffries had built a log court-house, but all his schemes failed to hold the county seat. There might have been previous law cases, but the 01i:t:illir>r -*4^^^^ (h 540 ISABELLA COUIVTV. Young obtained a judgment for $100.80. This was the only law case tried at the January term of 1866. The first petit jury was summoned by Charles Rodd, the first Sheriff, July 11, 1859. L. C. Bright was the first man fined for assault and battery in the county, but the penalty was the nomi- nal sum of one dollar; nevertheless, it becomes historic, being the first dollar paid into the county treasury. Only the first things are of the greatest importance in making historical mention of this cliar- In this connection the mention of the first church building is made, which was built on the southwest quarter of section 4, 14 north and 4 west, near the Mission School-house. It was dedicated in February, 1 86 1, and was destroyed by fire in June of that year. Another church was then built on the Indian reser- vation, at "Ne-bee-sing." Both these houses were built for the benefit of the Indians. The first official census of Isabella County was taken in 1S60, at which time there were 67 fi.imilies in Coe, and every family with a male head. In Chi[)- pewa, at the same time, there were 24 families, in- cluding 167 persons. Union and Isabella had 28 families, which at that time included Clare county in its territory. At that date, i860, there were but 577 whites, and 856 Indians, making the total jjopulation i>433- The county has rapidly developed in the last 12 or 14 years, and is possessed of good soil and timber in plenty. Tis true that pioneer life has had its hard- ships ; but it also had its pleasures, and their high hopes have been fully realized in the beautiful homes, the prosperity of the county and, best of all blessings, excellent health, a boon which it seems was vouch- safed to all the early settlers. The early days in the history of Isabella are ones long to be remembered. Mrs. Ellen Woodworth gave some graphic descriptions of the way ladies used to dress. Many of them went barefoot, and some of the wealthiest ladies of this county to-day used to braid their own straw hats. One of the ladies, whose name has been forgotten, came to visit her one day, the visit being principally to show a new delaine dress recently purchased. She was not the possessor (® of a pair of shoes, but tiie new dress compensated ^ for lack of foot gear. The costume worn by the ro (^ z <^' m^ ;<^c delegation of ladies who made and hoisted the flag at the Fourth-of-July celebration in 1861, related on a preceding page, consisted of white cotton skirts with a short calico blouse. This, in that early day, constituted a "full-dress" costume. The people in those days thought nothing of walk- ing five or ten miles to church, or to spend the day in visiting a newcomer. Every one was anxious for the welfare of his neighbors ; and when one of them was ready to raise a log cabin, all the settlers for miles around was ready to lend a heljjing hand. One thousand and five hundred dollars was voted by the Board of Supervisors in i860 to defray the expenses of the county. This was certainly a modest amount to begin with, considering there weie several salaried officers to be paid. The Gratiot News, of Ithaca, Ovatiot C'ounty, published the first report of the Board of Supervi sors of this county, in 1861. The total amount of State and county ta.x for that year was $1,035.07, of which $160.71 was personal lax, divided among tlie several townships as follows: •Isabella, $79.84; Coe, $40.07 ; Union, $86.12; Chip- pewa, $5.42. The i)eople of this county iiad a serious time in appropriating money to build the present court-house, efforts having been made by the Supervisors for sev- eral years in that direction, but at the polls their schemes met with an invariable defeat. Through the management of I. A. Fancher, then the Senator of this district in the State Legislature, in 1876, the sum of $10,486.76, due this county from some erroron the part of the State Auditor on the detaching of Clare County, was recovered by special act. This fund being thus secured, the Supervisors appropriated $10,000 of the amount for the purpose of building a court-house; $2,000 more was added by the citizens, and $1,000 raised by taxation. The contract was let to Henlmeter & Kaiser, in May, 1876. The corner- stone was laid by the Masonic fraternity, assisted by other secret organizations, July 28, of that year. '^ The building committee was I. E. .-Vrnold, Wm. R. ' Crowley, Wm. M. Peterson, Samuel Kennedy and H. 'A ; H. Graves. The building was completed Oct. 26, Jjjy 1877, which with the furniture cost the county $16,- }^ 190.49, — every dollar of which was paid the day it ^ y was ready for occupancy. >_ e^: s>> ( m I I ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^■-V-y^. (3> 9. ^ S4t -^ Wm ' ^ < s '- QMmmmM 4i^ ' \ HE county ol Isabella has ijeen strictly Republican from the date of its organization until the past four years. The Independent, or "Green- iack," element, is, however,' .^rowing stronger day by day, and It IS confidently expected that the next election will bring about a marked change in the political field, lie that as it may, Isabella County has been well governed during all these years, and is now out of debt, with a nice balance in her treasury. Her people are enterprising, honest and mdustrious, and let come what will in the political fight, there is no doubt of the ability of her officials to manage pro})- erly the affairs of the county and subserve her inter- ests in every way. The following is a list of all the county officials elected since its organization, with the date when each was elected. Where more than one year is in- dicated, the party was elected for more tii.in one term, and for the year given : County Officers. SHKRll'I'S. Charles H. Rodd (Indian). .. 1859 John Meisler i860 Henry Dunton 1862 John Q. A. Johnson 1864 Ransom Kyes 1 866 Tunis W. Swart 186S ^:y>^f^ A<^il!]:^nii;i>^ John Ma.xwell 1870 Thomas J. Fordyce. 1872-4 Tunis W. Swart i S76 Charles M. Brooks 1878-80 Thomas Pickaid 1 882 COUNTY CLERKS. I. E. Arnold 1859 Wm. H. Nelson i860 Norman C. Payne 1862 Milton Bradley 1864 C. C. Foutch 1866 James T. Wei i)er 1 868 Cornelius Bennett 1 870 Daniel E. Lyon 1872 Joel C. Graves 1874 John W. Hance 1876-8 Lewis C. Griffith 1880-2 CnUNT\' TUKASURF.RS. Richard Hoy 1 859 Nelson Mosher 1860-2 Langdon Hently 1S64-6 Nelson Mosher 1 868-70 John Maxwell 1872-76 Alexander Brodic 1 878-80 Wallace W. Preston 1 882 Rr.CISTKR OF UK.KDS. Milton iiradley 1859 Norman C. Payne 1860-2 W. W. Preston 1864 C. C. Foutch ■ 1866 James T. Weli)er 1 868 • Cornelius Bennett 1870-2 Joel C. Graves 1874 e $>: I #- '542 f ^ ^ > (!) ;^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^^^^®\%. John W. Hance .1876-8 William H. Nelson. i860 1880 1882 Malcomb D. Davis. Isaac A. Fancher . . 1862 Michael Murtha 1864 JUDGES OF PKOllATE. Emory H. Bradley. 1866 James Wilsey if5s9 1868 Perry H. Estee i860 Irving E. Arnold.. . 1870 Wm. H. Nelson 1864 Anson R. Arnold. . .872-76 Richard Hoy 1868 Almond K. Herrington ,878 William W. Stnible 1872 Joseph A. Graham . 1880-2 John Q. A. Johnson 1876 CORONERS. Cornelius Bennett 1880 1859. 1870. PROSECUTING A'l'TORNKVS. Thomas C. Cliatfield Delos E romm Nelson Mosher ■I'^SQ H. Bigelow Simeon C. Brown James P. Mosher i860 W. H. Stout 1872. Moses Tompkins 1862 1864 I 865-8 1870 1S60. J. Q. A. Johnson John Collins Gideon Joshua S. Case Miller Isaac A. Fancher 1874. Albert Fox. 1872 Daniel Brickley Levi A. Crane Samuel W. Hopkins 1874 1S62. John Q A. Johnson Asa M. Tinker 1876 Andrew J. Goodsell 1876. Michael Devereaux 1878 Francis '1'. Cushway Allen J. Struble Peter F. Dodds 1880 John Meiscr Solon D . Coon Charles T. Russell 1882 .1864. .878. CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS. Albert L. Chatfield Jesse J. Struble Nelson Mosher 1859 Milton Bradley James H. Seely James P. Mosher 1S60 Lyman Bennett iSSo. 1862 1866. Henry A. Dunton Isaac A. Fancher 1864 James C. Caldwell Jason A . Hunt Cornelius Bennett 1866 Oliver P. Comers 1882. Myron McLarren 1868 1868. Henry 1 !urr Isaac A. Fancher 1870 1872 Jesse J. Struble William J. Pratt Jesse H lordon. Albert Fox Asa M. Tinker 1874 SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. Simeon C. Brown 1876 187S-S0 Asa M. Tinker John 15. Young. . . . 1869 Simeon CI Brown 18S2 C'harles (). Curtis. . 1871-3 SURVEYORS. (The county superintend ency system was abolished Willi:im M. Davis '859 in 1X75.) V&) C 1=3 ^ <^.' -"SfiCC^®^*^— ►'! SI-S/OTTrjv ^-V(^^«$itr I T ISABELLA COUNTY. t. 4^ . ^ * OWN SHIP history is an es- sential and prominent part of county history. The vari- ous (larts of Isabella County were settled by men most of whom have representatives now living in the county, and some of them yet reside in the townships in which they were born. The southern tier of townships was first settled, being nearest to and adjoining Gratiot County, wliich was settled somewhat before its or- ganization in 1855. Previous to its organization, which was in the year 1 85 9, it was attached to Midland County for judicial and munici- pal pur|X)ses. A careful perusal of the incidents relating to the early settlement of the several townships will repay the reader, as each one contains the names of the first settlers, and many other items which are reipiired to make the history complete. Almost every town- ship claims the honor of having the first settler in the county located in her borders; but with the most careful reference to dates, Coe is awarded the palm. Be that as it may, each has furnished many men who for integrity and worth cannot be excelled in any country, and they reflect great credit upon the county they represent, politically or socially. Coe Township. ^r|i^N-|3C)E Township was organized in 1855, and J^^t^ has ([uite an important history, being the gg^ first township organized in Isabella County, and having the first entry of land made in it, in October, 1854, by Judge P. H. Estee, who located the northwest ciuarter of section 1 8, in 13 north and 3 west. At that time, there was neither white man nor Indian in the county. There were only two houses in St. Louis, two in Alma, and but one or two diminutive cabins north of Pine River. Oct. 10, 1854, Daniel Brickley, William B. Bowen, Daniel Childs, Eben Willard, John Slew- art and James Woolsey, came with the intention of making Isabella their home, Messrs. Woolsey, Brick- ley and Stewart being the first men to bring their families into the county. Coe is bounded on the norlii iiy Chippewa Town- ship, on the east by Midland County, the south by Gratiot County, and the west by Lincoln Township. It is numbered 13 north and 3 west. The first road cut through the forest of Isabella (o) m ^^ 544 h (^ A >J V ISABELLA COUNTY. ^^® ^ I County was commenced Nov. i, of that year. It commenced at the south line of the county near John Thomas's and extended to Salt River. The men who were engaged in this, really the most important work in the development of a new country, were Messrs. William B. Bowen, William Adams, James Shepherd, J. B. Walton, George and Dow Greenfield. On the evening the road was opened, John Stewart and Daniel Brickley came with their families. The next day Jacob Middaugh, W. Middaugh and John Hendershot came over the road with an ox team. On the 7th day of November, Jos. Roberts, Sr., Patrick Fanning and Thomas Roberts, with their famihes, moved uix)n section 10, 13 north and 3 west. They were the first families coming into the county, and to them is due the honor of breaking into the wilderness and planting the seeds of civili- zation. William R. Bowen was the first Supervisor of Coe, and tlie first township meeting was held in April, 7856, at the house of James Campbell. The first general election held in the county was at William Campbell's house, in November, 1856 when 66 votes were polled; there being no printing press in the county, the tickets were written with pen and ink. Coe Township is one of the best in the county for agriculture, being well watered and nicely drained by Salt River and its tributaries. Coe was originally well timbered, but now it is the most highly improved and thickly settled township in the county. Salt River, a small village of less than 300 in- habitants, is located on the southwest quarter of sec- tion 9. There are a post-office, hotel, blacksmith and wagon shop, stores, etc., all of which do quite a nice business, the village being halfway between Mt. Pleasant and St. Louis. Salt River was platted by E. Moore, and afterward G. W. Miller platted " Miller's Addition." It is a fine place, in an ex- cellent farming country, with a limited water power. A saw-mill and planer, one mile below the village, has been sustained for a number of years. The first lodge of Free and Acceiited Masons in the county was organized at this place, in 1S7 i, and has a large memijership. In 1874, the I. C). (). F. was estab- lished here and has a large number of members. In this township arc numerous school-houses and churches, and the youth of this community are rapidly advancing in the arts and sciences. Among the names of the Supervisors of Coe Town- ship will be recognized the names of some of the foremost business men and able financiers of Isabella County. Their names are appended, together with the years served in an official capacity. SUPERVISORS. Perry H. Estee William R. Robbins Horace O. I^igelow f ^ William R. Robbins James Wilsey Perry H. Estee Samuel Kennedy Perry H. Estee Jacob L. Fordyce S. C. Brown Perry H. Estee Richard Hoy Perry H. Estee Richard Hoy Thomas Hannett '859 i860 1 86 1 1862-3 1864 1866 1867 1868-70 187 1-72 '873 1874 •87s 1876-78 1879 1880-84. Chippewa Township. (■ c^: sy ^ '^^^^ .^^^ for many years, and is still, doing a large amount of ^j good by inculcating the doctrines of that denomi- nation among {he people in his neighborhood. The men above mentioned cut their way from Alma to Salt River, and thence on to the lands they had se- lected in Chippewa Township. William Payne's daughter Ida was the first child born in this township, ^ if not in the county. John Landon is another one \ of the prominent settlers, although coming at a much ^X, later date. He was a penniless boy, but indomitable l*'. energy has in his case been rewarded, he being now ^'J one of the wealthiest farmers on Chippewa Town- -V^ ship. His present residence was the first brick house 'j m i h -^^K c'V4:DIl^llll>> ISABELLA COUNTY. built in the county, and his outbuildings rank among the finest in the State. Mr. Landon and Win. Miles have been inse|)arable companions for a number of years; and, living within a convenient distance of each other, have indulged their liking for field sports to its fullest extent. Tlieir hunting record is given elsewhere, but an anecdote or two are here related of their hunting exploits. In the spring of 1883, they were out hunting, and night came on. The distance was fully three miles be- tween them, and the woods were very dense, and a favorite rendezvous for bears. Miles lay down on a \ bed of pine boughs, and covered himself and his dog with a blanket in order to keep the animal from running after any game which might be prowling about. About midnight a bear came sniffing around, having discovered our friend so leisurely taking a nap. The breaking of the dry brush as the bear marched about awakened Mr. Miles, who, upon raising one edge of the blanket and discovering his bearship, took as good aim as possible in the darkness and fired. He missed the bear, but the moment the re- port of the gun was heard, the dog bounded after bruin and soon brought him to bay. This dog was one of the finest animals for bear-hunting ever owned by Mr. Miles, and had been trained for sev- eral years in all the mysteries of the chase ; yet he was unwary enough to get within reach of the bear's paws and was hugged by bruin until several of his ribs were crushed, and the hide nearly torn from his body, by that beast's murderous claws! Notwith- standing the darkness. Miles knew his pet was get- ting worsted, and, running up to the scene of conflict, placed his gun within a foot of the bear's head and sent a bullet crashing through his brain. After caring for the wounded dog as well as he was able. Miles started out to find Mr. Landon, knowing very nearly the place where he woukl biv- ouac. As daylight appeared, he saw Mr. Landon lying under a tree wrapped in his blanket, while all around him were plainly visible the footprints of an enormous bear, which had inspected the slee|)ing man from every point of the compass but feared to attack him. These two gentlemen killed a large deer in this county whose horns weighed 40 pounds, and upon wiiich were 35 enormous prongs ! This specimen is ) /\ >^ V 'f "^ J t) now in the museum at New York, the proprietor having been offered S'.ooo for it. Allowing one prong for each year, the animal was, when killed, 35 years old. \Vm. Miles, and his son Charles, only 15 years of age, killed 29 deer last autumn. Charles bagged six of them alone. Florence, the eldest daughter, is one of the finest target shooters in the county, and han- dles a revolver with as much precision as she does her rifle. Without lowering her arm, she can send six balls inside a two-inch circle at 20 paces. Neither are these the least of her accomplishments. Aside from attending to the household duties, which de- volve entirely upon herself, she has acquired an ex- cellent education and knowledge of music. Only the west half of Chippewa Township is very well improved, a large portion of the lands in the eastern part being covered with heavy timber. Onion and Potter Creeks flow through the southern and eastern sections, Chippewa River also passing through the northern part of the township from west to east. Millions of feet of excellent lumber are awaiting the coming of the lumberman with his ax, and that de- partment of business will take precedence of agricul- ture for several years. Chippewa is bounded on the north by Denver Township, on the east by Midland County, on tlie south by Coe, and the west by Union Townships. It is numbered 14 north and 3 west. One postoffice, several school-houses, but no villages or railroads, can be mentioned in Chippewa. Tliis township has been served by the following supervisors: :^:i Norman C. Payne Marcus Grenell Ryland J. Hill Stephen Humphrey O. P. Converse William W. Struble Marcus Grenell Ephraim Salisbury Enoch Robliins Benjamin Wing Jacob Struble 1859-61 1862 1863 1S64 1865-9 1870-3 1874 1875-7 1878-9 1880-2 1883-4. f^^^C(®>fl Zi:^;^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. (rt, >0 V s (^ Isabella Township. SABELLA was organized in 1857, two years Ijt before the organization of the county. It originally embraced all the territory bounded by the county line, together with a part of Clare County, except townships 13 and 14 north, of range 3 west. Chas. A. Jeffries was Supervi- sor, and the business affairs were conducted at Mid- land, to which county Isabella was attached for ju- dicial and municipal purposes. .\s the years rolled by, the different towns were organized, leaving Isa- bella the same number of sections of which the others are composed. The boundaries of this township are as follows : On the north by Vernon, the east by Denver, the south by Union, and the west by Nottawa Townshij). It is numbered 15 north, and 4 west. The lands are well adapted to agricultural purposes, being well watered and yet undulating enough to drain the en- tire township. The Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad divides sec- tion 36 from northeast to southwest. There are several nice streams traversing this township, — all branches of the Tittabavvassee; and the timber was formerly very fine, but most of this has been removed. There are a number of Indians yet living in Isabella, and much of their lands are yet unimproved. Most of these lands will pass into the hands of the whites during the ne.xt five years, and the develoiiment of Isabella will rapidly ensue. Calkinsville, a small hamlet, is situated at the crossing of the roads between sections 10, 11, 14 and 15. It has a store, hotel, blacksmith shop and school-house, besides several dwelling-houses, but has no commercial importance. Isabella was the home of Andrew J. Campau, one of the best known Indians of his day. He was really only a half-breed, being the son of a French- man, who now resides in Saginaw. Campau was naturally shrewd, and was born to command. He had quite a good education, and used to sway the Indian element just as he desired. His talent for nioney-getting was unecpialed, but his extravagant habits proved his ruin financially, socially and morally. He was at once the life and terror of any party with whom he was in company, for he was reckless when drinking, and this recreation consumed most of his time. He had a beautiful wife, of whom he became insanely jealous, so far as to endeavor to shoot Phil Gruett, a clerk in his store at Isabella City, whom he suspected of interference in his domestic affairs. Campau was very i)roud of his personal appear- ance, and thought nothing of paying $150 for a suit of clothes. His horses were of the fleetest and finest which money would procure. It is related that he, when in his cups, would harness a thoroughbred horse to a nice buggy, turn him loose and give him a cut with a whip just to see the buggy demolished as the frightened animal dashed frantically along the stumi)y road! hx one of the Indian camp-meetings, Campau created quite an excitement, which came near re- sulting disastrously for him. He purchased a fine suit of clotlies, and ornamented them with a hand- some jjair of silver epaulettes and a massive star; and, bringing with him several kegs of whisky, opened out a refreshment stand, and soon tiie In- dians were becoming quite hilarious. He declared that he had been appointed United States Marshal, and was authorized to arrest anyone whom he chose. The Indian .■\gent, Richard M. Smith, was on the ground, but feared to say anything, knowing the (|uarrelsome character of Campau when drinking. Smith went to Judge Bennett and asked him to use his influence in getting Campau off the ground, as there was sure to be trouble. The Judge spoke to Campau, who was strutting about the encampment but his words only served to exasperate the half- breed, who declared that if anything more was said lie would arrest Mr. Smith. This he afterward did and the Agent was led away with a pair of handcuffs clasped upon his wrists. He was turned loose, how- ever, Campau thinking that discretion in the case might save him from trouble with the United States C.overnment. He afterward apologized to Mr. Smith, and removed his whisky upon condition that no prosecutions should follow. Below are mentioned the names of those who have served Isabella Township as supervisors: Charles A. Jeffries, Albert G. Ferris, Charies H. Rodd, ,857-S 1859 i860 A ^. r I ':s>^!^ffL. ^'WM^O^^ ^^- ?^CZ_ r?:. -#^C^>v§^ (^ '^ o ] I Douglas H. Nelson, 1861-3 W. A. Nelson, 1864 Douglas H. Nelson 1S65 G. W. Jeffries, 1866-70 John C Davis, 1871 H. H. Graves, 1872 John C. Davis 1873-4 Peter Jackson, 1875-6 John C. Davis .877-8 Thomas Carroll, 1879-83 James S. Graham, 1884. Fremont Towuship. IjfclS^ FEW families moved into the territory now J'lfrHi^ embraced witliin the boundaries of this >yjyy township prior to its organization, which was ' "' effected Oct. 16, 1863. The first election was held at the house of Jerome Bachelder, who, witli J. C. Caldwell and William Tiffany, were In- spectors of Election. William Tiffany was elected Supervisor, William H. Harrison, Clerk, W. Winters, Treasurer, and Norton Skinner, Justice of the Peace. The township is numbered 13 north and 5 west; it is bounded on the north by Deerfield, the east by Lincoln, the south by Montcalm County, and the west by Rolland Township. Fremont was settled very slowly, but by a very good class of people, who still maintain the reputa- tion won at an early day. Fremont is watered by tributaries of Pine River, which stream touches the southwest quarter of sec- tion 31. Much of the land is yet quite heavily wooded, but the extensive mills in that township are fast manufacturing the noble trees into lumber, which has no superior in the markets. The first sermon preached in this township was by J. Q. A. Johnson, who was afterward elected Sheriff of Isabella County. A school-house was built soon after the organization of the township, and Miss Grace McLeod presided over the first school tauglit. Those were the days in which the teacher " boarded round," and received but small wages compared with the remuneration of the instructors of the present day. The fi'-st wedding in Fremont was that of Mr. William H. Harrison and Miss Wealthy Tiffany. The first child born was May Caldwell, now the wife of — Streator. James Caldwell sowed the first spring wheat, which when ready for harvesting was reaped by his son Arthur with a pair of sheep-shears ! For a long time harvesting was done with the sickle and cradle, but the stumps have mostly been removed, and the farmer now gathers up the ripened grain as it falls already bound and ready for the thresher. Dushville, a small village, is located on the north- west quarter of section 15. It has a store or two, blacksmith and repair shop, boarding house, etc. The inhabitants are a social, industrious peoi)le, and have pleasant homes in the quiet village. It is tpiite a convenient trading point for the neighboring farm- ers, who in that vicinity are prosperous. The Supervisors of Fremont have served only short terms, the voters preferring to give every man an opportunity to represent the township. Their names are given below. SUPERVISORS. William Tiffany J. C. Caldwell F. L. Williams C. G. Richardson Jacob Crum Dean Nevvcomb Thomas G. Williams Dean Newcomb C. G. Richardson Thomas Judge John Ulam A. R. Bentley George Davis John Maxwell James Manwell 1864 1865 1866 1867-8 1869 1S70 187 I 1872-3 1874-5 1876 1877-9 1880 "i — v^ (^ k s Holland Township. Jji OLLANI) Township occupies the southwest [^^; corner of Isabella County. Its northern I /'li-^'i^" l^oundary is Broomfield, and its eastern ^< 1*W Fremont Township; its southern Montcalm, (^ and the western Mecosta County. It is num- ^ bered 13 north and 6 west. This township has a number of rivers, of which Pine is the most im- ^548 v<:ll 11:^:11 llv>r ISABELLA COUNTY > t portant. It crosses Rolland diagonally from the northwest to the southeast corner. The eastern branch of this river enters section 2 from Broomfield, and flows southeast into the main stream. Pine has two branches on the west, — the South Branch and Remick's Creek, — both of which rise in the western part, the former draining the central and the latter the southern section of the township. The first settlers went into this town under the Homestead Act, — act of Congress of 1872. They were Grandison Norman, who took his location Jan. 9, 1863; ('harles D. Robertson, Amos A. Norman, John Martin, Daniel W. Robinson, William B. Good- win, Paul Smith, S. E. Chapman, William Cowdrey, William M. Peterson, Daniel Doxsie, A. Sanderson, E. Geer and others. A number of colored people, who are industrious and enterprising, have located in this township, and are among its best settlers. Rolland, formerly a part of Fremont Township, was organized Oct. 9, r866, at the house of G. W. Stein; William M. Peterson, S. E. Chapman and Daniel Robinson were the Inspectors of the Election. The first grave was dug on section 6, near the center, and it contains the remains of Amos A. Nor- man (colored), who died of brain disease. The first legal case in Rolland was before Stephen E. Chapman, Jr. The complaint was made by Amasa Wells, against his mother-in-law, for taking household goods and setting his wife against him. The old lady and two daughters, hearing of it, bar- ricaded the doors to prevent their arrest, but the con- stable secured them in the course of a few days. They were convicted and fined. Not paying the fine, they were committed; but the constable, not having the means to pay the expense of taking them to jail, which was at Saginaw, had to let them go. A proof of the rapid advance in educational matters is the large number of school-houses scattered over this township. These institutions of learning have taken the place of the little, old, log school-houses, and during the school sessions are filled with bright and intelligent pupils. The first Sunday-school in this part of the county was organized in Rolland Township, and tlie first school-house built here was in 1876. The incorporated village of Blanchard is a thrifty place located on section i8, on the Detroit, Lansing & Northern line of railroad. Bristol is a small liam- let in the eastern part of the township, on Pine River. Rolland, like all other towns in the county, has furnished many millions of feet of lumber. Numer- ous mills are rapidly thinning out tlie forests, and many of the farms are highly improved where ten years ago the dense forest stood. Energy and capital can accomplish wonders, and both are largely dis- played in some portions of this township. The men who have been servants of the public in an official way are mentioned in this connection, siiace only being had for the SUPERVISOKS. William M. Peterson Daniel Doxsie Stephen E. Chapman Peter Chapman Daniel Doxsie H. B. Blanchard S. D. Eldred Daniel Doxsie -f3= 1S67-72 1873-6 1877-8 1879 1883 Vernon Township. W^'Bk I i^ c< V/ -\ K'^y^^Bxh- ^ J.I : cm part of Isabella County, and is bounded '^' on the north by Clare County, on the east ''jY by Wise, on the south by Isabella and on the west by Gilmore Townships. The North Branch of the Chippewa River enters the township at the northwest corner of sec- tion 30, flows southeast, then southwest, entering Gilmore Township. The northwestern part is watered by Little Tobacco Creek and its tributaries. The creek rises in the western part of the township, in section 18, flows east and northeast into Clare Coun- ty. In the eastern part we find the West Branch of Big Salt River rising in the northeastern part, in sec- tion II, flowing in a southeasterly direction and finally mingling with the waters of the North Branch of the Tittabawasee, in Wise Township. There are several less important streams, whose waters render the farming land of Vernon fertile and productive. Willow Lake hes in the western part, and its outlet is a branch of the Chippewa. A number of smaller lakes are scattered over the township, but none of theui worthy of special mention. f m 'Z^siT''^ ^ V ] i ISABELLA COUNTY. 549 Vernon City is the only village of any pretensions, and it is in the northern part of the township, on the right bank of Little Tobacco Creek. Clare is really a part of Vernon City, although it is in Clare County. When the railroad was built, it followed the level land along the creek and the business was soon transferred to locations nearer the depot. J. L. Markley, a German, was one of the early settlers, and the founder of Vernon City. He is wealthy and does business in real estate. The first house built in Clare was erected by A. A. Shaver, the County Treasurer. C. H. Sutherland, now President of the Village of Clare, was also one of her first set- tlers. J. C. Richardson, the Postmaster, has been an official of that village since its organization and is also numbered among the first comers. Henry Tre- vidick owns the largest, drug-store in the place and does a large business. The first hotel in Clare was built by a man named Alger. Tlie township has but one railroad, the Flint & Pare Marquette. It is said that Clare does more business for a town of the size than any one on the line of the Flint & Pere Maniuette Railroad, she having unlimited facil- ities for manufacturing lumber, and is also tlie center of a fine wheat-producing country. On the nth of June, 1866, the township of Ver- non was organized. Wm. Phinesy, Cornelius Bogan and James M. Stough were the Inspectors ol the Election. The township consisted of 16 north, range 4 west, with a part of Clare, which has since been detached. Numerous highways cross the township in all di- rections, and for a new country they are well graded. The Flint & Pere Martjuette railroad crosses tlie northeastern corner. The educational enterprise of the inhabitants has provided numerous school-houses and efficient in- structors for the rising generation of their township. The vegetable productions of Vernon are choice tobacco and grains. Heets weighing 20 and turnips weighing 23 jwunds, with 1,000 bushels to the acre, have been raised here. The magnificent forests of pine, hemlock and cedar have developed the lumber trade and formed one of the chief industries of the townships. The names of the Supervisors, together with the terms each one has served, are as follows : SUPERVISORS. William Phinesey Elias Wlieaton Cornelius Bogan E. S. Brown Cornelius Bogan D. J. Brewer Cornelius Bogan Frederick Fisjiley E. E. Willie E. S. Brown E. E. Willie Joseph Dixon \Varrcn Wing 1866-7 1868-9 1870-2 1873 1874 '875 1876 1877-8 1879-80 1883 V^ C c^: C Gilmore Township. HIS township is numbered 5 west and 16 north, and was organized April 12, 1870. The first election was held at the house of Rufus F. Glass, who, with Jesse Wood and A. F. Albright, constituted the Judges of Election. Geo. M. Frary was largely interested in the business of buying and selling real estate at the time of organization, ^d did a great deal toward settling his township by persuading every stranger in JL-::.. -^^^^ -^ ^^rf 7<-:ati:^:nD^>r y^"^^ 550 ISABELLA COUNTY. ^ S is a pretty body of water covering several acres, which is visited by hunters and pleasure-seekers in large parties during the summer. Several smaller lakes picturesquely dot portions of the township, which is delightfully inviting during the summer. Game is abundant, and the sportsman who hunts in her woods, or travels the brook in the pellucid waters of the lakes and brooklets which abound, meets with gratifying success. Agricultural products are somewhat limited, but the yield of wheat and oats average as high in Gil- more as in any other township in the county, acreage being considered. It is no small thing for fall wheat to yield from 30 to 35 bushels per acre, and other cereals equal that in proportion. The best indica- tions of the desirability of these lands is evident from the rapid rise in real estate during the past five years. The gentlemen whose names appear below have served as Supervisors in this township. (c\ SUPERVISORS. Rufus F. Glass 1870-3 Jacob L. Fordyce 1874-6 P. H. Robbms 1877 Jacob L. Fordyce 1878 P. H. Robbins t 1879 Jesse H. Wood 1880 H. A. Brubaker 1881-3 Benj. P. Mount 1884 Broomfield Township. ||R00MFIELD Township is in the western part of Isabella County, and is bounded on the north by Sherman, on the east by Deerfield and on the south by Rolland Town- ships and on the west by Mecosta County. It is numbered 14 north and 6 west. The Chippewa River drains sections 2, 3 and 4 in the northern part. Indian Creek is a small stream rising in the southern part of Sherman Township, flowing southeast and emptying into the Chippewa. The East Branch of Pine River drains the entire southern portion, entering the western part at section 18, and, taking a southeasterly direction, flows through sec- tion 31; into Rolland Township. Hall's Lake spreads its clear waters over the corners of four sections, — 1 % 19, 20, 29 and 30. Its outlet is a small tributary of the East Branch of Pine River. The Twin Lakes are two beautiful little bodies of water nestling closely together in the southeast corner of section 18. A small rivuletconnects the two, and, passing through the larger, flows on till it meets the East Branch of the Pine. The settlers of this township are principally en- gaged in lumbering, and numerous lumber and log- ging camps are scattered over its surface. There are no towns of any imixirtance. March 3, 1866, the township of Broomfield was organized, bearing the name of one of its own citi- zens, Wm. Broomfield. The first meeting was held at E. Hall's lumber camp. Elijah Cole, J. Hutchin- son and Geo. L. Hitchcock were the Inspectors. The first settler in this township was Doraville Whitney, who came in the fall of 1 860. The first school-house was built on section 31, and Betsy Ruxton, who is now landlady at Remus, Me- costa County, taught the first school. The first quarterly meeting was held in this same school-liouse, by Rev. F. B. Bangs, in 1866; but the first sermon preached in that section was by Rev. Aldrich, at the house of Wm. Broomfield, — the min- ister coming into the county barefooted! Hugh Al- ton furnished him a pair of boots to preach in, but kindly granted him the privilege of removing them from his feet before leaving the county. The first marriage was that of Ithel Eldred and Mary Parrot. Broomfield is, as yet, unprovided with railroad fa- cilities. There are two State roads. The Houghton Lake & Ionia Road crosses the western half, north and south, and the Big Rapids & Mt. Pleasant Road extends east and west across the northern portion of the townships. The Supervisors of Broomfield have been men ot integrity and good standing, as will be seen by the number of terms each one has served. 1:^1 SUPERVISORS. William Broomfield 1868-76 L. C. GriflSth 1877-8 William Broomfield 1879 L. C. Griffith 1880 John Hutchinson 1881 William Broomfield 1882-4 s-L-C: >^„.'?.\r^ . -«®.S;;^ v§) A '!-<>* 0t fo". ip I m^^ -^^^ — ^v<^llll>:iili^>v -^^f^^ksr ISABELLA COUNTY >^ :) Union Township. ii|FW|g.NION Township was organized by the Board iJ^saf of Supervisors Marcli ig, 1861. The In- 'Jgf^r^ spectors of Election were Hiram E. Sher- /.|>3 man, A. J. Goodsell and Albert G. Ferris, j^' The first township election was held at a log { school-house in District No. i, where William Crowley now lives, on the first Monday of April, 1 86 1. Langdon Benlly was elected Supervisor. Union is bounded on the north by Isabella, on the east by Chippewa, on the south by Lincoln and on the west by Deerfield Townships. It is numbered 14 north and 4 west. The principal river is the Chippewa, a beautiful stream which traverses the township from the southwest to its northeast bound- ary. Mission Creek is a small stream rising in the northwestern part, flowing east and emptying into the Chippewa. Mt. Pleasant is the principal village of the town- ship. It is pleasantly situated on the Chippewa = River on section 15, and is the terminus of the Sg/ Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad. There are a number of saw-mills in the immediate vicinity of the town, giving employment to a large number of laborers. It is the center of trade for farm products, not only of this townshij), but of all the adjoining ones. The mercantile houses do a thriving business, and in a short time Mt. Pleasant will be one of the most important towns of Northern Michigan. Isa- bella City is next in importance and is located in the southeastern corner of section 3. The first active representative of any religious society in this township was Elder Sheldon, of the Methodist denomination. The first sermon was delivered by him in the same school-house in which the first election was held. There are now a num- ber of fine churches, and almost every denomination tis represented. The first man who settled in Union Township was '■'''» John M. Hursh, who, with his wife and six children, _:) selected a homestead a half mile from Mt. Pleasant ^ and located there in 1854. At one time provisions j^ became so scarce that Mr. Hursh was compelled to hire two Indians to accompany him to Saginaw, where they procured 100 pounds of flour, and returned to their settlement, carrying it the entire distance on their backs ! Many days they had nothing on which to subsist but bread and water! St. John's was the nearest postofiice, it being 50 miles distant. While Mr. Hursh was on his way to Union with his faiT.ily, his brother-in-law was engaged in putting up a shanty for their protection when they came. The floor was earth, no windows, and a blanket served for a door. The roof was made of troughs. After paying the men who had aided them in their difficult journey to their new home, Mr. Hursh had just three cents left; but with strong hands and will- ing hearts they did not despair. It was two years before any one located within ten miles of the Hursh farm; then, Henry Sherman and family, and soon afterward Leonard Handy, joined the little band of pioneers. The sight of the newcomers and the pros- pect of having some neighbors made glad the liearts of the Hursh family. No formal or fashionable calls were made : on the contrary, they visited each other on alternate Sundays, always taking their stock along to prevent them from straying through the woods, which were so dense that it was almost impossible to find them if allowed to wander away from home. The first school-liouse in the township was built of logs, in 1855, one and a half miles south of Mt. Pleasant. The school was taught by Elizabeth Gulick. Succeeding years brought many settlers into the township, and it now ranks among the first in the county in agricultural interests. The productive character of its soil was a great induce. nent to own- ers of lands to clear away the dense forests. Lumber interests were for several years the chief industry, and many millions of feet have been taken from the acres which now rival in beauty and fertility any part of the State of Michigan. Union Township has been represented by a large number of men as Supervisors, all but three of whom have served two or more terms. Their names follow, to which are affixed the years they served. C< \ SUPERVISORS. Langdon Bentley A. G. Ferris I. E. Arnold Alex. Brodie Milton Bradley D. H. Nelson 1 86 1-3 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 ! 6Vc4Iin:ilDv>7^ ISABELLA COUNTY. :^v(M (0 I (^ Milton Bradley D. H. Nelson Daniel E. Lyon Alex. Brodie I. E. Arnold Charles M. Brooks John Maxwell W. W. Preston Charles M. Brooks 1869 1870 187 I 1 87 2-4 1875-7 1778 1879 1880-2 1883-4 Nottawa Township. ■/^^fc ^ SABELLA County has a large acreage of valuable land, but in no part of it are there so many acres of splendid agricultural land in one body as are embraced in Nottawa Town- ship. This is still included in the Indian res- ervation, and most of the inhabitants are Indi- ans. Some of them are in good circumstances and are amassing a competency. The remnants of the Chippewa tribe who are not actively engaged in farm- ing, are a lazy, shiftless set, who eke out a scanty livelihood by hunting and trapping. Those of the tribe who live in the most primitive style and cling to their old superstitions are numbered among the resi- dents of Nottawa. The township was named in honor of an Indian chief who bore the name. He was one of the most noble and honored men of his tribe, whose teachings were listened to with rapt attention by his people. He advocated honesty, industry and the Christian virtues, and by his own acts exemplified his precepts. His death occurred Oct. ro, 188 1, and his loss was sincerely mourned not only by his own people but also by the whites as well. He had attained the advanced age of 100 years, and until a short time before his deatli was quite an active man. One of the Indian marriage customs still practiced among some of the race who live in Nottawa Town- ship, is as follows : The parents of the youth of either sex contract the marriage during the months of October and November. The affianced comes to the house of her future father in-law, and takes up her quarters there for six months previous to the date fixed U|X)n for the marriage to take place. During this period, no conversation is indulged in between the young folks, although living in the same house and sharing the same bed. The latter is arranged by the father-in law, by placing a log lengthwise of the bed, thus separating the parties (!), who after the six months' probation are declared man and wife by the chief of the tribe. Everything must be arranged through the mother-in-law, who acts as mediator between the young people. All the game killed by the young man during this term of court- ship, is dried by his mother and put away for future use. The hides and pelts taken in the chase during the same period, as well as all the maple sugar manufactured, are sold, and whisky and other re- freshments purchased therewith to be used at the marriage feast, which is made an occasion of great hilarity by the invited guests. The township was organized in 1S74, and the first election was held at Eli Ford's house in April, 1875. The Inspectors were John Hyslop, Michael McGee- han and Eli Ford. The first white man locating in the town was Michael McGeehan, who was the first Supervisor. The second was Senator Alonzo T. Frisbee, who purchased half of section 16, and improved 200 acres of it in the best of style. Mason B. Dibble is also one of the first, and now the wealthiest men in the township, being possessor of 800 acres of the finest land, of which 400 acres are cleared and mostly under cultivation. At the first election, only 33 votes were polled, 5 white and 28 Indian. Tlie voting population is yet very light, but the township will soon become peopled with whites, the Government having already given virtual permission to the Indians to dispose of their lands should they see proper. Patents will issue from the proper authorities at an early date, and the lands which are now unoccupied will soon blossom like the rose. A beautiful lake, through which Cold- h water River flows, covers the whole of section 30. It abounds in fish and water-fowl. The Coldwater, flowing through the western, and the Chippewa River the eastern, parts of the township, aftbrd unlimited facilities for the transportation of the myriads of logs to the mills below. Nottawa is numbered 13 north and 5 west, with boundaries on the north by Gilmore, the east by Isa- bella, the south i;y Deerfield and the west by Sher- man. The following named gentlemen have represented Nottawa as /S C< C- ^ 5«§if^- <^ii!i.^:nii;t> ^v^=^ _>Tu^|^\f^l, ktJL-iJ Ta^^^K: cr-rC:IlD^:ilII>>r ISABELLA COUNTY. supervisors: ^ >:> 1=3 V s J ^ \ -^ Michael McGeehan Alonzo T. Frisbee Michael McGeehan Fred Speck Phidelous Bennett Joseph T. Gachter 1875-6 1877-8 1879 1880 i88i-2 1883-4 Sherman . Township. HERMAN is very sparsely settled, and iiuite heavily wooded. There is one small vil- lage bearing the name of Sherman City, located partly on section 6 in Sherman, and section 31 in Coldwater Township. Here is I located a postoffice and a few buildings, but the town has no commercial importance except as a convenient trading point for the farmer. Broomfield postoffice is located on section 27, at the junction of the Houghton Lake & Ionia State Road and the highway passing through the center of sections 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. It is well watered by several creeks, which flow into the Chippewa, and but little atten- tion is paid either to stock-raising or agriculture, the lumber interest taking precedence of any other in- dustry. The township is numbered 13 north and 6 west, and is bounded on the north by Coldwater, on the east by Nottawa, on the south by Broomfield Town- ship and the west by Mecosta County. It was or- ganized Oct. 12, 1868, and the first election was held at the house of Cyrus Dunbar, who, with Milo T. Dean and Aaron Osborn, were Inspectors of Election. The first Supervisor was Wesley Ellis, who served in 1869. This township was named in honor of Gen. W. T. Sherman. The number of school-houses and children attending school in the township is given elsewhere, which shows the small number of inhabitants. Some very good farms and enterpris- ing men are to be found in Sherman, but it will be many years before the forests can be removed and the land brought under a thorough cultivation. The names of the Supervisors are here given : SUPERVISORS. itjfti.-:; Henry Woodin J. H. Tinker Henry Woodin Deerfield Township. 51? HE organization of this township was ef- |i fected Oct. 14, 1874. It is yet (juile heavily ^ timbered with excellent pine, hemlock and 'y^y cedar, with here and there some bodies of splendid hard woods. The soil is a rich loam, mixed with sand and gravel in some localities, but highly productive. The first settlers in this township were Melvin Beach, Waller Blount, F. E. Boyden, George D. Brown, William M. Peterson, Thomas Phillips, Jesse H. Robinson and Jacob Smith. All these men came with their families in 1874-5. From this date t!ie population increased rapidly. Although many acres of valuable lands are yet in a state of nature, the woodsman's ax is fast laying low the monarchs of the forest, and the plow is destined to become the magician whose touch transforms the bosom of her heretofore undisturbed soil into a para- dise whose fertility is a source of wonder to those who were accustomed to class Deerfield among the most desolate regions of Michigan. The first election was held at the house of Joseph Brazee, April 5, 1875. Nine votes were polled, being sufficient to elect the several township officers. To- day there are over 200 registered voters, while nu- merous school-houses and substantial dwellings are seen on every hand. The first religious services were held at the house of William M. Peterson, by Rev. Burlinganie, an itinerant Methodist preacher. Samuel Craft, the present Supervisor, came to this township in 1877, and his enterprise and business tact has made him a valuable accession not only to the community in which he resides but also to the county as well. His first coming to Deerfield was accidental, but his practiced eye saw the advantages to be derived from a location in a financial way; and as soon as possible after looking the county over, he purchased a quarter-section of land inside her boundaries. Deerfield is well drained by both branches of the V^' 9 0) t V^illD;<^CD>>r -#t^<^^^' :- (J» 554 ISABELLA COUNTY. Chippewa and the Coldwater Rivers. These streams abound in fish, and the waters are as dear as crystal. Owing to the numerous springs in the bed of the Coldwater, the waters are cool and refreshing, even during the warmest weather. In the springtime, great numbers of logs are floated down to the large mill near the junction of the Coldwater with the Chip- pewn. Deerfield has one small hamlet, located on section 7, with a store, hotel, etc. The place bears the de- scriptive title of " Two Rivers," being near the Chip- pewa and Coldwater Rivers. A postoffice will soon be established here, in compliance with a petition containing over 200 signatures of voters residing within three miles of the place. J. C. Caldwell, the proprietor of the Two Rivers Hotel, is a vigorous man of 60 summers. He was recently married to a handsome lady from Ohio, which occasion furnished a great deal of amusement to his neighbors. He had been a widower but a short time, when the " tender passion " became as firmly planted in his anatomy as it would had he been a youth of 20. Mrs. Sarah Griswold, of Bissell, Ohio, was visiting in the neighborhood, and her charming manner and handsome face completely captivated him. Shaking off the mental depression which had clung to him for four long weeks, he began paying court to the handsome widow, and his suit met witli favor. Her visit nearing its end, she had fixed upon the day to return to her native village, but Mr. Cald- well's persistent pleading had a fitting reward, inas- much as he had her promise that she would return and become his bride. After her departure, letters from the twain were mailed regularly each day, but this mode of corresponding seemed too slow for the restless nature of our venerable friend. He longed to possess in reality what was his own by right of con- quest, and the day had scarcely arrived in which his bride to be would return from her eastern trip, when he started from Deerfield, expecting to meet her in Mt. Pleasant. She was expected on the evening instead of the morning train, but, equally as impatient as himself, had started one day earlier than was originally intended, and the long miles which were traversed were rendered bearable in the anticipation of taking her lover by surprise. Reaching Mt. Pleas- ant early in the forenoon, she procured a livery team y>*>:^v- and started for "Two Rivers," fondly anticipating the joyful welcome she would receive. The day was very cold, and the few persons ven- turing out wete closely muffled to protect them from the frosty air. Mr. Caldwell was coming to meet his intended, and, to do the thing up in style, had engaged a driver, while he lay back in the sleigh covered by robes of fur, with a big stone, carefully heated to keep his feet warm, tucked beneath the blankets. The driver failing to recognize the bride to be, passed her sleigh in blissful ignorance of its fair occupant. Mr. Caldwell arrived in due season at Mt. Pleasant, and was soon made presentable through the skill of the tonsorial artist and a well paid tailor. Time hung heavily on his hands while awaiting the arrival of the evening train. He nervously paced the platform at the depot until the passengers had alighted. The object of his affections not appearing among them, he became uneasy and telegraphed to Ohio for particulars. An answer was returned stat- (^ ing that she had started the day before and certainly ^\ expected to arrive that evening. .'i'. Nothing was to be done but wait patiently for the == morrow. The morning train carried him to Coleman, v^. where he confidently expected to meet her, but again ca he was sorely disappointed. Realizing that " there »^ is many a slip," etc., he returned to Mt. Pleasant. In < the meantime he had sent his team home, and was ( obliged to call on the livery man for favors. Here he was informed that his lady had arrived the day before on the morning train and was now safely quartered at the hotel at Two Rivers. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, a team was procured and the excited man started post haste for home. On the way he stopped at the house of Justice A. J. Stanscll, and the worthy functionary dressed and accompanied him. When the pair arrived at the hotel, everybody had retired for the night ; but the case being one which would not ad- mit of delay, the household were aroused and prep- arations made to celebrate the nuptials of the pair who had been l)y accident so rudely separated for f^ so many hours ! The meeting of the lovers was af- [ fecting; and, after explanations were made and their f. fc> > » r . •*'* exuberant feelings somewhat calmed, Justice Stan- ^ sell pronounced them mated for life. No happier <^ couple reside in the township, and their romantic ' - courtship and marriage gives the story a place in the 'Sj history of Isabella County. ^ 'M'i^^^ 4^^^^f(^>:(^i' <^[ t^>T "^•-■^isr ^ >:> y ^ ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. Deerfield Township is numbered 13 north and 5 west. The northern boundary is Nottawa Township, the eastern, Union Township, Fremont Township on the south and Broom field on the west. Only three Supervisors thus fur have represented this township, and one, Mr. J. H. Robinson, was appointed to fill the unexpired term of a man who, making some mistake in the assessment of the town, became frightened and left the country. SUPERVISORS \Vm. Peterson J. H. Robinson Samuel Craft William H. Hanna •875-7 .878 1879-S3 1884 — S- -^-^ Coldwater Township. ^I&IIjOLDW.ITER Township is situated in the f^^^ northwestern corner of Isabella County, . p^ and is bounded on the north by Clare County, ^L on the east by Gilmore and south by Sherman 'j^ Townships, and on the west by Mecosta County. It is numbered 16 north, and 6 west. The soil of Coldwater is drained by two creeks, known as Walker and Colley Creeks. These two beautiful streams of crystal water flow through grassy meadows and shady woodlands, while from either side of their mossy banks stretch afar the broad acres of fertile and productive farm lands, where great quantities of corn, rye, oats and wheat are cultivated successfully. Garden vegetables of all kinds are also grown in this rich soil. On section 31 is located part of the little village of Sherman, called Sherman City, a small trading point and postoffice for those living in the vicinity of the hamlet. On the same day that Broomfield was organized, the Board of Supervisors conferred local self-govern- ment on the people of Coldwater, and ever since its organization it has been a temperance township. The first election was held on the first Monday of April, 1868, at the house of H. B. Roberts. H. A. Brubaker, H. B. Roberts and W. W. Ryerson were the Inspectors of Election. Serel A. Letson, who bought land in this township in the year 1866 and located on his claim in the fol- lowing year, was the first permanent settler here, and now resides on section 22. Harry Brubaker, now living on section 20, in Gilmore, was the first man who moved his family to Coldwater. They came in 1867. Samuel Colley, now on section 34; Wm. B. Forbes, on 22; Thomas Summerton, also on 22; George Steed, Jonathan Lamer on 32 ; Charles Hunt, near Mt. Pleasant; Martin Tombs and son, on 16; Jackson Alexander, on 26, and S. Smith, also living on section 26, were the first men who settled in the township. The first birth that occurred in Coldwater was that of a child of Harry Brubaker, and the death of this infant was the first occurrence of this nature, the second being that of Posey Roberts. The first marriage was that of Frank Bone and Sophronia Baker, in the fall of 1869. The first school taught was in District No. i, on section 26, in the year 1870. Calaphael Taylor, one of the oldest residents of Coldwater, was a pensioner of the war of 1812 until his death, which occurred on May 2, 1884, at the advanced age of 90 years. He died respected and beloved by every adult resident of the township. Overliis grave many tears of sympathy were shed. The Supervisors who have represented this town- ship from the beginning were all men of merit. Their names are given below in tlie order which they served : SUPERVISORS. J. J. Colley Harry A. I3rubaker James McKersey J. J. Colley Clark Broun William B. Forbes James (1 Colter David W. Brooks William B. Forbes David Colter ■ — ->^ 1868-9 1870-1 1872 1873 1874-7 1878 1879-80 1881 1882-3 Lincoln Township. HE organization of Lincoln Township was effected Oct. 16, 1863. F. I. Williams, W- J. Corbus and H. N. Griswold were In- spectors of the first Election, which was held at Mr. Griswold's house. The same may be said of Lincoln as of each township in Isabella County, that it was densely ^I»ttM-^ VS Ca A T I x:^ _^|i35^^(5^ ^^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY ^ yOi i :a5 V wooded, and a large part of it at an eariy day was very low and marshy. The clearing up of these forests and cultivation of the soil have changed the appearance greatly, topographically, and some of the low lands which were formerly covered with water during the entire year, have by reason of numerous drains become the most productive of farm lands. Lincoln is numbered 13 north and 4 west, with boundaries on the north by Union, on the east by Coe, the south by Gratiot County, and the west by Fremont Township. It is drained by Salt River and its tributaries, and at present enjoys the luxury of two post-offices, one being called Crawford and the other Strickland. The first settler in Lincoln was U. McKinstry, who located on section 36, in the fall of 1862. Mc- Kinstry was soon followed by Edward Dugan, G. P. Ryder, E. Dunham, Samuel Woodworth, Nelson Ives and Warren Wardwell, all of whom were enter- prising men. The first birth in Lincoln Township was a daugh- ter of Mr. McKinstry, the event occurring in the autumn of 1862. Mr. Wardwell relates a couple of anecdotes which well illustrate the character of mankind. Most of the lands had been taken in the eastern part of Lin- coln, but one day an Irishman came along on foot, in search of a tract. Wardwell told him that two miles west of his farm there was a nice piece of va- cant land, and directed the fellow where and how to find it. He returned in the evening feeling much fatigued and evidently disgusted with the long tramp through the briers and bogs, there being no road. When questioned by Mr. Wardwell as to his opinion of Michigan lands, the man replied that the lands were good enough, but added in a despondent tone, "Ef I tek thet pace of land, whin will the road git to me?" "Whenever you make it, you d — d fool," said Wardwell. The Irishman did not desire such a task as that implied, and left the land for some more en- terprising man. When William Tiffany moved iiis family to Lincoln Township, the woods were full of game and he fre- quently shot a rabbit or pheasant while driving along the road. On this day, however, he saw game which he was not expecting, and, as hunters express it, he had an attack of" buck ague." While walking ahead of the wagon with a rifle on his shoulder, he espied a large bear leisurely walking toward him. Tiffany ran back to the wagon, shouting to the driver to turn around, as a bear was coming down the road. "Why don't you shoot ? " yelled the man on the wagon. This seemed to Tiffany the proper thing to do under the circumstances, and with his eye on the bear and the gun elevated at an angle of 45°, pulled the tiigger, and the bear, hearing the report, ambled away. To Tiffany, this was a real adventure and one to be proud of, although he had no trophy to show. We are pleased to give the names of those who have ably represented Lincoln Township as Super- visors since its organization. SUPERVISORS. Irving Williams J. T. Guthrie R. Wilcox J, E. Hunt John Maxwell "R. Wilcox James Ayling A. C. Vredenburg Ainos D. Mattison James Ayling A. C. Vrendenburg A. M. Hance Henry Burr John Mull A. C. Rowlader 1864 1865 1866 1867-8 1869-70 187 I 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877-8 1879 Wise Township. HE township of Wise was organized Jan. 4, 1872, and was named after George W. Wise, its father and founder. It is situated in the northeast corner of Isabella County, and is numbered 16 north and 3 west. Its north, ern boundary is Clare County, its eastern Mid- land County, its southern Denver Townsliip, and its western Vernon Township. The first election was held at the school-house in Loomis, — G. W. Wise, B. L. Loyd and Cornelius V. Hulburt, Inspectors. The western half of the township is drained by Salt River and its numerous tributaries. The saw- mills are its principal support. Messrs Wise and Loomis built the first mills. In March, 187 i, George Vi^' A c^: 6 .!D5«^|- -^<: W. Wise, with 13 men, landed where Loomis now is V r Sir -$e-^=^— »- Denver Township. f \^f^-^-=^ \'\'ER is included in the Indian reserva- tion, and at this time is very sparsely set- ■ViJj^ ^ tied. A number of Indians are yet living vjfii inside her boundaries, and hundreds of acres X of the most valuable timber lands are owned by * speculators. All the east half of Denver Town- ship was covered with a heavy growth of pine, but this has been mostly cut away. The land is low and flat, and much of it can now be purchased for |§r per acre. Only 16 sections of Denver can soon be set- tled, the balance belonging to Indians who cannot dispose of their lands, and speculators owning large tracts have no desire to sell. The first settlements were made in 1875-6, by Lewis Hawkins, the present Supervisor, John Collins, and Julius C. Jordan. The township was organized Jan. 6, 1876, being the last town to be organized in the county, no ma- terial being left for any more. The first election was held at the house of Robert Pearson, who, with James Render and Anson Fitchet, were Judges of the same. Robert Pearson was chosen first Supervisor, and met with the Board in the cen- tennial year. Both branches of the Tittabawassee and Salt Rivers unite in the eastern part of Denver, and the entire township is traversed by the south branch. The Mt. Pleasant &: Saginaw Railroad passes through Denver from northeast to southwest, with one flag station only within the limits. It is bounded on the north by Wise Townshij}, on the east by Midland County, the south by Chippew.i, and the west by Isabella Township. It is numbered 15 north and 3 west. The population in 1880 was only 250, but is per- haps double that number to-day. SUPERVISORS. Robert Pearson Lewis Hawkins William Mogg Lewis Hawkins 1876-7 1878-80 1881-3 % ■■ — ' 4 k5) K m m 558 ISABELLA COUNTY. V -#^^C(®^4il -&i£)d£&aE^ .-^tL^'^. t.' ^ NLY a few years ago ihese broad acres were the favorite liastLiriiig ground of hundreds of deer, and the wild woods the home of the bear, wild- ■■ u. v-vi cat, lynx, the gaunt wolf and the wily Indian. But few persons can realize the fact, yet it is true. Many are the stories related of hairbreadth escapes by men of undoubted veracity, while recounting their adventures with wild beasts at an early day in Isabella County. Some of these are well worth preserving, and they form an interest- ing part of this work. Among the best known of the white men who have achieved a reputation as hunters, we are pleased to mention John Landon -and Wm. Miles, both residents of Chippewa Township and whose reputa- tion is excelled by none. Within a few miles of the beautiful village of Mt. Pleasant are yet to be found plenty of fur-bearing animals, and bears are quite numerous in some localities. Miles Chased by a Bear. I' p (t 1''1^W years ago William Miles was engaged -^=4f:riu ''^ clearing out a jam of logs in Potter Creek, Slt^ vvhcn lie discovered a large bear near by. Having no gun, and his house a full half-mile away, he hardly knew how to proceed, a's bears were his legitimate game, and he had no inten- tion of allowing it to get away. He ran home to get his gun and ammunition, and while there concluded to take a fine Cuban blood- hound which he had recently purchased, thinking this would be a fine opportunity to teach it how to track large game. Upon arrival at the place where the bear was first seen, the blood-houhd took I he trail and soon brought Bruin to a stand. The bear reared upon his hind legs, when Miles fired, wounding but not entirely disabling the animal, which, with a howl of pain and rage pursued the intrepid hunter. Miles made tracks as fast as his legs could carry him, with the bear less than ten feet behind! After running a short distance his powder horn became detached from its fastening, leaving him with only an empty gun for protection while the bear gained steadily upon him, and would in a few bounds more have overtaken the fleeing hunter had it not in its blind rage dashed against a log over which Miles had leaped, thus giving him a few feet more of a start. A tree growing near by proved finally the means of his escape, for the bear was less than two feet behind when it was reached. Darting around it. Miles was enabled to keep out of the monster's clutches, although it required considerable dexterity to avoid being caught by the immense paws of Bruin, who, with his neck against the tree, pursued Miles as furiously as before, going first in one direction, then changing his I)Osition and turning the other way. Another tree stood near, hardly so large as the one first giving shelter to the hunter, and he concluded to try that, but soon returned to the first, the smaller one being hardly sufficient protection from the long claws of the bear. All this time the blood was trickling from its side and the path around the tree presented the ap- pearance of an abbatoir. The chase was continued V© A 1=1 Sly 88^v^))«§^- ^^^^ -^<^fi!ir^nD;i>^ *se??5 f> % A^- W^/^^^^^ <^|]tl>:Dti^.> ^ >; ISABELLA COUNTY. -T^&S- from nine until eleven o'clock in the morning without interruption before the bear showed signs of exhaus- tion. Miles said he might have killed him with his gun, but he disliked to break a good Winchester rifle to pieces over the head of a black bear, for he con- sidered his wind more than a match for any animal that roamed the woods of Michigan. At last the bear lay down, and Miles, after taking a few breaths, left the tree, keeping it between him and the bear until a few rods had been gained, when he darted away at full speed for home, intending to get ammunition and assistance before trying again to dispatch his bearship. Reaching home, and without relating his perilous adventure, he inquired of his wife where " Riley " (the dog) was. She replied that " he was under the bed." Miles shied an old boot, which lay conveniently near, at the crouching hound, having no better way in which to vent his ill pleasure, and started again for the scene of recent adventure; but the bear had vanished; neither could any further trace of it be obtained. A number of persons visited the place next day and were astonished to think how narrowly Miles escaped with his life. The brilliant future which was supposed to lie before '" Riley " was by his cowardice on this occasion brought to an abrupt termination. His owner, although having paid $20 for him a few weeks before, was glad to present the canine to a friend, deeming a dog worth nothing that would desert his master at a time when assistance was most needed. Bear Afraid of Fire. I| NE of VVm. Miles' first experiences in hunt- ^ t^M h nig was rather thrilling, and will bear le- S^[®''^ peating. He was hunting in the dense f woods when darkness came on. He built a fire, ate his supper, and made a bed of leaves and moss near the pile of blazing embers. The slee[) of the tired man was not disturbed until after midnight, when, hearing a peculiar noise, he knew a deer was rushing past pursued by some ani- mal. The deer plunged into the river which ran in proximity, followed soon by a wolf, which also took to the water in quest of its prey. Being now thoroughly awakened, and feeling somewhat chilled, he arose and began kindling the fire, which had become a mass of smouldering coals. While engaged in fan- ning them into a flame, a crashing in the brush near by startled him, and, jumping to his feet, he discerned a monstrous black bear tearing through the bushes ! When daylight appeared, an examination of the vi- cinity revealed the fact that the bear had walked round and round the sleeping man, but feared to attack him, he being in such close proximity to the fire. When the bear started away he was within 20 feet of Miles, who all this time was unconscious of the danger that menaced him. Mr. Miles says this was the first and only time that the slightest fear has been experienced by him, although many hair-breadth escapes are chronicled in relating his numerous ad- ventures. A Rum Story. Wi&^: JM'KOHN FRASER tells a story, of rum and AJ^im^ mosquitoes, which is pretty good, while |p3"'' the manner of getting rid of the mosquitoes ^^ was quite novel. He, together with Judge ]L Estee, George Atkin, Chauncey Kyes and \ James Shepherd, borrowed a canoe of John M. Hursh, with the intention of going to Saginaw for provisions. The trip was easily made going down, but it was very hard work getting back, the current being so swift. It was in the autumn, and the prev- alence of ague during this season of the year induced them to purchase a gallon of whisky before starting. "Jim" Shepherd thought of working a scheme to get a jug of rum home without having it sampled by his comrades, and claimed to have pur- chased it for " bitters " for his father. The rest of the boys said nothing, but determined to have a fair sample of the rum if strategy could obtain it. After loading the canoe with provisions they started up the stream, taking turns in pulling the canoe against the rapid current, while the fierce rays of the sun beamed down upon them, which, with the great exertion necessary to propel the canoe, bathed tliem in i>er- spiration from head to fool. By the morning of the second day, tlie jug which contained the whisky was empty, and they begged " Jim " to give them a drink of his rum, even offering to pay an exorbitant price for the same ; but he per- m/ (^ c^: /^; ■V5)5^$i€^ ^ <^II!1^I ^>^- -^^i^^f^ -^ti ft 2;€^ •rrr 'T<^Mm\i^>7 ISABELLA COUNTY. f V sistently refused. The mosquitoes were getting so troublesome that it seemed impossible to withstand tlieir attacks, and a scheme was devised which at last allowed them some rest. One of the party stripped to the buff, and smeared himself from head to foot with grease from a bacon rind, which was found to be an effectual protection so long as the surface was well coated with the unctuous but not very pleasantly aromatic embrocation. The others followed suit, and the voyagers were thus enabled to keep their craft moving all the tiine. Arriving at last at the house of Mr. Hursh, they concluded to stay all night; and two of the party were detailed to watch Shepherd make a disposition of his jug, he fearing the loss of its contents. Not long after the canoe was unloaded, he slipped out to the woods and secreted the jug in" an old hollow stump. Fraser and others made a note of its loca- tion, and when it became dark, made their way to the spot and all took a hearty draught. The next morning the same was repeated, and the empty jug left standing, covered with leaves, which were so skillfully arranged that no signs of its being disturbed were visible. When " Jim " went after his treasure and found only an empty jug, he became frantic and wanted to whip the whole crowd ; but, not knowing which one to begin on, finally concluded to let the matter drop. His penuriousness taught hin; a valu- able lesson, and he was always willing to divide any thing after that. A Heart-Breaking Loss. 'fAVING neither stock nor grain to sell, the —^ early comers were sorely puzzled to obtain provisions for tlieir families. Everything was turned to account. .Siiingles were virtually legal tender for all debts e.\cept taxes, but the settlers had no means of getting them to market. Considerable quantities of maple sugar were manu- factured in the spring-time, which was afterward taken to Saginaw by boat and exchanged for groceries and dry goods. John Fraser, Mason Foutch, (ieorge Atkin and George Howorth started for Saginaw one morning in May with the proceeds of their spring work, consist- ing of 800 pounds of choice maple sugar. The canoe was a small one, and, being heavily loaded, sank deeply into the water. They had not proceeded far before the boat ran over a snag and capsized, throwing the contents in the water. Not one cake of sugar was recovered, and the loss was a severe one. An entire failure in crops to-day would not be half so hard to withstand as was the loss of that canoe load of sugar at that time. Atkin wept like a child at the prospect of want now in store for the family, they being almost destitute of clothes and having no means of procuring any. All the men except Fraser returned home, he being the only one of the party having any money. He drifted down to Saginaw, made his purchases and helped his less fortunate neighbors out of sorr>' their plight. ■ J— wv^^^^S-^'^^ — ^ — An Indian Suicide. *"'f^^f HERE are some very interesting anecdotes |_CgJ, related of ihe Indians, and the history of X^ip'^ '^ Isabella would not be complete without •a^ mention being made of some occurrences Y which happened not very long since. Most of I the actors in the few incidents related are liv- ing on the reservation near Mt. Pleasant, and the stories, gathered from first hands, are correct. It is believed among the Indians that none of their people ever commit suicide; but one old fellow actually did so far forget their customs that in a moment of desperation he plunged a knife into his bosom and started on his journey to the happy hunt- ing grounds alone. Judge Bennett is responsible for this, as well as several other Indian stories, and his well known popularity among the Indians gave him almost the supremacy attained by a chief. Me-saw-bay was quite a talented, but somewhat demented, old Indian, whose mind was always rumin- ating upon the wrongs done the noble red man by their white brothers. He had made several trips to Washington to see the " Great Father " and unfold his grievances, but no official notice was taken of them. He often took long walks through the forests, and while out for one of these lonely rambles, plunged his hunting-knife into his bosom. When the body was found, an inquest was held in the old court-house, \^ V/- r ^^^e ^^^^^ ^i^;[I!|^p[j;^A^ ^i^^ r^ ===== ISABELLA COUNTY. ":2s^"^ 561 ^ :-« V I and a verdict rendered that he died by his own hand, there being no trace found of other footprints besides those of Me-saw-bay. Judge Bennett wanted to turn the corpse over to the Indians for burial, but they re- fused to receive it, declaring that some white man had killed him, and they would not bury the old man. The body was thus left on the hands of Judge Ben- nett, who vainly tried to get some one to help him with the interment. It was midwinter, and the ground was solidly frozen ; but the Judge, armed with a pick and shovel, started for the woods and dug a hole, to which place he carted the body of the dead Indian and gave him a decent burial. The Most Blood-Curdling Hair-Breadth Escape of All. 'UN Landon, Wm. Miles and his brother Daniel, while out on a hunting expedition, spied a bear a short distance away. Miles and Landon fired simultaneously, wounding the animal, which started to run. Landon endeavored to head him off, when the bear made for him with the intention of eating him. Hav- ing become entangled in the brush, Landon was un- able to free himself, and in his struggles fell down just as the bear reached him! In the meantime Miles came up from behind and, taking deliberate aim, shot the infuriated bear, which fell dead by the side of Mr. Landon, whose position was indeed a ctitical one. His chance for being shot was almost as good hs that of being killed by the bear. When questioned in regard to the danger of shooting his staunch friend, Miles replied: " I would rather shoot you myself than see a bear tear you to pieces." Love at First Sight. ing on record in this county, is that of Wm. )|ir£). Riley and his present wife. Mrs. Riley No. tjjj J I was an Indian squaw (Sophia Gruett) who, })^ unable to withstand the changes in diet and climate, succumbed to the inevitable. William, not having a relish for the onerous duties ^-:f^;!^ 9-^- devolving upon both farm and household, concluded to engage a housekeeper. Hearing of a woman at the county farm who desired a situation, William drove over and had no trouble in making satisfactory arrangements. She accompanied him home, and, during the few miles which intervened between the county farm and Mt. Pleasant, William proposed to, and was accepted by, his present wife. It was a case of love at first sight, he having never seen her until that morning; yet, with William, to love was an easy matter, and the needs of his household w^e press- ing ones. Meeting Rev. R. P. Sheldon on the high- way near Mt. Pleasant, William wished him to marry them without taking the trouble to get out of the wagon. Not being so romantically inclined, the Reverend insisted that the party go into the house of a Mr. Brown who Jived near, to which they assented. Mrs. Brown kindly threw open her parlors, and the wedding was consummated on brief notice. They are doing nicely, and are as well mated, per- haps, as though they had known each other for years. Isabella a Good County. t'HE coming of some of the most prosperous >'i k© 1 inhabitants of the county was purely acci- igrJlJT^ dental. One of these was D. H. Nelson, •^P^ who came in 1857 to witness the Indian pay- fe& ment, but had no intention of locating in this I section. While he was here his father came to see him and bought some land. The first work he ever did in the county was to help clear off and grub an acre of ground, on which the court-house is now located. Mr. Nelson says he has never regretted his decision to remain here, and there is no place like Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County to him. As stated in a previous paragraph, Moses Brown brought in a small stock of goods in the fall of 1865, and opened up in the bar-room of the Bamber House. The only significance to be attached to that state- ment is, that both he and Judge Cornelius Bennett arrived the same day. Brown on a peddler's cart, and Bennett, then a young lad, on foot. Brown accident- ally broke his cart before reaching Mt. Pleasant, and had to send it back to St. John's for repairs. It took so long to repair it that he made up his mind to stay, \^ X=3 i t ^tltli> A. ^^/^^))^^^ :2^^ cT-rC: 562 ISABELLA COUNTY. rz^^^ -^"^T^^^^ ^S yf as trade was fair, and to this day he is quite an active .y business man, dealing in all sorts of commodities, •.'ii from a coon-skin to a section of land. A They tell the story on Judge Bennett, that his first purchase was a blind ox; and, having all his money thus invested and the ox not beii.g fat enough to butcher, he too was forced to stay until the succulent grasses in the spring could fatten his recent pur- chase. While waiting for this to occur, he found employment, and by the time spring had arrived he was doiiTg quite nicely in a financial way, and had no desire to go elsewhere. From that humble com- mencement, we find him to-day ranking among the wealthiest and most popular men of the county, and his en'erprise has done much toward peopling a large portion of it, he having been engaged quite largely in buying and selling real estate. The Indians' Love of Whisky. <'%W%^ E.VRLY all the Indians were members of the Methodist and Lutheran Churches, but 3j= !•?, all of them loved whisky, and never lost r an opportunity to gratify their tastes in this respect. Isabella City, while in its palmy days, was a great loafing place for the Indians, where, though no whisky could be obtained, the more elderly ones would fre([uently get tipsy. The secret was un- earthed one day, by finding an Indian (Pay-she-no- nee) lying at the rear end of Mr. Babbitt's store, in the lumber room of which was a barrel of hard cider. The door being open afforded all necessary explana- tion, and this supply was soon shut off. Upon this particular evening, several of the Indian elders, dea- cons and class-leaders were pretty well " corned " before Mr. Babbitt knew anything about it, and they had hard work to get them started home, some of them becoming quite quarrelsome and threatening to (9* burn the store. This was averted, however, by Mrs. [ Babbitt, wlio at all times seemed to exert great in- ■ 't fluence over them, and they wandered off through the woods, whooping and yelling. The Indian Pay-she-no-nee was quite a preacher, and was one of the most enthusiastic workers in the Methodist -Church. Restarted home preaching with all his might, but having a hard time trying to follow the trail. He was followed by George Bradley, an- other Methodist minister, who was sober, but wanted to hear what Pay-she-no-nee had to say. After preaching to the Lord for a while and extolling his mercy and goodness, he began complimenting the devil upon his excellent attributes, and was lavish in expressions of fealty to Satan and his cause. This was more than Bradley could stand, as it seemed that his favorite exhorter was impolitic, to say the least. Hurrying up to where Pay-she-no-nee was standing, by a large pine stump, and delivering a wonderful address in hardly intelligible language, Bradley ac- costed him and asked why he was so complimentary to the devil, who, with his hosts, the Christians were so earnestly trying to conquer. Bracing up as well as he was able. Pay-she-no-nee replied: "May-be me die some time. If me good, then I sure to go to heaven. May-be get drunk, then the devil sure to get me. Me already know God: now want to know devil." Bradley fearing some sober Indian might be in hearing, upon whom such an argument would work disastrously to the Methodist cause, helped Pay-she-no-nee home as quickly as possible. The love of the Indians for liquor is truly surpris- ing, and we have been informed by good authority, that out of nearly 2,000 who came to this county in 1856, only the chief, Sa-shaw-na-bees, would not drink it. Pioneer " Pleasures." R. A. Dunham, one of the old settlers here, reached Isabella County, in com- pany with his son, in 1861. The first . man he met after his arrival in the new ^^" county was " Uncle Robbins," from whom he made incpiiries concerning lands, and was told to go to 'Squire Estee, who would tell him all he wanted to know. Mr. Dunham found the 'Squire, and, after partaking of a fine dinner, started out and selected a tract of land, and determined to build a shanty for his family. Unable to obtain an ax any- where in the county, he started his boy off for Alma to get the indispensai)Ie article. When the boy re- turned he brought with him an old second-hand ax, with which he built his cabin, that sheltered eight I I A c-o; V <^ :^iiii;> -^^^yyj ;;^:N/^®))«>^r#r ISABELLA COUNTY. ■:2S^S^— children, the old woman and himself, and was set- tled in his new home in just three weeks from the day .^ he selected his land. From this time he lived com- % fortably, and had plenty of maple sugar, leeks and ^ hominy. While many hardships have been under- ^'^ gone, Mr. Dunham has prospered, and yel refers to the days of his " pioneering " as being the most pleasant of his life ! -wacc;©-^-"— fe| <^^%c!mt!»^ > 2 ^ s h Nearly all the Men in the Army. ^fejURING tiie late war, nearly every man WJ^ \. able for military duty went into the army. 3jr^£^ A man was taken sick at a lumber camp 5^ near Mt. Pleasant ; and, to be cared for, was ^ carried over to Mrs. Ellen Woodworth's, who j lived near. His illness proved fatal, and the help of men could not be obtained who were able to carry the body to the cemetery. The four daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Preston — Mrs. Allie Fancher, Mrs. Ellen Woodworth, and the Misses Celia and Emma Preston — procured a bier, and with their own hands carried the body to the cemetery ana buried it ! ThSre was a shoemaker living near where Maj. Long's printing-office now stands, whose name was Bently, but neither would he go, nor allow one of his hands the privilege of paying this tribute of respect to a dead stranger! An Odd Method of Capturing a Deer. I R. A. E. Chatterton once had quite an ex- ^k. citing adventure with a deer at a point in the river nearly opposite the village of Mt. Pleasant. Seeing a large buck complacently V making its way across the stream upon the floating logs which covered its bosom, Mr. C. determined to effect its capture. Meeting midway of the stream, he seized it by the head, when a series of " bucking " on the part of the deer were executed which outrivaled Mark Twain's " Mexican plug." It wais a rough-and-ready fight, but Mr. Chatterton finally came off victorious, although considerably scratched and bruised. To undertake the cutting of a deer's throat, although entangled in a mass of float- ing logs, is no easy matter, anil but few men would attempt it. Pioneer Sociability. r N those pioneer days neighbors were so few and far between that it was customary to omit the fashionable call, and, hitching up the team of o.xen, go to a neighbor's to spend the entire day and eat dinner with them. Tea and coffee, as well as other provisions, being therefore very scarce and very high-priced, — one pound of tea alone costing $2.50, — many odd substi- tutes were used. Mrs. Woodworth tells of a day spent with a friend who, in the absence of tea or cof- fee, steeped the inside bark of the pine for a beverage. Dried strawberry leaves were often used instead of tea. Scorched peas, beans, barley and corn made coffee. Sweet cakes were made with yeast and sweetened with maple sugar; and if fruit-cake was desired they had but to stir the dried fruit in this same preparation. Twfo More Bear Stories. N T875, Mrs. Nancy Brown was going from Mt. Pleasant to her home a half mile east 'i^T of the village, when she espied something )(j moving along the road on all fours. It being /'j dark and objects not distinctly discernible, she thought it was Hilly Gruett (an Indian), who intended playing a joke upon her. Telling him to get out of the way and stop his nonsense, she was about to give the object a push with her foot, when the bear (not Billy Gruett), reared upon its hind feet, and with a sonorous growl invited Mrs. Brown to come a little nearer. She was too badly frightened to run, and as the bear did not advance she stood her ground. A wagon, happily for her, came along, and the bear ran away. She states that often when picking berries in the woods bears have walked very near her; and once, when picking the fruit, standing on a tree which *^s ? ^ A C< A (^ % \o^ — ^'^^^ 4^j«fl ■■^'r>--. §ffes»- <3|iti^:DBv.>T r-^f^ :->5 > 564 ISABELLA COUNTY. had blown almost down, she looked beneath, and there, within three feet of her, was an enormous bear sitting on his haunches eating blackberries, and eye- ing her complacently ! The bear was content to go away, leaving her unmolested, although badly fright- ened. Indian Morals Concerning Murder. 'here is an Indian living in Isabella Town- ship who is quite prominent, not only with those of his own race but also among the whites as well, to whom a story is attached that is true in every sense. He, with his young wife and aged mother, had gone on a hunting expedition to one of the northern counties a few years ago, when the following incident occurred : It was late in the autumn and trapping was ex- cellent. A large number of furs had been collected, and the party were congratulating tliemselves upon the result in a pecuniary way, when the mother fell sick. A brisk snow-storm came on, which delayed their departure for home, and the invalid mother continued to grow worse. She declared her inability to travel, and a council was held between the wife and her husband, who both agreed that they must leave for home at once, for fear a snow-storm should come which would render traveling impossible. The loving son went into the wigwam to report the decision to his aged parent; but, finding her asleep, dealt her a tap on the head with his hatchet, when, /%. to use his own expression, " she just straightened out ^'>' and quit breathing!" With their hatchets a hole was dug in the ground, some bark piled over the old lady's remains, and the husband and wife packed up their traps and pelts, and made their way back to the reservation in Isabella, satisfied that under the cir- cumstances they had done the proper thing by dispos- ing of the old woman, as she was so old that only a few more months of life, under the most favorable circumstances, could be hoped for ! The U. S. Government had built a blacksmith shop, as well as a milland the council-house,at Isabella City. Me-she-gay-ka-kee, the foreman of the shop, was a handsome Indian, and was considered a great "catch" among the dusky maidens. He was finally captured (^ i Wt^^ by one of them and lived quite happily for a year or two, when his wife was taken suddenly and alarmingly ill. Condolences being in order, several of his former sweet-hearts came in to assist in caring for the sick woman ; and the tender passion again tjuickened in the breast of Me-she-gay-ka-kee, and he proposed and was accepted by another one of the charming daughters of the forest. The wedding day was set, they thinking the sick wife could not possibly survive more than two or three days at the farthest. In this they were disappointed, she being, apparently, in an improved condition on the day the wedding was to take place. Me-she-gay-ka-kee hardly knew what to do. He did not think it just the thing to have two wives in the house at once, and feeling convinced that the sick woman must die "some time, at least, if not just then, held a conference with wife number two, and it was decided to dispose of her in the easi- est way possible. She was carried out and deposited on the ground in a fence-corner, a kettle filled with cooked corn jjlaced by her side, after which she was covered with pieces of bark and left to her fate. She lived, surrounded by these proofs of affection, for two days before death came to her relief! All this time the newly married pair were enjoying themselves in high glee, happy in the unexpected good fortune which allowed true love to run smoothly! These stories are related solely because they be- long to the history of this beautiful county, and ac- tually occurred, at an early day. They are typical of Indian life, and nothing was thought of such acts, they being considered strictly legitimate. An Old Newspaper. 9 ITp'lf^'" RS. Ellen Woodworth has a copy of No. ■ tjLM/ 21, Vol. I, of the Northern Pioneer, the '■ ^ ,1 "^ first paper published in the county. This 7 k^''^'^ was issued June 7, 1865, and from its pages 'I* are noted several important items regarding men in business at that time. The Pioneer was a four-column folio, 12 inches by 14 in size, but was a remarkably spicy journal. We notice by the above paper that most of tiie county offices were filled by Hon. I. A. Fancher, his business card appearing as Prosecuting Attorney, ^ A I r m. rz^^ 6V >^ V (1) ^ I Circuit Court Commissioner and County Surveyor. William H. Nelson was Judge of Probate; John Q. A. Johnson, Sheriff; Langdon Benlly, Treasurer; Milton Bradley, Clerk; Wallace W. Preston, Register of Deeds ; and Cornelius Bennett, attorney and counsellor at law. The post-office address of all these gentlemen was "Blunt P. O.," except W. H. Nelson, who was a resident of Isabella City. The peculiarity of Judge Bennett's card, in which his name appears as C. BENNETT, LL. B., gave rise to much speculation among the ladies as to the significance of the abbreviated title. The Judge was at that time a young man, and was looked ui.on with much favor b) the mammas who had marriage- able daughters. The young lawyer was possessed of very little cash; but a pleasant face and affable man- ners more than made amends for lack of funds, and he became the center of attraction for a host of [iretty girls who swarmed about liim as do moths about a lighted candle. One, to whom more attention was paid_ than the rest, fondly imagined herself certain of becoming the future Mrs. Bennett. She was interviewed by a com- mittee selected for the purpose of ascertaining what LL. B. was attached to Mr. Bennett's name for, they having good reason to suppose her possessed of the knowledge. After much adroit questioning, she con- fidentially admitted that she, too, had been ecpially inquisitive, and had importuned the Judge until the information had been gained that the letters meant " Lots of Little Bennetts!" Thus was the secret ex- ploded, and the Judge's dream of happiness made public, for "women" have no secrets! f??3> m ■^F^^ k\^J^M! T a point on the east bank of the Chippewa River, where there is a clear and rapid stream near a hundred feet broad, with banks of good a history which, though brief, is important in a notice of this nature. The county seat of Isabella County was first es- tablished, by commissioners appointed by the State Legislature, at the geographical center of the county. This was engineered by Dr. Jeffries, John G. Isbell and George W. Lee, who located in partnership a section from the corners of four townships, giving the new county seat the name of Isabella Center. The Doctor built a small log court-house and endeavored to work up a boom for the town, but failed. The county offices were all kept in two rooms, but the accommodations being scarcely sufficient, efforts were made to change the location of the county seat, which was effected May 10, i860. The present site when selected was a wilderness, with no approaches save "tote roads," and no future perceivable. Isabella City, on the river a mile below, svas built ISABELLA COUNTV. ^eir'^Sr ^ \^ o ^) C5^ m in 1857, and was at that time ihe only place in the county where business was done, that being the locality occupied by the grist-mill for aboriginal use, a store and some sliops and dwellings. The first plat of the village of Mt. Pleasant was made by David Ward. He was assisted in this survey by I. E. Arnold, one of the most prominent citizens of the village. Five acres was donated by Mr. Ward for county purposes, and a court-house was built by W. H. Nelson, which cost the county $140. It was accepted July 12, i860, and the first term of court was held in it in that year. There were no natural advantages at the geographical center, and the founders of the town owned only 1,700 acres of land, which was sur- rounded on all sides by the Indian reservation, that had been ceded to be held in perpetuity for them and their heirs forever. This was also used as a lever when the question of voting on the relocation of the county seat was given the people. Foremost in this matter were Nelson Mosher, John M. Hursh, A. M. Merrill, David Ward and Charles Rodd (the latter an Indian), who were all possessed of much influence among the Indians, to whose vote the location of the county seat at Mt. Pleasant was mainly due. Ward, although the owner of only 120 acres, was quite liberal with his lots; and, besides the donation of five acres for county purposes, he gave five of the Indian chiefs 17 acres on the west bank of the river opposite the old depot, which of course made them his friends ; and a number of lots were distributed among the men before mentioned, as well as to several Indians who were laboring in his interest. The whole vote in the county did not exceed 400, and the majority could not have been very great. It was a wise thing to do, however, and a more elegible location for a county seat cannot be found. The village of Mt. Pleasant was again platted in 1863, the proprietors then being George and Harvey Morton. The first family locating on the village plat was that of Dr. Edwin P. Burt, who built the house, or a part of it, where Mrs. Preston now resides. Isabella Hursh was the first female child born in- side the village limits, but this event occurred long before Mt. Pleasant was thought of. The date of her birth is mentioned elsewhere. Dexter F. Arnold, the present Village Clerk, was ^^^^ r -f'^;^ ^^< ^D n the first male child born in Mt. Pleasant. This event occurred April 15, 1862. Of course, improvements were very slow, as but few people were living in the county and ver)- little land was under cultivation. H. A. Diinton put in a stock of general- merchan- dise in 1864, which was the first venture in a mer- cantile way. John Kinney, a gentleinan well known in the county afterward, purchased this stock of goods and that of Mr. J. C. Graves, who started a store in the summer of that year. The Bamber House was the first hotel in the place, and was kept by W. W. Preston. Moses Brown was the next man to embark in the mercantile line, whose stock was composed of a miscellaneous assortment of dry goods, which he brought in on a peddler's cart and displayed in the bar-room of the above mentioned hotel. John Kinney built a log house that was used for school purposes, and the first school in the village was tauglit by Mrs. Ellen L. Woodworth, in 1865. This house was also used for church and other pur- poses, and the first Sabbath-school organized in the village was in this building, in 1865, tlie orginators of that movement being Mrs. I. A. Fancher, Mrs. Ellen Woodworth and Mrs. Langdon Bently. John Kinney, Esq., came to the county in 1855, and was appointed first Postmaster of this village. He, although not a resident of the place at this time, is largely interested in the growth and prosperity of Mt. Pleasant, having a large amount of real estate inside the corporate limits. The first mill erected in the village was built by Hapner Bros., in 1866. The first grist-mill was built by Harris Bros., in 1872. ■ In 1863, the future of Mt. Pleasant was very inaus- picious. There were only three or four houses in Ihe place, and they were small. Jo. Miser had a story- and-a-half house, wliich stood in the street west of where the Fancher Block stands. This house was sheeted inside to the gables, and covered with a shingle roof I. E. Arnold had built a house near where the Flint & Pere Marquette depot stands. Nelson Mosher had built the house now occupied by his son's widow, whicli was the third house erected in the village. I. A. Fancher drafted the plat of this village in June of 1863. He took an active part in developing v^ c< v/ ^4 'r T ^r^^m -zsC^ ■ST •rr '7^ ISABELLA COUNTY. Mr. Bradley went to work, and was aided by a number of people friendly to the cause, some of whom ^^ furnished lumber, etc., and the house, now the coun- I cil room owned by the village, was built. Everybody (^ was happy when it was completed and regular ser- ^^ vices could be held in it, and many of the old pio- neers in Methodism speak of the joyful meetings held there ; and tears of regret fall when speaking of the sorrow caused by the sale of the old building, it seeming like the sundering of the most sacred ties to give up the old building hallowed by prayers of I fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, although the elegant church now completed awaited their coming. When Mr. and Mrs. Preston came to Mt. Pleasant in 1864, they were well provided with provisions, clothing, etc., having thought that very little could be procured in the new country. Two of their children had been residents in the neighborhood for two N years previous, and they had undergone much priva- tion but no real suffering. Mrs. Mary Preston says that they had coffee, sugar and other things enough to last them 12 years, and absolutely found it hard to dispose of. They purchased the house built by Dr. Burt, and had commodious quarters from the date of ==? their coming. Her daughter Celia wedded Emory Y H. Bradley, the minister's son, in October, 1864, which was the first wedding in the village. Mrs. Preston was the first lady who viewed the village of Mt. Pleasant from the top of the new court-house. Hundreds have since gazed with delight at the beau- tiful panorama spread before them from that elevated position, and the most perfect view can be obtained, from this point, of the village and surrounding country. From 1865, Mt. Pleasant has continued to grow in importance and numbers, until it ranks high among the villages in Northern Michigan in a commercial way. A brief ;cf?/wf is given of her business indus- tries, churches, etc., which determines well the enter- prise of her citizens who anticipate a brilliant future for the place, and none surely have more natural advantages. The geographical center of the south- fl em peninsula of Michigan is on section 24 of Coe »®« Township, thus making this county the pivotal >J b t » ful. Those of A. B. Upton, George Granger, J. C. Leaton, Mrs. Henry Dunton, Henry A. Bouton and W. W. Preston, on Church Street, and Dr. P. E. Richmond, T. VV. Swart, Charles Jeffries, William N. Brown and Mr. Ryan, on Broadway, will compare favorably with any village in the North. Shade-trees are being planted along the principal streets, and a few years will ensure beautiful avenues shaded by the leafy elm and handsome maple, beneath the boughs of which the pedestrian may take a promen- ade with the greatest satisfaction. Mt. Pleasant is noted for the number and excel- lence of her hotels, the largest and best of which is the Bennett House. This is an elegant three-story brick structure, handsomely finished, and furnished in the modern style. It was completed in 1883, by Judge Cornelius Bennett, at a cost of $20,000. It was formally opened in June, 1883, by ihe present proprietors, F. A. Stebbins and Marvin Richardson, both of whom are popular gentlemen, and general favorites with the traveling public. Mr. Richardson has been for 20 years engaged in the business, and has a reputation second to none as a manager. The accommodations are first-class in every respect, and the patronage all that could be desired. The Peninsular House is a pleasant, spacious hotel, occupying an elegible location on North Main Street. Under the management of Mr. J. N. Van- sice, it is a fine paying investment and has a liberal share of business. The Exchange Hotel is owned by Mr. Linus D. Estee, one of the most cordial of landlords. This is a cheerful, home-like place, where the weary guest will find a cordial welcome, with plenty of good cheer that comes from a well filled larder. The Bamber House was the first hotel erected in the village, and many noted guests have been quartered within its walls. It is managed by Patrick Donovan, one of the warmest-hearted IrishniLMi in the State, whose friends are legion. Michael S. Garvin is proprietor of the Union House, the North Main Street hostelry, and the only thing lacking is room for more guests. No stranger visits this village without carrying away pleasant recollections of his accommodations at the excellent hotels during his stay. The Ladies' Library .Association is quite a flour- ishing affair, and the records give proof of its success- A C< ^ i )\^^^^ _>!V^*rM!f^ -^^Dn^iinr^^ — ^^s>^ 4^^f(®X^ n i o ^) (^ fal management from the date of its organization. Six hundred volumes of the choicest literature are in circulation among the residents of the village. The management is entirely under the control of the ladies, who have aided the enterprise with their time and money until the permanent success of the asso- ciation is assured. The officers of the society are : President, Mrs. Charles Westlake; Vice President, Mrs. Will. Hunt; Treasurer, Mrs. W. Doughty; Secretary, Mrs. Major Long; Corresponding Secre- tary, Mrs. A. E. Chatterton ; Librarian, Mrs. H. B. Pearson; Assistant Librarian, Mrs. Thomas Pickard. The society occupies pleasant rooms in the Nelson Block, which are open on Wednesday and Saturday of each week. A small sum expended annually gives the youth of Mt. Pleasant ample facilities for becom- ing conversant with the best and most talented au- thors of both history and fiction. This enterprise deserves substantial encouragement from the citizens, who are certainly largely benefitted by the use of so much literature at the small outlay a membership entails. Business Interests. HE manufacturing interests of Mt. Pleasant are confined chiefly to lumber, shingles, etc. The mill of Upton & Leaton is the most extensive, having a capacity of 30,000 feet per day, and employing a force of 30 men. Allowing 290 working days in a year, the cut of this mill averages 8,700,000 feet annually. Messrs. J. P. Walker and A. E. Chatterton do an extensive business in the manufacture of lumber, having both a saw and shingle mill, the capacity of which is r5,ooo feet of lumber and 30,000 shingles per day. They had on hand March ist, 1,300,000 feet of logs, which, at the low estimate of $6 per thousand, distributed nearly $8,000 among the farm- ers from this mill alone. The Mt. Pleasant Novelty Works was erected during the fall of 1883, and is owned and operated by Messrs. Chas. Jeffords and Cliarles C. Whitney. They manufacture doors, sash, blinds, and also do scroll-sawing and ornamental work. Thirty men are employed by tliis firm when running the mill at its full capacity. Harris Bros, are proprietors of the Merchant Mills, 5|? and are doing a fine business. They have three run ^ of stone and ship large quantities of flour, besides %'^ doing a large amount of custom work. The roller T process has been recently added, which gives them V© increased facilities for the manufacture of flour, their brands of which have become famous tliroughout Northern Michigan. The foundry and planing mills of Messrs. Proctor & Bamber are centrally located and do quite a nice business in their line. The patent-hoop factory of F. E. Prince & Co. is a novelty in its way, and promises to revolutionize tlie manufacture of barrel hoops entirely. The ma- chine was invented and patented by Mr. F. E. Prince last year, and is the only one of the kind in the coun- try. The average number of finished hoops is 400,000 per month. This industry keeps 40 men in employment in getting out the timber, etc., and adds largely to the manufacturing interests of the village. Besides these industries, there are a large number of blacksmith and wagon shops, harness and shoe shops, all of which add to the business of the village in a marked degree. » In the mercantile line the dry-goods and grocery trade is very large. The most extensive houses in this line are those of John Maxwell, E. E. Wood, A. E. Chatterton and E. A. & W. E. Ward. The staple and fancy grocery trade is well repre- sented by D. H. Oilman, W. S. Hunt, Carr & Gran- ger, D. Ryan, E. G. Curtis, F. L. Davis & Co. and Kane. C. H. Houk and John Kenny do a nice business and are popular restaurateurs. Nearly all the dealers in dry goods carry a large assortment of clothing and boots and shoes. Of these, Thomas McNamara, H. M. Angell and W. Doughty have the most extensive trade. W. H. Yerrick & Co. and A. Hall are exclusive dealers in boots and shoes, and C. H. Thompson and D. Switzer carry a large stock of jewelry, watches, clocks, etc. The hardware business is immense; and no village i of such pretentions as Mt. Pleasant can boast of ^ larger and finer establishments in this line than those &' of Messrs. L. N. Smith, Doughty Bros, and Geo. C ^ Faulkner & Co. @] The livery business forms an important factor in "^ ^nt];>.L^ ^^^ .4^5^@y^) (5) 0) ^ Xi^l' ^ ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^ ) 1^ >J 4^ . . ^ff all towns remote from railroad communication, and '|J to this date Mt. Pleasant has not been classed as the •'^ most fortunate in this respect. Of the livery firms, I George McDonald has the finest barn, and a splendid lot of horses and fine outfits. The Whitney Brothers and V. K. Brown also have splendid turnouts and an excellent trade. B. F. Kyes deals in music, sewing-machines, etc., and has quite a nice trade. Two artists, Messrs. Smith and J. T. Conloii, are popular photographers, and their studios exhibit evidences of their skill. Mt. Pleasant is one of the healthiest villages in the Peninsular State, yet a number of skilled physi- cians reside here, and their business, while not ex- tensive, brings with it a nice income. We are pleased to mention the names of these gentlemen, all of whom enjoy the respect and confidence of the community in a high degree: Drs. P. E. Richmond, M. F. Fas- quelle, F. H. Tyler, J. C. Corbus, L. J. Petz and Royal & J. J. Stoner. The different schools of medi- cine are ably represented by these gentlemen, among whom the greatest harmony prevails. Drug-stores are always found where civilization ^ exists, and there is a growing demand for the goods J handled in a legitimate business. W. W. Cox & Co. give theirs the significant name, "People's Drug- store." This firm have recently opened their store and the stock is complete. Charles Westlake is pro- prietor of the "City Drug-store," and is also Post- master of the village. The office being located in his store, assures a large trade, aside from the popularity of its owner. Messrs. Carr & Granger have a large and choice line of drugs, chemicals and school-books. Their establishment is known as the "Central Drug- store." All three of these houses are located on Broadway. The " Main Street Drug-store " is owned and operated by Messrs. McQueen & Ralph, whose excellent tastes are magnificent in the neatness of arrangement in displaying their goods. Not less than $30,000 is invested by the four stores in the (^ drug line alone. 1 John Craig and Kimball Bros, are large dealers in I? fresh and salt meats, fish, game, etc. J. E. Wilcox and Fred Pferdesteller are engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. Both carry complete stocks of everything in their line. The dental profession is represented by Drs. G. A. ') ■^^l\»-?- e f I f >/^))f$i?#^' I SAB ELLA COUNTY. -7^^^^^- 4^^5f >$ V i and no more popular gentleman ever cashed a check. The business is all that could be desired, and is profitable to the stockholders and convenient for its patrons. Churches and Societies. |[!^YSTEMIZED social work is characteristic of civilization everywhere; and accordingly the new occupants of the soil in the forests of Isabella County made haste to organize Cluirches and societies for the general amel- ioration of their condition. We here give a sketch of the religious and other societies of Mt. Pleasant. THE METHODIST CHURCH. Religious services were held in this county by those wlio were members of this Church prior to the formation of a permanent organization. Rev. R. P. Sheldon was one of the first ministers who came to Isabella County ; and, uixDn the formation of " Chip- pewa Circuit," which was effected in 1861, at the annual conference held at Battle Creek, he was ap- pointed and placed in charge. Rev. George Bradley was the first Presiding Elder. This circuit originally embraced nearly the whole of this county, but as the county became more densely settled and new ap- pointments formed it was divided, and now embraces Calkinsville, Dushville and all the appointments south of that in the county. In 1863, Rev. R. P. Sheldon was again assigned to this circuit, with Rev. H. Hall, Presiding Elder. The Church records fail to show when or where the first class was formed. The first mention of a class was while Rev. Eli Westlake had charge of the circuit. He organized one, consisting of 24 persons, at the house of Bro. Burger's, in Lincoln Township, with Morris Titus as Leader. The name of the cir- cuit had been previously changed to Isabella, but in 1870 it was again changed to Mt. Pleasant Circuit. In 1872, Salt River and appointments south were placed in a separate charge, leaving the village of Mt. Pleasant, Chippewa and Gulick's school-houses to be supplied by the minister stationed at Mt. Pleas- ant. The first church at this village was erected and dedicated in 1866. Tlie services were conducted upon that occasion by Rev. George B. Jocelyn, D. D., LL. D., of Albion College, assisted by Rev. F. B. Hangs. The year of 1872 was a very prosperous one for the society, both in a financial and theological way. Many needed repairs were made upon both church and parsonage, all of which expenses were defrayed by substantial contributions, Mrs. Sophia Bradley, widow of Rev. Geo. Bradley, donating $250. The society, with varying fortune, maintained their ground, gradually increasing the membership until it became evident that a new church must be built to accom- modate the numbers desiring to attend Methodist ser- vices, the present church being inadequate. In 188 r Rev. J. K. Stark was appointed to the charge at Mt. Pleasant, and his energy in bringing about the successful completion of the new church is deserving of commendation. The old church was exchanged for the site which the new church now occupies, the e.xchange being effected with Mr. D. H. Nelson, a wealthy gentleman residing in Mt. Pleas- ant, who, after the transfer had been made, donated the old church property, valued at $1,5 00, to the soci- ety. The building was sold to the village of Mt. Pleasant for a council room and engine house, and the lot was sold to the county, upon which a new jail and sheriff's residence will be erected during this year. Added to the already large donation of Mr. Nelson was the princely gift of $2,000 in cash, which stimulated the members and friends of the society until tiiey determined to erect a church edifice that would afford ample accommodations for many years. The contract was let to Mr. M. S. Anderson, and the corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July I, 1882, an address being made by the Rev. H. M. Joy, Presiding Elder of Grand Rapids, followed by one from Rev. J. A. Sprague, Presiding Elder of this district. The church was opened for services May 6, 1883, when all the money was raised necessary to liquidate all indebtedness. Rev. D. F. Barnes preached in the morning, and Elder Sprague at the evening ser- vice. August ig, 1883, the church was dedicated to Almighty God, by Rev. J. A. Sprague, assisted by L. R. Fiske. D. D., LL. I). The Methodist church is the finest and most commodious house of worship in the village, and V^ I t1^ I mk ■^^^^ — ^7^c^Dg>^niis>M^ — ^^^^ 4^^^,. "^\si i^^r t:rv 4:tlIl^llIl^> "7-^^ -*#^C(^ f^^^ll ISABELLA COUNTY. i^ cost, with the grounds, $15,000. The society is not 'I) indebted one dollar of the amount, and the niem- 'i^ bers, as well as many persons outside the Chuch.are f entitled to great credit for their liberality. The (Oj church is a handsome brick structure, built in the Gothic style of architecture, with a seating capacity of 400. The furniture is of black ash, trimmed with walnut. The acoustic properties of the audience- room are unsurpassed. The names of Rev. R. P. Sheldon, the first minister, and Rev. George Bradley, the first Presiding Elder, of Chippewa Circuit, adorn the memorial window in the ne.v church, not solely because they were the first, but they were a pair of noble workers in the army of God's ministers, through whose labors much good was accomplished, and the love and respect of the whole Church obtained. This is a fitting tribute to those qualities of mind and heart which were so largely inherent in those two rJ) ^^o'^t'^y gentlemen, whose names will ever live in the ^ history of the society in Isabella County. On an- other window appear the names of Mr. D. H. Nelson and Mrs. Abigail Babbitt, both of whom gave with lavish hand to assist in the erection of this elegant sanctuary. A new parsonage, corresponding with the beauty in design and finish of the new church edifice, will , . be erected during the autumn of 1SS4. This will - ^ cost, when complete, with the lots on which it will be erected, fully $3,000. The rules of the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church re- quire that their ministers shall change locations at least once in three years. Below are given the names of those worthies who have served this charge since 1 86 1, together with the dates of their pastorate : '^ V t R. P. Sheldon, 1861-3 L. M. Garlic, 1864 D. 0. Fox, ,865 J. Webb, 1866-7 T. J. Sjiencer, 1868 W. T. Williams, 1869 Eli Westlake, 1870-2 G. W. Gosling, '873 E. H. Sparling, 1S74-S A. C. Beach, 1876 W. W. Ware, 1877-8 J. H. Bready, 1879 J. W. Hulenbeck, 1S80 J. K. Stark, 1881-3 The latter is the present Pastor, whose labors have been fraught with much success. He is one of the most talented divines in Northern Michigan, and his congregation are loth to give him up, although the inexorable law of the Church demands it. Wherever the Rev. Stark is called, will the Church find in him one of the most logical and earnest workers in the theological field. THE PRESIiVTERI.VN CHURCH. The Presbyterians of Mt. Pleasant and vicinity were the second sciety to undertake the difficult but almost imperative task of erecting a place of wor- ship. Having long felt the necessity of a permanent place of meeting, the Ladies' Aid Society undertook to procure, and did procure, the present site for a church building, — Mr. Cornelias Bennett donating one-half the lot. This magnanimous gift of the soci- ety stimulated the Church members and friends to undertake the erection of a church, and after many trials and reverses, by dint of hard work and great per- severance, with the aid of many and liberal subscrip- tions of the citizens, they succeeded in presenting to the society the present imposing and cheerful struc- ture, which was dedicated to Almighty God in Feb. ruary, 1875, — Rev. Mr. Middlemus, of Saginaw, preaching the dedicatory sermon ; Rev. Calvin Clark, Rev. Mr. Willett Knott, Turrill Sparling and others, assisting. THE UNH ARIAN SOCIETY. In the summer of 188 1 the Rev. R. Conner, a Uni- tarian minister, came to Mt. Pleasant and delivered two lectures, to which a large number of the citizens of this place listened. The remarks of Mr. Conner awakened quite an interest in the minds of a number of the thinking people of this village, and a desire to form a society was apparent. Rev. R. W. Savage came in September, 1881, and delivered a course of lectures, and in the following month effected a per- manent organization, with about 20 members. For one year and a half after its organization the meetings were held in the Opera House. During this time the society increased in strength and numbers, and the necessity of a permanent place of meeting was felt. The subjeC. was discussed, and finally plans, drawn by Donaldson & Meier, of Detroit, were adopted. C. C. Whitney was the contractor. The work was begun on the new church building in February, 1883, and completed in December of the same year, at a cost of $3,000. The frescoing is a c-^: 1|a ®))«^€^' ^''^^ — ^y^m .^: M<>^ — ^^gs^ 4^^ 1 "25^^^ t-N. ■^vc^ :^^ V ">. d. ^ y . . - >^ beautiful piece of workmanship. The main body of 'n the chapel has a seating capacity of 250, and with ;^^ the parlors thrown open 50 more can be accommo- T dated. The chapel was formally dedicated in the ,'?). winter of 1883, at which time the State Conference of the Unitarian society was held here. Rev. R. Conner, of East Saginaw, preached the dedicatory sermon, assisted by Rev. T. B. Forbush, Rev. J. T. Sunderland, of Ann Arbor, Rev. Geo. Stickney, of Grand Haven, Rev. Julius Blass, of Jackson, and Rev. F. E. Kittredge, the State Unitarian Mis- sionary of Michigan. Delegates were present from every society in the State except the one at Kalama- zoo. At this dedication Miss Ida C. Hultoii, of Athens, Mich., read a very interesting pai)er on "Woman and Her Work." This is the only " liberal " society in the county, and they are rapidly gaining ground and constantly increasing in numbers. Mr. Savage has been to the flock an able leader ever since its organization in i88x, and with his aid and good management they expect to build a beautiful brick structure for holding services, and the present building will be used for a chapel. Sabbath-school, socials, etc. A. B. Upton is President of the society; Hon. S. W. Hopkins, Vice President; Free Estee, Secretary, and Hon. J. W. Hance, Treasurer. The Executive Committee is composed of Wni. T. Whitney, John Fraser and V. K. Conlogue. As an auxiliary to the Unitarian Society, there was organized, January 16, 1882, a society known as the Ladies' Union. The object of this Union is the promotion of social life and general good in the community, by working in harmony with the First Unitarian Society of Mt. Pleasant. The funds of the Union are wholly under the control of its mem- bership. Gentlemen are admitted as honorary mem- bers. The first officers were : President, Mrs. A. B. Upton; Vice President, Mrs. J. J. Stoner; Secretary, L. J. King; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. C. C. Whitney; Treasurer, Mrs. \V. Woodbury; Collectors, C. M. Brooks and Miss Denison ;. Reception Committee, M. Brown and Mrs. Whitney. The funds placed at the disposal of the Union during the first two years of its existence amounted to nearly $600. The society rendered very material assistance in the furnishing of the new chapel, and ISABELLA COUNTY. 573 has paid the incidental expenses of the Unitarian Society, excepting the salary of the pastor, since the date of its organization. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Geo. C. Faulkner; Vice President, Mrs. Ralph; Secretary, Mrs. A. B. Upton ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. W. Woodbury; Treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Whitney; Collec- tors, Mrs. M. Brown and Mrs. E. Potter. The Sunday-school connected with this society is in a flourishing condition, and is under the able superintendency of Rev. R. W. Savage. Several valuable contributions of choice books have been received for the Sabbath-school library ; among these is a collection of 150 volumes donated by James Freeman Clark's Church, of Boston. The society of which Mr. Barbar, editor of the Unitarian Review, is leader, has also donated a nice addition to this library. Rev. R, W. Savage is rapidly building up the so- ciety by his eloquence and logical teachings. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. The Catholics had for a long time talked of build- ing a permanent place for public worship. Some time prior to 1876, Hon. I. A. Fancher donated to the society three acres of ground. The location is in a beautiful part of the village, and a neat and capacious church edifice that may well be the pride and glory of their best endeavors has been erected. The number of adherents to the faith has increased steadily, and under the present teachings of Rev. Father McCarthy the constant promotion and growth of the society is assured. ST. John's episcopal church. One of the most handsome churches in Northern Michigan is the one bearing the above name, which was erected in 1883, and consecrated Jan. 10, 1884, by Rt. Rev. Bishop George D. Gillespie, assisted by Revs. VV. A. Masters, of Detroit, B. F. Matrau, of Saginaw, Stearns, of St. Louis, Pritchard, of Luding- ton, and Phames, of Midland. After the ceremonies of consecration, the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered, a large number of those jjresent taking jjart in the solemn rite. After the services, which lasted nearly three hours, the invited guests from abroad, and many of the prominent ladies and gentlemen of this village, were taken in carriages to the Bennett House, where they c< 4 r^; f-. /^ 574 <^ ISABELLA COUNTY. -*»Qi& f ^ dined as the guests of Hon. Wm. N. Brown, through 'Jn whose princely liberality this church was erected, he .''^ having built it, at a cost of $4,300. which, with the entire furniture, etc., was upon that day presented to the diocese. The lots upon which the church stands were donated by Gen. Dvight May (father of Mrs. Brown) for church purposes. Too much praise cannot be given Hon. Wm. N. Brown, for his liberality, who, with his wife, unas- sisted by any one, caused the erection, and donation \^ to the Episcopal society, of this, one of the finest J/% churches in the land. All the brick were made on Mr. Brown's own yard, the lumber sawed and care- fully selected at his own mill : the teaming, excavat- ing, etc., were done by his men. He states that the building could not be contracted to-day for less than §7,500. Tliis church is located on the corner of Washing- ) ton and Maple Streets, some distance from the bus- iness portion of this enterprising village. The /\ exterior presents a very handsome appearance. It a has a substantial stone foundation, is brick veneered, finished in an Elizabethan-Gothic style, the roof being relieved from an ordinary appearance by four gable windows of stained glass. The building stands back from the street some feet, and a number of steps lead into it. The inside is patterned after a church design on the Duke of Devonshire's estate in England, and is very elaborate. At the same time there is nothing gaudy in the arrangements or finish, the whole work showing good taste on the part of those who selected the designs. It is finished in ash and oiled, the decorations being Venetian frescoing and no painting of any sort. The pews are comfort- able and of a modern design, and have a seating capacity of 200. The aisles, altar and choir plat- form are neatly carpeted; the building is heated by a furnace in the basement, and lighted by two hand- some prism chandeliers. To the left of the altar are the vestry rooms, finished in the same manner as the other portions of the church, while on the riglit of the chancel is located the choir loft. The chan- cel is furnished with botli a reading desk and fal- stool, while to the rear is the communion table and chancel rail. The communion service is of solid ^ silver, while the a'tar furniture is of the finest de- fr^ scrijjtion. ^ A resident pastor will be engaged during the year >^ <^ ':) ^ (1884), services being held at convenient times by ministers from abroad. They have a live member- ship to begin with, of 30 persons, who are determined to employ none but the best talent to represent their cause. THE D.^PTIST SOCIETV. Although having no church this society still main- tains its organization. It was formed in 1883, with a membership of six persons. Having no regular min- ister, of course the growth must necessarily be slow, yet the intention is to erect a substantial church, employ a minister of talent and build up the society. Rev. Monroe, of Salt River, is entitled to the credit of forming the Baptist society in this village. THE SUNDAV-SCHOOI-S. As a moral and religious educator, the Sunday- school forms a most important factor. The day is past when any man can successfully maintain that Christianity does not exert a beneficial influence in every community in which it has a representation. Sunday-schools, that necessary auxiliary of the Church, have been well established all over the county, and are very well sustained. Too much cannot be said or done in that direction ; it has many bearings on the youthful mind; it molds and fashions thought; establishes moral and religious habits, as well as Christian associations; it draws the mind from baser thoughts, and causes it to dwell upon that which is elevating and refining. If all would use their best endeavors to promote the establish- ment and growth of the Sunday-school, the results would be plainly apparent in the increased moral and intellectual growth of the youth in our land. The Sunday-schools under the supervision of the Churches in this village and county are notable ex- amples of what can be accomplislied in this direction. MUSICIANS. Among t1ic many pleasant features of this beauti- ful town, music forms an important factor. Very few villages have so many accomplished musicians, and none can boast of better ones. Major J. W. Long has had a large number of elegant pieces published, the copyright of which has been sold in every in- stance, and some of his finest productions are yet in manuscript. His wife is .also a teacher of music, and is one of the most accom|)lished musicians. I ^' < O AJ)$^^^^ •A -^ I I 1 -^^^ — e^V<->nP>:illlv>v-— ISABELLA COUNTY. ■^2^N5>jr^ ^) ^ The Isabella County Enterprise. ^^ ^i^^ S '^■^^ ■'^ '''^" early day in the history 3?^ ■■-:S^ftM of the county, O. B. Church :;^n|''ijiStarted a weekly paper called the Norihfin Pioiuer. The material used and the print- n ' * ~^'@| iiig press, which was the first I "^ press m tlie county, were hauled from Ithaca to Mt. Pleasant in the year 1863, by order of Judge Estee. It may be stated here that this same press is still in use at the Enterprise office; and, although it passed through the fire of 1875, it is still in good work- ing order. The first issue of the paper was dated Nov. 30, 1864. It was Republican in principles, and has always been an ex- ponent, and is still a supporter, of the Republican party. The name has been changed to the Isabella Enterprise, and John R. Doughty is now editor and proprietor. The original proprietor sold, in an early day, one-half interest to James P. Welper, and after- ward the remainder to Myron McLaren, who subse- quently bought out Mr. Welper. Mr. McLaren then sold to I. A. Fancher, and the latter in turn sold to Albert Fox, who owned and controlled it until his death, in February, 1873, when it was sold to its present proprietor. It is now entering upon its 20th year, with a reputation exceeding that of any former year, in circulation, etc. The editor, Mr. Doughty, has proven himself, during all these years, an able expounder of Republican principles, and its columns have done much to forward not only the growth of Republicanism, but also to advance the prosperity and moral tone of the good people of this county. j'l/WN.— 5"^ The Northwestern Tribune. "SiT Salt River, in September, 1S79, this enter- ^ terprising journal was established, the pro- prietors being then, as now. Dr. S. C. Brown & Sons. It was removed to Mt. Pleasant in March, 1881, where it takes equal rank with the other able journals published in this village. Dr. Brown is one of the joUiest fellows that ever drew a pen in support of his country, and nothing but thor- ough Repubhcan doctrines has ever been seen on the editorial page of the Tribune. It has a fine circula- tion, and, as the Doctor states, " grows in grace day by day." Mt. Pleasant Times. If HE Mt. Pleasant Times was established in 1877, by Henry H. Graves, who was its pro- Wp^ "^ prietor, with James VV. Long as editor. It was first run as a Democratic and aftersvards as a Greenback paper, until Nov. 19, 1879, wlien Major James W. Long, the present owner and publisher, took possession. Major Long con- .<=^.A <^n!i.^nn;>^ A. ^S^ZL ( ^ e< " HE county of Isabella has not until recently enjoyed the advantages which railroad facilities bring, but it has already two lines established and in active operation, with two other lines in contem- plation, one of which is assured. Over these the produce of the country will be carried ere the ter- mination of the year 1884. In the present age, it seems that railroads constitute the most po- Ij^*^ tential agency in the advancement ■S^V^'-V^ '^^ human interests; and the days r>>^^'(h/, of waiting for them in this county ,«^^Jv<* must have seemed long and tedi- ous to all the early residents. Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant Railroad. ;|^QIllAGINA\V & Mt. Pleasant Railroad was fl^Ht" constructed in 1879 from Coleman, on the Ipi-ft jji^g ^f ji^g p,|,^j ^^t Pere Marquette, to the ivvs v'll-^g^ of ^^'- I^leasant, the county seat of Isa- (W bella. The company for the construction of this line was organized under the general rail- road law in March, 1879, and the following gentle- men elected officers: President, Jesse Hoyt, of New York; Vice-President, I. A. Fancher, of Mt. Pleasant; Secretary and Treasurer, W. L.Webber, of East Saginaw. The work of clearing and grading was connnenced in the latter part of July, 1879, and track-laying September 24, of same year. This work was com- pleted on Tuesday, December 8, and regular trains put on December 15. The road, with equipment ^ 578_ ISABELLA COUNTY. -esK?7§ m f complete to commence business, cost $130,000. The enterprising citizens of Mt. Pleasant subscribed Si 5." 000 of that amount, and the entire right of way, I together with a plenty of ground for stations and (Q; other purposes. The investment has brought thou- sands of dollars to Isabella County, and her lands, which now blossom as the rose, owe nearly all their enhanced value to the impetus given business by the advent of this railroad. The people of Mt. Pleasant hailed the completion of the new railroad with great joy. A grand street parade was made, in which all the citizens partici- pated. The business houses were closed at 10 a. m., and a committee repaired to the depot to meet the party of officials who arrived on the 11 A. m. train. The address of welcome was made by Mr. J. C. Lea- ton, President of the village, which was attentively listened to by a Urge concourse of people. Hon. I. A. Fancher, to whom much credit is due for his activity in helping forward the work, did much to- ward making this demonstration a success. Major James W. Long acted as Marshal, and the afternoon parade coiii prised: I. — Mt. Pleasant Cornet Uand. 2. — President, Village Council and Distinguished Guests. 3. — Steam Fire Engine. 4. — Hose Company. 5. — Hook and Ladder Company. 6. — Citizens on foot. 7, — Citizens in carriages. The procession formed at the dcjwt, marched to the court-house, where William N. Brown delivered a pleasant address, followed by D. Nelson and Dr. H. C. Potter, one of the railroad officials, who in turn was followed by Hon. L A. Fancher, the only one of the Board of Directors representing Mt. Pleasant. In the evening the court-house and nearly all the residences in the village were illuminated, and hilar- ity reigned supreme. Wm. N Brown's elegant resi- dence was thrown open, and a reception held from (§^ 7 to II o'clock. There was a very general atlend- i ance and a most enjoyable evening was passed. The 'if? guests were received in a charming manner by the (J^ host and hostess, the latter having to aid her Mes- ^ dames I. A. Fancher, Cornelius Bennett, Major J. W. Long, J. C. Leaton, W. S. Hunt and J. R. Doughty. Delicate and tempting refreshments were served dur- ing the evening, the supper room presenting an ani- mated picture, as the guests, full of glee, discoursed cheerily of the bright future in store for the town. With the coming of the railroad, a boom began for Mt. Pleasant, and the rapid increase in business en- terprise and population became marked. With out- lets on the south and a road to tap the Lake Superior region, her people may be content, as it will thus give them communication willi the world in all points of the compass. The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. HIS road was built acrjss Wise Township ill 1870, being the first road completed in Isabella County. Loomis is the only station rJ^ on that line in Isabella. The road was first completed from Flint to Saginaw in 1862, and it has since been extended over a great part of this peninsula. ?;-?^^ ,^^^ <^l -^= Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleasant & Northern. i ORK on this road is being rapidly pushed, •llJc^^t)? ^"^ much of the grading is already com- *^p pleted. This route was surveyed during the winter of 1883-4, and it was deemed by com- petent persons one of the best routes in pros- pective that traverses the State of Michigan. The country through which it passes is remarkably rich in soil, with large lumber interests yet undeveloped. As an investment alone, it is now considered one of the most profitable, and the stockholders expect large returns from their new enterprise. The company was organized in January, 1S84, with A. W. Wright, President ; Wm. N. Brown, Vice- President; Wm. S. Turck, Treasurer, and Marcus Pollasky, Secretary. The following well known gen- tlemen, whose wealth is ample security that the road will be completed within the year, constitute the Board of Directors : A. W. Wright, Wm. N. Brown, n ^ V ii^^Kir^s: crvC' ^>r y^-^'- 4^^C^V'il) ^ y^ S I (|n ISABELLA COUNTY. 579 Wm. S. Tuick, James Gargett, 1. N. Slicphcrd, Joliii A. Harris and George D. Barton. The road will have Lansing for its southern ter- minus, and will pass through an exceedingly fertile and beautiful country as it touches the enterprising villages of DeVVitt, St. John's, Maple Rapids, Alma and Mt. Pleasant, on its way northward, to some lX)int on Lake Michigan, which is not yet definitely settled. Mt. Pleasant will be the northern terminus, temix)rarily, but this outlet will be of vast importance to her business interests. It is quite certain that cars will be running on this new line before January, 1885, and real estate is rapidly advancing in value. ^:;s-*-:;::c' t ^> i jifja —^^ — ©v4:iiii^niiv>v -*#^5C(®V|^} 580 ISABELLA COUNTY. i 1 S a (S\ sideration that the Pine, the Big and Little Salt Riv- ers, and their tributaries, also carry away a wealth of lumber, as well as the hundreds of thousands of feet of manufactured lumber moved by rail, the value cannot be far short of $7,000,000 per annum. Add to this the amount of oak and stave timber, with the lath and shingles manufactured by the local mills in the county, and the total will exceed |!io, 000,000. The lumbering interest will remain chief among the business industries for several years in several of the townships, but the removal of the magnificent forests will add largely to agricultural development. There is not a man in the county who cannot point with pride to the immense resources which Isa- bella has in perpetuity for her children. The rich soil, even and healthful climate, industrious inhabit- ants and air of prosperity prevail everywhere. The assessed valuation of both real-estate and personal property in 1862 was $270,995. In 1883 it reached the sum of $3,772,346, in real estate, and the personal column foots up $419,227. Taking intu consideration that these figures really estimate less than one-half the real worth of real estate and other property, it will be safe to say that real estate alone in Isabella County is to-day worth $7,500,000, while the lands are not yet brought under the highest state of cultivation; neither are one-fourth of the fertile acres embraced in her boundaries cleared of the wealth of timber which abounds. The county is composed of 16 full townships, with 23,040 acres in each one, making a grand total of 368,640 acres, of which 2,000 acres or less might properly be termed "swamp lands," or lands unfit for cultivation. Patriotism of Isabella County. jLTHOUGH no regiments or even a single .gj^ company of men was raised in this county t^S] during the late war, yet patriotism was not "•ilir lacking, as shown by the number of volunteers •j^ who enlisted and did noble service in defense of their country. This was almost a virgin forest when the first call to arms was made, and the inhabitants were illy prejiared to make a living for their families, the country being so new and the im- provements meager. When the first enrollment was made, only 151 men were found subject to military duty ; of these, 137 enlisted! What act more noble can be conceived of than this, in which nearly every able-bodied man in the entire county left his wife and little ones, and hastened to the front in defense of his country's flag.' Only a few of these noble men returned. Their lives had been cheerfully given that the L'nion might be preserved and the country for which their grandsircs had fought, and as a heritage forever, re- main among their children an unbroken heirloom in which no North, no South, no East or West should be known, save as a whole and undivided country. The Pioneer Society. than the annual love-feasts which are en- =#^'0 gaged in by those whose heads are thickly j|f#A silvered with grey hairs? What pleasant '17 memories are associated with the well known stories related of ])ioneer life, when together they shared the toils, dangers, and even pleasures of the new country! In tho'se days there were no strangers. The coming of a family into the neighborhood was hailed with gladness by every one who had made a small beginning, and men, women and children turned out to assist the new-comer in erecting a cabin, and were always ready to share their last crust with him. Theological and political questions were lost sight of in their efforts to promote the welfare of those who were endeavoring to make a home in the dense forests. Their isolation from the world made those of every nationality the firmest friends, and to- day the warmest e.\pressions of welcome follow the hearty hand-shake of the veterans as they meet at the place apix)inted for their annual reunion. The first two meetings were held at the house of Daniel Childs, in Coe Township. The first was in 1879, the second in 1880. About 40 persons re- sponded to the first call and a most enjoyable meet- ing was held. The officers elected at this meeting were : Walter McLean, Chairman, and Richard Hoy, Secretary. Rev. Chas. Taylor, Judge P. H. Estee and John Campbell delivered very fine adtlresses, and their remarks were humorously interspersed with ^v- S,y 1^- h > ISABELLA COUNTY. % t S8i v^) incidents of ()ioneer life. The second meeting was not so largely attended, but an excellent program was carried out. 'Die tliird annual was held at the court-house in JNIt. Pleasant, July 28, iS8r. Dinner was served at the St. James Hotel, which hostelry has since been destroyed by fire. No meeting was held in 1883, but arrangements are now in ])rogress to revive the organization, which, if allowed to be discontinued, would deprive the older people of the pleasure of an annual hand-shake, and the younger ones of an opportunity to listen to the tales of pio- neer life which are related so graphically by the early settlers of this countv. County Pool' Farm. MONG the benevolent institutions of Isa- ^jpaaiJ^ bella County is the Poor Farm, which is S S^/ located in Chippewa Township, and is provided iii!r ^^''t'l buildings, most of which are new and in '* good condition. The house is not yet sup- plied with bath-room or bath-tub, but those conveniences will doubtless be added at an early day. The buildings are heated by wood stoves and ventil- ated by a transom over the door of each room. The paupers receive good and kind treatment, no corporal punishment being allowed. All who are able to work are reciuired to labor on the farm according to their physical condition, and all are reijuired to be cleanly. Their clothing is plain and comfortable, such as the farmer usually provides for himself Tiie food is plain and wholesome and of about the same quality as is found upon farmers' tables, such as wheat and corn bread, beef and salt pork, tea, coffee and buttermilk for drink, and fruit and vegetables in abundance. The sick are well cared for by the over- seer and his family, and a competent physician is employed by the county. No especial accommoda- tions are provided for the insane and idiotic inmates. The children are sent to a district school, which is one-half mile away, and where they have a good, kind teacher who endeavors to improve their minds and start their young lives in the right direction. The value of the county farm, including stock, buildings and all other j)roperty, is estimated at $9,250. The average amount paid annually to [)er- sons who are in indigent circumstances, outside the County Poor-house, for temporary relief, is over$2,ooo, while the total for maintenance of the ix)or at the farm and elsewhere averages $4,000. What a credit to the county of Isabella is such careful treatment of her paupers! Few farmers' families are better clothed or fed than the unfortunate ones who are entitled to benefits at the expense of her people. The Agricultural Society. J SABELLA, although a new county, is the center of an excellent agricultural district, r and the annual exhibiton of the products of her soil are flattering in a high degree. More attention is lately given by farmers to the breed- ing of fine stock, and the last exhibition held on the grounds of the society was a surprise even to the farmers themselves. The Agricultural Society of Isabella Count) was organized in 1868; but, having no grounds, the first three meetings were held on the court-house square. Two exhibitions were then held on some vacant lots in the northeastern part of the village of Mt. Pleas- ant. The exhibitions of stock and farm products had by this time assumed such proportions that the purchase of grounds and erection of suitable build- ings could no longer be delayed, and the committee appointed for that puriiose purchased the grounds in 1880, which have since been enclosed with a tight board fence, and all the buildings, stables and ])ens for stock conveniently arranged, which are ample in every respect for the acconunodation of exhibitors. Contrary to custom, this society has always paid every premium awarded in full. Efforts to promote and encourage the interests of those engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits by members of this society have done much toward advancing scientific farming, the fruits of which are seen in the increased excellence of cereals, vegetables, stock and poultry. The race course is a full half mile, and turfmen say that it is the finest in the State, without excep- tion, the one at Kalamazoo being second in the list. The location being central, and only one mile from Mt. Plensant, the grounds are easy of access by car- riage or rail, the Mt. Pleasant & Saginaw Railroad e c^: ^ <^il!i:<^:i !2J^^^ ISABELLA COUNTY. Vi^ (Company having built a platform near the entrance 3^ gate, at which place passengers are landed. .■^^ Only a small indebtedness yet remains, wliicli T under the efficient management of the directors will "J. be liquidated during the year. The present officers are : John Landon, President; Lewis Griffith, .Secretary, and \V. W. Preston, Treas- urer. The Executive Committee consists of one Vice President from each township in the county. -»■ :=^ j[MJr ■ 3 :< !=: — »- Educational Interests. DUCATIONAI. work lias undergone a complete change since the first schools were organized in Isabella County. The vast difference between the old and new meth- ods is plainly apparent. In "ye olden times " tiie preceptor's word was supreme law in his /\ little kingdom, and this law was enforced by a gen- =i erous distribution of strokes from the well seasoned •^ birch rod. To execute a pencil sketch upon a slate =3 was deemed a misdemeanor which merited at least 12 strokes from this same reformer, wielded by the ^ sturdy arm of an incensed pedagogue. To ask as- sistance in the solution of a perplexing problem in mathematics more than twice during school hours consigned the unfortunate pupil to a seat on the "dunce block," the most observed, but not the most envied personage, in the room. The old straight backed benches and pine desks, smeared with butter and molasses and defaced by the big boys' "j.ick "- knives, have been superseded by single desks, where each student has all tlie comforts and conveniences he can desire. The text-books were, at that date, of a miscellane- ous character, nearly every family having preserved the remnants of books which their fathers and mothers had studied during their school days, and were now brought into use by their children to save expenses, being deemed by the parents ipiite good 1 enough for anybody. Ml the scholars possessed Ray's .Arithmetic, the only text-book of which there were a half-dozen alike. (Geography was represented by " Peter Padey" ^ and Monteith's Manual; readers, by McGuffey's, ^ Sanders', Eclectic and National Series; grammar, by V -s I Pinneo, Green's Analysis, Clark's Easy Method and Brown's Parsing Lessons. Webster's Elementary, Sanders', Worcester's and the Eclectic Spellers were used indiscriminately. The scholars could hardly be classed, much less graded. Now, the systematic manner of grading pupils, the uniformity of text- books, with improved methods of teaching by object lessons and otherwise, give pupils of this day advan- tages not dreamed of 20 years ago. Students 12 years of age are in many instances further advanced in rhetoric, physiology and mathematics than were the less fortunate jnipils who attended public schools during the entire time prescribed by law, not two decades since. The alegantly arranged and substantial school building in Mt. Pleasant was commenced in 1S81, hut not completed until the following spring. In its construction, special attention has been paid to ven- tilation, light and heating apparatus. The corner- stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 2, 1 88 1, in which is deposited copies of all the papers published in the county, and other articles of historic interest. The building is two stories in heiglit, con- taining eight rooms besides closets, etc., which are splendidly arranged for the different grades. The furniture is well adapted for pupils of all ages, and the corps of teachers employed are the best that can be obtained; so that 400 pupils can be amply accom- modated without using the recitation rooms. Six teaciiers are now employed, wiiose salaries amount to §2,620 per annum. The building and site cost the village $17,300. The site is an excellent one, having good drainage, and the location is easily ac- cessible from any part of the village. The numlier of children enrolled in the several townships of the county are here given, together with the number of school buildings in each. Union Township has six whole and two frac- tional districts. The number of children between the ages of five and twenty years, according to the last school census, is 867. There is but one brick school building in the township, — that at Mt. Pleas- ant. Four out of the eight are frame structures, antl three are still the primitive log school-houses. Isabella has seven whole districts and the number of children enrolled is 459. There are four frame school-houses, one log, and two situated in the In- dian Reservation and are under the control of the I f A C< (7^. ^^Da^llDit>A A. -*4i^*§^ Ife' )$«^^ <^llll^llll>j>^ f /N >^ V I ■*=r-7 ISABELLA COUNTY. 4^^^ United States Government, which employs the teachers. These schools are patronized only by resident Indians. They will probably be dispensed with at an early day, as the small number of jiupils hardly warrants their maintenance. In Vernon there are si.x whole districts and one fractional. The number of children elegible to the benefit of school training amounts to 421. This township has but one log school-house, the remain- ing five iieing neat frame buildings. The township of Wise has b>it three whole districts and one fractional one. The number of children be- tween five and twenty years of age is 166. Of the four school ouildings, two are frame and two log. Three buildings, two frame and one log, constitute the educational institutions of Denver Township. The whole number of pupils is estimated at 109. The progressive township of Chippewa has five whole districts and one fractional. Two hundred and forty-five children are enrolled and but 153 have attended during the last school year. Five of the buildings for school purposes are neat and commodi- ous frame structures, while the remaining one is a log house. The first school-house in tlie county was built in Coe Township. In this township there are six whole districts and two fractional ones. One of the latter has been organized very recently from other districts. The number of pupils enrolled is 514. In Coe we find an absence of the old log school-house, every district being provided with substantial and modern frame buildings. Lincoln has seven districts, one of which is frac- tional. None of the schools in tliis township are graded. District No. 4 has a nice brick school- house ; district No. 7 has the olden-time log, and the remaining five are supplied with frame buildings. Number of eligible pupils is 4t7. There are six con.modious frame and one brick building in Fremont, for school purposes. There are 422 pupils enrolled. Deerfield has 247 pupils between the ages of five and twenty years; out of tliis number only 190 at- tend school, and these are divided among eleven districts, nine of which are whole and one fractional. Six of these school- houses are frame and five log. Nottawa has but four districts, and of the four school-houses three are log and one frame. Of the 130 pupils in the township only 65 attend school. Gilmore has only three district schools and 114 pupils in the township. Each of the three districts is provided with good frame school buildings. Cold water registers 159 pupils who are entitled to the educational privileges of the township. Two of the school buildings are frame, while the other three consist of logs. These, although fast going out of date, will serve for school ])urposes till frame or i)rick buildings can be erected. Sherman, although having only 139 pujiils, has six district schools. Three of the houses are frame and two log buildings, and the remaining one is con- structed of blocks. Broom field has four whole districts, and one more is about to be organized. There are but 96 pupils, and only 54 of these arc members of the different schools. Two frame and three log school l)uildings constitute the whole. Seven frame school buildings are scattered over as many districts in the township of Rolland. Six of them are whole districts and one is a fractional. Three hundred and fifty-nine children are qualified to enjoy school benefits in this township. Neat frame buildings are rapidly taking the place of the old log school-houses, and the cause of edu- cation is constantly advancing, even in the rural dis- tricts. The schools of Isabella County compare fa- vorably with those of her sister counties, although young in years and having a limited population. ■"^Jissi/^^r^—m *^^!/3WJrjv Driving-Park Association. ||l|®8iSIDE from the .Agricultural Society, there is iG^Esaa another association, bearing the title of ^kg ly!j to SjSS? " Driving-Park Association," which has been '■liir 'P'ite profitable to its stockholders, besides af- ip fording an attraction for a large number of l)eople who delight in s[X)rting matters. The track is a full half-mile in extent, and the directors say that owners of fast horses tell then) tliat it is without equal in Michigan. 'I'he following officers were elected at the last an- nual meeting, held April 19, 1884: President, Wm. Pickard ; Treasurer, F. \V. Carr; Secretary, Wm. T. Whitney; Directors — Albert B. Upton, Wm. Pickard, \^ % » i (^ 584 ISABELLA COUNTY. Wm. T. Whitney, Michael Garvin, T. VV. Swart, J. S. Brazee and F. W. Carr. Semi-annual meetings are held, and the purses are large enough to attract horsemen who own some of the most noted flyers. >^ V I The Isabella County Bar. HRREVER civilization exists, and minis- ters, doctors and other equally reputable l^^ji^ ' people are found, may be expected disci- 2' pies of Blackstone, without whom the morals and munici'pal management of the country would soon be at low tide. The legal profes- sion everywhere is represented by men of talent, and the members of the Isabella County Bar are men of education and high standing in the community. Although the names given are all lawyers and mem- bers of the Bar, only eight of them follow the legal business exclusively. Of these, Charles T. and Fred Russell, Free Estee, H. H. Graves, Peter F., Wm. I., George E. and Francis H. Dodds are active members of profession, and all of them have a nice practice. Hon. Wm. N. Brown, John C. Leaton, John Maxwell, Dr. S. C. Brown, Charles A. Brown, S. W. Hopkins, Cyrus E. Russell, D. Scott Partridge and Judge Cornelius Bennett are all engaged also in other business, but find ample time and opportunity to keep their legal armor burnished ; and many a holly con- tested case has been won by these men, who not un- willingly resign the field to the younger and more ambitious gentlemen that really compose the active membership of the Bar of Isabella. All these men are residents of M*. Pleasant, and the greatest har- mony prevails among them. A case came before Judge Bennett while he was Justice of the Peace, which was settled satisfactorily without going to law. Wan-de-may-cpiay was a good- looking widow, with a sprightly lad of 12 summers her only heritage. Aw-zee-waw-me, her neighbor, was a widower, who also had a son about the same age. One day the boys went hunting, and his son fired his rifle at a robin and by accident killed his playmate, the widow's son. She came to Esquire Bennett's office to have the necessary papers made out for the arrest of her neighbor's son. The Es(iuire was giving her some advice in the matter, knowing the killing was purely accidental, when Aw-zee-waw- me came in, leading his boy by the hand. After hearing the story of her deceased son's excellent qualities, and the lamentations because her only support had thus been taken from her, he magnan- imously tendered her his own boy instead! She, not liking the lad very well, refused the liberal offer. They talked the matter over together for a few moments, when Aw-zee-waw-me said, "Well, I throw myself into the trade." The widow joyfully accepted this offer and the trio left Escjuire Bennett's office as happy as any newly married pair could feel, and returned to the widow's home to bury the dead boy. The nicest part of this story is, the couple are now living near Mt. Pleasant, and the husband is a mis- sionary among his people. They are doing nicely, and their courtship, although brief, has brought with it quite a pleasant married life. A very rough character came through the town several years ago, and while stopping at the hotel, stole a pair of beaver gloves from the pocket of a guest. The fellow was detected in the act, and arrested. He was taken before Esciuire Bennett, and a jury was summoned at the reipiest of the prisoner. One or two witnesses had been examined, when the fellow arose, and, drawing the gloves out of his pocket, remarked, "Well, boys, this thing has gone far enough. Here's the gloves: let's go over and take a drink." He evidently tliought the whole proceeding was a farce, but was apprised of his mistake when he was found guilty of the theft, and was afterward sentenced to confinement in the county jail for six montlis. V^ /N c< ^; I I T 1^ txp^- -:2^ ^ Q\ C-:I1I1^I1D^>T- -Tui&sr #1 V© 1 3 V -^^^ — '=-^^n!i>^iiti;>^ 1 "» ■crv" <>DII^DD>> raf^^is: 4^^5C<^V^ I ^^ yO) 1=3 > i ^5 V I I i»\®5«®*- ■Si^g r ■ a ' ^ CjllD:^ _;Sv^>«^^(;*^ ^) S3?Jfca' (e))€<^t#» (h i^^B^'isr TTV ^ ^>r- > 1 f i ;^ Ackerraan.B. A 235 Adams, Henry 310 Adams, John 23 Adams, John Quincy 39 Adams, \Vm <52 Albright, Amos F 598 Alexander, Jackson 382 Alger, George B 290 Allen, E. W 453 Allen, James B 195 Allen, JamesD 188 Alvord, E. E 382 Armstrong, 1. M 260 Armstrong, James 265 Arnold, D. F 4>4 Arnold, l.E 388 Arthur, Chester A 99 Atkih, George 4>7 Ayling.Ch.^rles J 185 Ayling, James 275 B Hachelder, Jerome 185 Kagley, John J 157 Baker, Geo. W 184 Baker, Jacob 2>6 Baker, John US Baldwin, Henry P 153 Bamber, Thomas 244 Barden, Charles 3*9 Barnes, A.W 250 Barrett, Hiram 3« Barry, James so9 Barry, John S 113 Begole, Josiah W 169 Bcllingar, Edward 243 Bennett, Cornelius 181 Bennett, P. F 427 Blgelow, H. I) 287 Bingham, Kinsley S 137 Blair, Austin 145 Blake, Samuel 508 Blesch, George 4'9 Block, John 34° Eogan, Cornelius 290 Bogue, Charles D 240 BoUman, Wm. F 390 Bone, Francis 4=7 Bowen,W. B 37S Bowcn,W. H 4'6 Bowman, Charles E 523 Boyden, Francis N 322 Br.idley, Joseph M 282 Briggs, Lester 270 Brodie, Alex 211 Brooks, Charles M 459 Brooks, David W 31. Broomficld,Wm 361 Brown, Geo. W 404 Brown, Moses 5:0 Brown, S. C 478 Brown, Wm.N 475 Brubaker, H. A 319 Buchanan, James 75 Buhrer, Conrad 203 Bundy, Caleb 244 Burdick, Daniel 428 Burnham,L 186 Burr, Henry 377 Burwash, James A ;.324 Bush. James 1 303 Button, Ethan 299 c Caldwell. Arthur B 215 Caldwell, H. C 323 Caldwell, James C 267 Cameron, Alex 398 Campbell, James 333 Campbell, James J 508 Campbell, Roderick 309 Carr, F. W 213 Carroll, Thomas 334 Chapman, Peter 243 Chatterton, J. E 204 Childs, A. F 458 Christie, I. B 384 Clark, Sidney 208 Clule, A. J 279 Coburn,E R 238 Cohoon.B. A 345 Cole,G. W : 367 Coles, Columbus 353 Colley, S.C 291 Conley, Peter 331 Conlogue, V. F 485 Converse. J. A 271 Converse, M. 1 258 Coon, C. E 409 Cope, J. C 304 Copeman, H. C 236 Corbus, W J., M. D 501 Cowles, Whitney H 388 Cox.Wm. W 299 Craft, Samuel 43' Crapo, Henry H 149 Crego, Frank C 463 Crowley, E. S 346 Crowley, W. R 188 Croswcll, Charles M 161 Crum, Cyrus 246 Cullimore, George P 234 Curtiss, Charles F 248 Curtiss, John W 229 Cutler, Wm. 1 492 Dalton , M ichael 440 Davenport, .\nson 460 Da 507 Davis, James 498 Dawson , George E 342 DeHart, Martin Z 240 Dclaney, Edward 397 Delo, John 384 Demlow, Charles 714 Denslow, J.H 269 DePuy, George W 387 Devereaux, M 495 l)ibbl<^D. B 191 Dibble, Mason B 407 Dickerson, C. C 396 Dingman, Timothy 304 Dixon, George E 300 Dodds,P. F 316 Dodge, H. C.; 324 Doherty, A. J 268 Doughty, Jared H 312 Doughty, J. R 523 Doxiic, Daniel 262 Drew, Amos F 247 Drew, John A 355 Drum, Edward 358 Dubois, Edward 314 Dusenbiiry, G. A 452 Dush,Elzy. Dush, Wm. Esrl, George 215 Karl, Samuel 420 Elden Wm. H 4M Eldred,S.D 202 Ellis, Franklin W 353 Ellis Wesley 343 Ervin, Robert 352 ■5'7 Estee, L. D 358 F.stee, Perry H 255 Kauchcr, I. A ^.,4 Fasquclle, M. F., M. D 437 Faulkner, Geo. C ....342 Faunce,EllisG 396 Faunce, Wm. L 276 Fay, .JVllcn S ..308 Fclch , Alpheus 117 Ferris Geo. A ,10 Fillmore, Millard 67 Foglesong, Geo. W 218 Forbes, C. M 503 Forbes, Wm. B 288 Ford, John M 322 Ford, Orrin E 367 Fordyce, T. 1 433 Foidyce T.J 376 Fosgitt Silas 493 Fouls Geo. W 212 Fox, Joseph B 369 Fr.aser, John 451 Fraser, Thomas E 403 Freeman, Geo. H 518 Frisbee, Hon. A. T 259 Frost, Jesse D 516 Gachtcr, Joseph Gardner, Chas. 1 Garfield, J a Gaskill, Hai c< --rr<->iifl^i]n;>ve — ^^^^ /-■• ^J INDEX. r^^i^ \ 1 I=Z I Hall, Alex 257 Hall, H. T 377 Hammond. S. C 3.3 Hammond, J. C 330 HanccAdam ..214 Hance Albert W. 197 Hance, U. W 217 Hancr, Hon J.W 440 HanneWm. H 333 Hannett, Thomas 278 Hardgrove, JohnC 5,9 Harris, John A 370 Harris, Wm. E 508 Harrison, Wm. H 51 Hart, Stephen 314 Hawkins, Harriet A 250 Hjwkins, Lewis C 301 Hayes, Kiitherford B gi Hengesbach, Theodore 335 Hersey, Cieo. H 354 Higgins, Joseph 389 Hillyard.M. H.... ..........194' Hipkins, E. S 428 Hook, Conrad 193 Hopkins, D.J 36. Hopkins, K. M 478 Hopkins, Hon. S. W 425 Horan, Wm 336 Homing. Geo. B 300 Horning, Tobias P 333 Horning, Wm 298 Hotighton, L. A ■■279 Honsc, George 437 Howorth.G.W 4,8 Hoy, Richard 362 Hunmcl. Theodore 267 Hummel. Wm A. M 256 Hungcrford. M. M 245 Hursh.Mrs. E ,95 Hiirsh, Sterling A 335 Hyslop, John . ....323 I IngcrsoU, Isaac 516 i rish , Wcl tington 370 Jackson, Andrew 43 J ackson , A ndrew 434 Jakcway,P.J 293 Jefferson, Thomas 27 Jeffords, Charles P 464 Jerome, David H 165 Johnson, Andrew 83 Johnson, DewittS 230 Johr-.son, Gilbert 321 Johnson, J. Q. A 401 Johnston, Kobert 280 Jordan, J. H 344 Judge, Thomas 272 Kc-ii, AlU-n, M. I) 236 K,;lloga, Harding 398 Kenn(;dy, Samuel 491 Kimball, C 351 Kinney, James 298 Kinney, John 336 Kinter, Cyrcnus 438 Kintcr,J.M 486 Kinter, Wm. H 207 Koons,H. J 381 Kratz, Jacob 215 Kycs, Bcnj. F 258 Kyes, Chauncey 362 Kyes. Ransom 4M L I.andon.John T 201 Lansing, Wm 433 Laughlin, Kobert 211 Leaton, John C 446 Leonard, Merritt 472 Lctson,S. A 339 Licchti, Samuel 237 Lincoln, Abraham 79 Lloyd, James H 323 Long, Maj. James W 513 Loomis, David .....417 Loomis, William 224 Lynch, Daniel 246 Lyon, D. E 269 Lyons,J.P 402 .®))«^f|— ■ M Madison, James 31 Malconib,M. H.... 326 M.inwell, James 205 Marklcy,J 1 278 Marthcy, Peter J 311 Mason, Stevens T 105 Mattison.Amos D 341 Maxwell, John 203 McCarthy, Rev. J. J 466 McClelland, Robert 129 M c Donald , George 192 McKall, James H MiFarren. Wm. D 504 McGihon Michael 320 Mc(iuire, 'i'homas 300 McKay, Anthony 381 McKay, Andrew M 262 McMillen, James M 227 McNamara, Thomas 486 McQueen, E. F 197 Miles, Wm 364 Miller, Andrew J 344 M iller , ticorge 345 Miller, John 332 Miser, Joseph 356 Mitchell, C.K 465 Monroe,Jamcs 35 Moody, Orrin 310 Moore, Elijah 477 Morrison, John 4.0 Morrison, Neal 277 Morse, David 192 Mount, i:. P 419 Murtha, George 415 Murtha, Michael 207 Murtha, S. P 407 Myers, Joseph s"' Neelands. Robert 34 Ney, E.C 453 Nichols, John L 363 Oalhoiit, Lafayette.^. 410 O'Boyle, Andrew J." 418 O'Boyle, Michael 489 O'Brien, James M 293 O'Connor, James 454 Ostrandcr, James 308 Owen, Joseph A 239 Palmer, Fred. K 354 Parmcnter, N. S 280 Parmenter,W.W 356 Parrish. Thomas 354 Parsell, Warren W 390 Parsons, Andrew 133 Parsons.L. H 5,0 Partridge, D. Scott 444 Payne. L. C 396 Pearson, Robert 330 Porin, Jesse 355 Peterson, Wm. M ..325 Petz, Lawrence J., M. D 261 Phillips, Nicholas 302 Phillips, Thomas 301 Pickard, Thomas 489 Pickard, Wm 507 Pierce, Frank D 312 Pierce, Franklin 71 Plowman, Eira P 470 Polk, James K 59 Potter, 1 . M 228 Preston, Albert A 497 Preston, Wallace W 228 Priest, Lewis 256 Quick, George M 302 Quick, L. B 380 Ransom, Epaphroditus 125 Raymond, J. D 346 Redfield. Wm. E 526 Reed. James 302 Rcndcll. John 191 Richards. Lewis 363 Richardson. Charles A 188 Richardson, C. W 413 Richar.lson,M. D 483 Richardson , Seth S 206 Richardson, Silas B 248 Rich mond , Jesse T 390 Roberts, Michael 387 Robbins, Charles 334 Robbins, P. H 354 Robbing. Wm. R 266 Robinson, Charles W 303 Robinson, Rev. John R 454 Robinson. Thomas W 332 Rockafellow,J. C 432 Root. Thomas J 292 Ross. Wm 292 Ross.W.T 478 Row lader. Alfred C 329 Rowlader, John 196 Rudler, Joseph 224 Ruse, G. A 408 Russell, Charles t 471 Russell, Edwin 483 Ruthruff, G. W 364 Ruthruff, John 249 Ryerson, Martin M 466 Salisbury, E. A 186 Sandbrook, George 20a Sanford,G. H 413 Saniord, Peter 297 Sawyer. Charles W 498 Saxlon. Wm. H 257 Schafer, John A 460 Schafer, Michael 519 Schofield, Miles 40a Servoss, Philip ...50a Shappee, M. (\ 288 Shaver. A. A 47a Shaver, C. B ,45 Sheldon. Rev. R. P 265 Shepherd, 1. N 261 Simmons. Wm. 1 301 Simonds, Wm. H 237 Simpson, G. W 217 Smith, Levi S 49.S V^' ^^ ^ $>: \j fn) I m I ^%^^^^sr INDEX. -7^^ 4) Smith, S. S ?70 Sopcr, J. H S20 SpccktG . F 419 Stdndbridge, Charles H 329 Stanley, Richard S 249 Stebbins, F. A 458 Stcbbins,0. W 516 StincG. W 3" Stirling, Charles 333 Stringer, E. C 198 Stringer, Lewis 289 Struble, Allen J., M. n 510 Strublc, Henry 297 Struble Joseph A 490 Strublc, J. J , M. D 357 Struble, Nath.lniel W 282 Struble, Wm. W 518 Sullivan, PC 198 Sutherland, C. H 289 Sutliff, Ransley 245 Swanston, Wm 3*9 Swart, T. W 517 Sweeney, Frank S 502 Swindlchurst, James 465 Switzer, David 271 T Tanner, Jonathan 343 Taylor, Charles 206 Taylor, Mrs. C. W., M. D...341 Taylor, L. L 235 Taylor, Zachary 63 Thayer, Orlando B J77 Thompson, C. H 272 Tinker, James H 237 Tombs, Martin A 416 Tombs, Theodore A 464 Tomlinson, Wm 330 Towns, Wm. P 260 Trevidick, Henry 287 Tubbs, F. M 358 Tubbs, James 470 'I'uckcr, David ..507 Turbush, Wm ...281 Turnbull, Thomas 225 Twomley, C. B 418 rryler,F. H 335 TyIer,John 55 U Upton, .\. B 223 Upton, Joshua J 496 V Van Buren, Martin 47 VanDecar, Levi B 368 VanDccar, Wallace M 321 Vansicc, J. N 491 Vrcdenbulg A. C 275 Vroman. David C 520 W Wagner, John 2.6 Waight, Geo. W 244 Wallace Daniel 313 Walton. J. B 443 Walton, T.W 446 Ward, Arthur N 459 Ward,C. A 490 Ward, H. E 309 Ward, Wm. E 415 Wardwell, Warren 268 Washington, George 19 Wellman, Nelson.. 329 Westlake, C. E..." 509 Weston, A.D 278 Whit.ikcr, Wm. H 307 Whitehead Wm 187 Whitnry, Benj 520 Whitney, C. C 503 Whitney, George G 205 Whitney, R. G. 198 Whitney, Wm. T Williams, Frank. Williams, Wm. ^ Wilsey, Ja Wing, Benj. Winn, Lanson.... 332 Wing, Warren 227 Winter, Wesley J 434 Winters, Byron 320 Wisner, Moses 141 Wolfe, John A 308 Wolfe, Solomon 415 Wolfgang, Cornelius 397 Wonch.Wm. H 440 Wood, Jesse H 408 Woodbridge, Wm .109 Woodin, Henry 457 Wood in, Amos E 247 Y.arnell, John 439 Young, Alfred L 204 Yunckcr, Jacob P 431 ^ 9 >5 ^ i Be Mr "^ Adams, John 22 ' Adams, John Quincy 38 ■ Arthur, Chester A 98 ' Bagley, John J 156 Baldwin, Henry P 152 Barry, John S 112 Bcgolc, Josiah W 168 V Bcllingar, Edward 242 I Bennett, Cornelius 178 Bigelow, H. O 384 Bigclow, Mrs. Mary E 285 Bingham, Kinsley S 136 ' Blair, Austin 144 > Bowman, Charles E 522 - Brodie, Alex 210 Broomfield, Wm 360 , Br •Brubakci Brubakc • Bughana , Wn H. A. • ■ -3161 ...317 -<-^'4<*>#^^>" ^Cole, <;. W 36S I^Corbus, W.J,, M. D 500, X^rapo, Henry H 148 ' Crego, Frank C 46a Craft, Samuel 430 ►-Croswell, Charles M 160 1 DePuy, George W 386 ' Devercaux, M 494 • Dibble, D. B 190 I Dibble, Mason B 406 . Estce, Perry H 252 • Eslee, Mrs. Carrie E 253 Wasqiiclle, M. F., M. D 436 /•^•elch, Alpheus iir. l^'illmore, Millard 56 • Fraser, John 449 , Fraser, Mrs Sylvia 448 •^Garfield, James A 94 'Glass, Rufus F 349 kClass, Mrs. Harriet 348 rCirant, I^wis 392 ^Grant, Mrs. Ida 393 ii^vD)«^fi- — f^m^- — '^-^^i t Grant, Ulysses S 86 ^Greenly, William L 120 « Harrison, Wm. H 50 ' Hayes, Rutherford B go ►Hopkins, Hon. S. W 432 Hopkins, Mrs. Maggie V 423 I Jackson, Andrew 42 ^ Jefferson, Thomas a6 Jerome, David H 164 ^Johnson, Andrew 82 •■Johnson, J. Q. A 400 "Koons, H. J 380 n.audon, John T 200 • Lelson, S. A 338 Lincoln, Abraham 78 K^ong, Maj . James W 512 ' Madison James 30 ' Mason, Stevens T 104 '''McClelland, Robert 128 V^Monroe,James 43 ^Parsons, Andrew 132 •Tickard, 'Jhomas 488 V) iTickard, William 506 ■^Pierce, Franklin 70 xPolk, James K 58 i-Ransom, Epaphroditus 124 ' Rowlandcr, Alfred C 328 • Russell, Edwin 480 • Russell, Mrs. Emily 481 • Sanford,G. H 412 »^anford, Peter 396 'Sheldon, Rev. R. P 264 ' Taylor, Zachary 62 •Tyler, John 54 •Upton, A. B 220 'Upton, Mrs. Mell 221 "Van Buren, Martin 46 *^redenburg, .\. C 274 ^Walton, John B 442 ''Washington, George 18 •^hitaker, Wm. H 306 ' Whitney, Wm. T ^68 •^Voodbridge, William loS " Woodin, Henry 456 m W})-r^)^^^ ■cr V<^:DD^IiD^>v ■>s^J^ ^C^^i^^C^aV^ ^' >: INTRODUCTORY Value of Local History INDIAN HISTORY The Chippewas EARLY HISTORY POLITICAL HISTORY TOWNSHIPS Coe Chippewa Isabella Fremont Rolland Vernon Gilmore Broom field Union Nottawa Sherman Deeifield Coldwater Lincoln Wise Denver ANECDOTAL Miles Chased by a Bear Bear Afraid of Fire 529 530 531 532 535 541 543 543 544 546 547 547 548 549 55° 551 552 553 553 555 55 5 556 557 558 558 559 A Rum Story 559 A Heart-breaking Loss 560 An Indian Suicide 560 Most Blood-Curdling, Hair-breadth Escape 561 Love at First Sit;ht 561 Isabella a Good County 561 The Indians' Love of Whisky 562 Pioneer " Pleasures " 562 Nearly All the Men in the Army 563 An Odd Method of Cap- turing a Deer 563 Pioneer Sociabilily 563 Two More Bear Stories 563 Indian Morals Concern- ing Murder 564 An Old Newspaper 564 MT. PLEASANT 565 Business Interests 569 Churches and Societies 571 Methodist 57 1 Presbyterian 572 UWtarian 572 Catholic 573 Episcopal 573 Baptist 574 Sunday-schools 574 • Musicians 574 Masonic 575 Maccabees 575 THE PRESS . 576 Isabella County Enter- prise 576 Northwestern Tribune 576 Mt. Pleasant Times 576 R.\ILROADS 577 Saginaw & Mt. Pleasant 577 Flint & Pere Marquette 578 Lansing, Alma, Mt. Pleas- ant & Northern 57S MISCELLANEOUS 579 Material Interests 579 Pioneer Society 580 Patriotism 580 County Poor Farm 581 Agricultural Society 581 Educational Interests 582 Driving-Park Association 583 Isabella County Bar 584 A C< V ^^^AS)^^^ -^^€ ^ (P. ^ c^nii:^tiii;iy^-^ — ^^^^^